Tofu “bacon’ bits and bacon bits.
2-in-1 Recipe. One Table. Mixed Diets.
I love the crispy bacon bits you find at a salad bar. It’s that salty, smoky crunch that makes them so good. This is my quick and easy no-bacon/bacon version, perfect for sprinkling over salads or adding extra protein to dinner. They bring instant texture and a savoury hit that makes any plate more delicious, and the tofu version is a simple swap whether you’re cooking for plant-based eaters, cutting back on meat, or just not a fan of bacon.
Serves 1-2 (depending on how hungry or willing to share you are)
5 minutes prep
5-10 minutes cooking
Allergens
Allergens present:
Soy
Gluten (if using standard soy sauce)
Sesame oil
Easy swaps:
Use a gluten free soy sauce, like Tamari
Instead of tofu, use chickpeas
Any oil which work well at a high heat, like coconut
Always check labels for allergens, especially sauces and marinades, as brands vary.
Ingredients
Vegan version:
Oil of choice (I like to use sesame), you need an oil which works at a high temperature.
2 tsp Corn flour
Half a block of grated tofu
A glug of Soy sauce
1 tsp Onion granules
1 tsp Maple syrup
1 tbsp Nutritional yeast
2-3 drops of Liquid smoke*
Meat version:
Bacon of choice (smokey bacon will be the closest taste match to the tofu version)
Oil (only if your pan needs it)
* Since being introduced to liquid smoke, I don’t want to live without it. It adds a lovely smokey flavour to food. It isn’t necessarily something you will have to hand and you might not want to splurge on a bottle just to try out this recipe, so use something like worcester sauce in it’s place.
NB: Worcester sauce typically contains anchovy extract so choose a vegan or vegetarian version if you don’t eat fish.
Method
Option 1: Use one pan and do the tofu first and bacon second. No need to wash the pan between.
Option 2: Use two pans and cook at the same time
Prep the tofu
a. If the tofu needs pressing, do this first before starting to cook. About 20 minutes is usually enough, but check the instructions on the packaging
b. Grate the tofu into a bowl, add the corn flour, and mix until evenly coated
c. Heat the oil in a frying pan to a medium-high temperature
Prep the bacon
a. Cut the bacon into small pieces (using scissors can make this step faster)
b. Heat the bacon pan to a low-medium temperature
Add the tofu and bacon to the pans
a. The bacon wants to cook low and slow, so leave it to crisp while you make the tofu delicious. Stir halfway through
b. Add the tofu to the frying pan and fry until most of the liquid is absorbed
c. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the tofu is evenly coated
d. Fry until most of the liquid is absorbed and the tofu looks a little crispy - approximately 5 minutes
Once the tofu and the bacon are crispy to your liking, take off the hear and top your meal with the bacon and tofu and enjoy
Cooking notes:
If the tofu starts to burn, turn the heat down
The end results should be sticky, crispy, sweet and smokey - divine!
Serving ideas:
Bacon salad
BLT sandwich
Topper for a risotto
