Description
My Vegan Pancetta Recipe is crispy, salty, smoky and sweet. It’s easy to make and crisps up quickly in the frying pan. This flavorful tofu recipe can be used in many different ways, including on pasta, salads, scrambled eggs and more. The homemade marinade includes tamari, maple syrup, rosemary and black pepper for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14-16 ounce) package extra firm tofu, pressed to get as much water out as you can
- 1/2 cup tamari, I use low sodium
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 small sprig fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated garlic
- A few drops of liquid smoke, I like to use the hickory flavored one
Instructions
- Press tofu well, if needed. Cut the tofu into small cubes, about 1/4 in x 1/4 inch in size. You want them to be similar to chopped pancetta pieces.
- Add all of the marinade ingredients to a large ziplock bag, or other container that can be covered and refrigerated, and mix well.
- Add the diced tofu into the marinade and mix around to make sure the tofu is completely coated. Marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least one hour, rotating once if needed. The tofu pieces are pretty small, so they do soak up the marinade quickly, which could cause the tofu to be too salty if left in for too long.
- Once tofu has completely marinated, pour it into a collander to drain off the excess marinade. I like to give it a few shakes to make sure you get as much off as you can.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add in a few teaspoons of olive oil. Once oil is hot, add in the tofu, mix together and cook tofu until all sides are brown and crispy, 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You may want to cook the tofu in batches, so that it has enough room to get really nice and crispy in the pan, it’s best if it can be arranged in a single layer.
- Add any extra salt if needed. Tofu pancetta has the best texture when served immediately, but can also be re-heated and enjoyed at a later date.
- Prep Time: 60 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Vegan, Gluten Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
