Vegan BLT Sandwich

5 from 6 votes

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.

Prep Time30

Cook Time20

Assemble5

Total Time55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 416kcal

Author: Alison Corey

Ingredients

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
10-12 slices thinly sliced tofu or tempeh

For the Sandwiches

8 slices whole wheat bread
8 lettuce leaves
2 tomatoes sliced
vegan mayo optional

Instructions

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.
Add thinly sliced tempeh to the marinade, ensuring all slices are well coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes preferably for several hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Remove the tempeh or tofu slices from the marinade and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
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.
Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before using it for your in sandwiches.

Assemble BLTs

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

Video

Notes

Tips for Making Vegan BLTs

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 vegan bread, such as whole-grain, sourdough, 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.

Nutrition