Introduction
Are you craving the classic BLT sandwich but want to make it plant-based? Look no further! Our delicious Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich is the perfect solution for a satisfying and guilt-free lunch. This mouthwatering recipe features smoky tempeh bacon that replaces traditional pork belly, fresh avocado, juicy tomato slices, crisp romaine lettuce leaves, all stacked between two slices of toasted bread with a spread of creamy vegan mayo. This easy-to-make sandwich is not only irresistibly tasty but also packed with nutrients that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. So go ahead, indulge in this scrumptious Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich and enjoy all the flavors of a classic BLT without any animal products!
Ingredients
- 12 oz tempeh
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- vegan mayo
- 1 tomato
- 1 avocado
- 2-4 romaine lettuce leaves
Servings: 2
Active time: 15 min + marinade time
Instructions
- Create Marinade: In a tupperware, or gallon bag, mix together the water, tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke. This is your marinade.
- Marinate Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into thin slices (about 1 cm). Place into the bag. Seal and put the bag in the fridge for 3-24 hours to marinate.
- Pan Sear: Heat up a pan with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the tempeh on both sides for about 3-5 min each side.
- Stack BLT: Stack your BLT with bread, vegan mayo, tempeh bacon, tomato slices, lettuce, and sliced avocado.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure to marinate the tempeh for at least 3 hours to achieve a smoky and flavorful taste. Marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado for the best quality ingredients.
- Toast Your Bread: Toasting your bread adds extra texture and crunchiness to the sandwich.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different types of vegan mayo or sauces. Options include garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a simple lemon tahini dressing.
Variations
- Different Tempeh Flavors: Use different types of tempeh like smoked or flavored with herbs, spices, or seasonings to add more depth of flavor.
- Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of bread such as sourdough, gluten-free, or multigrain for a unique texture and taste.
- Extra Greens: Add fresh arugula or spinach instead of romaine lettuce for an extra burst of nutrients.
- Sauce Swap: Swap out the vegan mayo for garlic aioli or spicy chipotle sauce to add more zest to your sandwich.
Conclusion
This delicious Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich is an excellent way to enjoy a classic sandwich without compromising on taste or nutrition. The smoky tempeh bacon adds a delightful flavor that complements the fresh avocado and tomato slices perfectly. This recipe is easy to make, with simple ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. It's also customizable, allowing you to add or remove ingredients as per your taste preferences. Overall, this sandwich is a healthy and satisfying meal option for vegans and non-vegans alike.
