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–+ servings

Facon (Tofu “Bacon”) with Smoky Umami Marinade

Smoky, savory, and slightly crisp tofu slices that work beautifully in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast plates. This marinade also works on mushrooms.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Condiment, Main
Cuisine Smoky, Vegan
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet lined with parchment
  • 1 8x8 glass baking dish for marinating
  • 1 Immersion blender
  • 1 Sharp knife or mandoline for slicing tofu
  • 1 Tofu press or heavy pan
  • 1 Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups smoked tomatoes See above post for details
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked salt
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons tamari
  • 1 tablespoon Chicago seasoning or any smoky spice blend
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 extra-firm tofu sliced ⅛" thick

Instructions
 

  • Press tofu to remove excess water. Slice into ⅛-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  • In a bowl or mixing container, use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients—except the tofu—into a smooth, thick sauce.
  • In an 8x8 glass dish, spread a thin layer of marinade. Add a layer of tofu, then spoon more marinade over the top. Repeat in layers until all tofu is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Lay marinated tofu slices in a single layer and brush with extra marinade.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through and rotating the pan. Brush again if you have more marinade. Bake until edges are browned and lightly crisped.
  • Let cool. Stack leftovers in a zip-top bag and freeze. Parchment between layers is optional. The slices separate easily after freezing. Reheat in toaster oven or air fryer at 325 for 5 min.

Notes

This smoky umami marinade is extremely versatile—use it on tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, beans, lentil meatballs, or anything that could use a bold, savory kick. It makes enough for two blocks of tofu, so freeze any extra if only using one. Try it with marinated shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a juicy, meaty result.
Instead of Penzeys Chicago seasoning, you can also try:
- Kinder's Seasoning 'Wood-Fired Garlic' (vegan, with hardwood smoked flavors)
- McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Rub (vegan, smoky)
Look for vegan-friendly spice rubs designed for grilling meats—they can work beautifully here.
Keyword facon, smoky tofu, tofu bacon, vegan bacon
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