Vegan BLT with Tempeh Bacon

Enjoy the smoky flavors of bacon with this Vegan BLT sandwich. Thinly sliced tofu is marinated in a combination of smoky spices and sweet maple syrup for the perfect combination of flavors to replicate the flavor profile of the classic BLT.

Jump to:

• 💗 Why You’ll Love This Vegan BLT
• 🥣 Ingredients and Notes
• 📖 Variations and Substitutions
• 👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make a Vegan BLT
• 📝 Expert Tips
• ❓FAQS
• 🍽 Serving Suggestions
• 🫙 How to Store and Keep
• 🎥 Video
• ⚖️ Serving Size
• 😋 More Vegan Sandwich Recipes!
• Recipe

Growing up, the classic BLT was a staple in our house. I’m sure it was a staple in yours as well. If you miss the flavor of bacon, then you’re in for a treat! I will show you how to marinate tofu or tempeh to create the smoky, sweet flavors of bacon that you can use to create a simple vegan BLT!

Get ready to enjoy layers of vegan bacon, crispy lettuce, and sweet tomatoes between hearty whole wheat bread for a heart-healthy, protein-rich lunch or easy dinner.

💗 Why You’ll Love This Vegan BLT

Health Benefits: Tofu bacon is typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional bacon, making it a healthier option. It’s also a good source of plant-based protein and free from harmful carcinogens associated with processed meats.

Taste and Texture: Tofu bacon provides a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture that complements the other components of a BLT.

Reduced Health Risks: As tofu bacon is devoid of saturated fats and cholesterol, consuming it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues associated with traditional bacon consumption.

🥣 Ingredients and Notes

Tofu or Tempeh: Tempeh bacon offers a firmer texture, while tofu is more readily available. Choose the option that you like the most.

Marinade: The key to making tofu bacon is in the marinade. You’ll need liquid smoke, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Crispy Lettuce: Choose a lettuce variety that has a crisp finish. I like iceberg or Romaine lettuce.

Sweet Tomato: Use a large sweet tomato. Beefsteak or vine-ripened tomatoes work well.

Whole Wheat Bread: Use thick slices of whole wheat bread or any bread of your choice. Gluten-free bread is also an option.

Vegan Mayo (optional): Brings a hit of moisture to the sandwich that helps meld all the flavors together.

📖 Variations and Substitutions

Add Extras: Get creative with additional ingredients like creamy avocado slices, pickles, or sprouts for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of lettuce, such as arugula or spinach.

Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavors. Try different spreads, add a slice of vegan cheese, or use different types of plant-based bacon alternatives.

👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make a Vegan BLT

For the Bacon

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add thinly sliced tempeh to the marinade, ensuring all slices are well coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
5. Remove the tempeh or tofu slices from the marinade and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
6. Bake the vegan bacon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through until they are crispy and browned to your liking.
7. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before using it for your sandwiches.

Assemble BLTs

1. While the bacon is in the oven, toast the bread in a toaster.
2. Wash and dry the lettuce and slice the tomatoes.
3. To assemble the sandwich, spread vegan mayo (optional) on one side of each slice of bread.
4. Add lettuce, tomato, and two slices of bacon on one side of the bread. Slice in half and enjoy!

📝 Expert Tips

Choose Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce. The choice of vegetables makes a big difference in your sandwich’s final flavor and texture.

Select the Right Bread: Opt for good-quality bread, such as whole-grain, sourdough bread, or artisan bread, that complements the other ingredients.

Make Crispy Tofu Bacon: To achieve a crispy texture, bake the tofu until it’s golden brown and has a bacon-like texture. Cut the tofu very thin to achieve a crispy texture.

Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Start with a generous spread of vegan mayo on the bread. Then layer the crispy tofu bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. Season each layer with a pinch of salt and pepper.

❓FAQS

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Vegan BLTs pair well with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or your favorite chips for a complete meal.

🫙 How to Store and Keep

Refrigerate: Store the vegan bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and bread in different containers. Allow the vegan bacon to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Transfer the vegan bacon to a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheat: If reheating from frozen, transfer to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Transfer to a baking dish lined with parchment paper and bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm and crispy.

🎥 Video

⚖️ Serving Size

This recipe makes four whole sandwiches. Feel free to stretch the vegan bacon to create more sandwiches.

😋 More Vegan Sandwich Recipes!

Recipe