Discover the ultimate plant-based delight with our Vegan BLT Sandwich featuring Tempeh Bacon. This sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky richness of tempeh bacon with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and creamy vegan mayo. Get ready to experience a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For your Vegan BLT Sandwich with Tempeh, you have several ingredient options and potential substitutions. Instead of sourdough bread, consider using your preferred bread variety, whether it’s whole wheat, multigrain, or even gluten-free.
While the recipe calls for large lettuce leaves, you can experiment with spinach, arugula, or other greens that you enjoy. For the vegan mayo, any dairy-free mayo brand is suitable, and you can even make your own at home. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, or experiment with alternative seasonings like garlic powder or a touch of chili flakes for added flavor.
Now, let’s talk about the Tempeh Bacon. If you can’t find tempeh, tofu, seitan, or even mushroom slices can be used to achieve different textures. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium intake, or choose coconut aminos if you’re looking for a soy-free option.
If you’re out of extra virgin olive oil, any cooking oil in your pantry, like vegetable or avocado oil, can be substituted. Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar or brown rice syrup as a sweetener. In case you’re missing liquid smoke, smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor. If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika will suffice.
Lastly, if you don’t have onion powder, consider using fresh minced onion or onion flakes for a slightly different twist. These ingredient choices and substitutions allow you to tailor your Vegan BLT Sandwich to your preferences and what’s available in your kitchen.
Helpful Tools
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Shallow Bowl or Baking Dish: A shallow bowl or baking dish is essential for marinating the tempeh.
- Whisk: A whisk is handy for thoroughly mixing the marinade ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these for slicing the tomato and cutting the tempeh into strips.
How to Make This Vegan BLT with Tempeh
To make this vegan BLT sandwich, you’ll need sourdough bread (or your preferred bread), a large tomato, lettuce leaves, vegan mayo, salt, and pepper.
Start by preparing the Tempeh Bacon. In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together low sodium soy sauce or tamari, liquid smoke, extra virgin olive oil, pure maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a dash of onion powder.
Cut the tempeh into 12 equal strips and let them marinate in the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Then, place the marinated tempeh strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the tempeh, brush it with the marinade, and bake for another 10 minutes.
While the tempeh is baking, you can toast your bread in a pan with a bit of vegan butter if you like. Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches.
Spread vegan mayo on each slice of bread and layer on the sliced tomato, lettuce leaves, and the delicious tempeh bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, cut the sandwiches in half, serve them up, and savor the flavors of your Vegan BLT Sandwich with Tempeh.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the tempeh to marinate for a bit longer if you have the time, as this enhances the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator for an even tastier tempeh bacon.
- Crispy Tempeh: For extra crispiness, use an air fryer to cook the tempeh. It yields a perfectly crispy texture in less time. Alternatively, go for the pan-fried method in a cast iron skillet for a delightful crunch.
- Customize Your Mayo: Add a twist to your vegan mayo by mixing in some minced garlic, lemon juice, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. This will infuse your sandwich with extra flavor.
- Layer Thoughtfully: When assembling your sandwich, layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Placing the tempeh bacon between the lettuce and tomato can help prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Toasting the Bread: If you’re toasting the bread, use vegan butter or oil in the pan for a golden, crispy finish. It adds a delightful buttery note to the sandwich.
- Variety of Greens: Experiment with different types of greens for unique flavors and textures. Baby spinach, arugula, or even kale can provide interesting alternatives to traditional lettuce.
FAQ: Vegan BLT Sandwich
Absolutely! You can substitute tempeh with tofu, seitan, or even portobello mushroom slices for a different flavor and texture.
Yes, you can make the tempeh bacon in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to use.
Get creative! Consider adding avocado slices, pickles, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor and variety.
Best Vegan BLT Sandwich With Tempeh
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 6 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 3 large leafs lettuce
- vegan mayo
- salt and pepper taste
Tempeh Bacon
- 8oz tempeh (about 200 grams)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- dash of onion powder
Instructions
- For the tempeh bacon, in a shallow bowl or baking dish whisk together soy sauce, liquid smoke, olive oil, maple syrup, paprika and onion powder.
- Cut the tempeh into 12 equal strips and place into the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 15 mins.
- Place the tempeh strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 mins. Flip the tempeh, and brush with the marinade. Bake for another 10 mins.
- Toast the bread in a pan with a little vegan butter (optional). Assemble the sandwiches by spreading vegan mayo on each slice of bread and layering tomato, lettuce, tempeh bacon, salt and pepper. Cut the sandwiches in half, serve and enjoy!
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Conclusion
Our Vegan BLT Sandwich with Tempeh Bacon offers a mouthwatering journey into the world of plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or someone simply looking to enjoy a meatless meal, this recipe has something for everyone. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your creativity, and savor the joy of a perfectly crafted Vegan BLT Sandwich.
Share it with loved ones, serve it at picnics, or relish it as a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Embrace the flavors, embrace the plant-based goodness, and enjoy every bite of this delightful sandwich! If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Vegan Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
This was amazing! Always wondered what I could use tempeh for and this was delicious
Hi Janet thank you so much for the feedback, This is one of my favourite ways to use tempeh as well 😊
YUM this was so good! What a delightful sandwich.
Thank you so much for the feedback Irene!