Meet the “TLT” – a satisfying, flavor-packed Vegan BLT Sandwich. A delicious veganized version of the classic BLT made with savory tempeh bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Behold… a veganized version of the classic BLT sandwich! However the “bacon” is replaced with a super simple, yet totally savory baked tempeh. I love this tempeh bacon in many other ways too – it’s so versatile and tasty. It’s also great alongside a classic tofu breakfast scramble, steamed veggies, in rice bowls, or simply as a side or snack.
Have fun customizing your sandwich with your own favorite toppings. I love avocado and sprouts, but feel free to spread on the more classic vegan mayo, hummus, mustard, etc. And for more sandwich inspiration, also check out another couple of our favorites: Avocado Veggie Sandwich & Chickpea Avocado Mash with Lemon!
PS – come join The Garden Grazer on Instagram and share a photo if you make or adapt this! (Also please leave a review & star rating below if you give it a try. Your feedback is greatly appreciated – thank you!)
Vegan TLT Sandwich (Tempeh Lettuce Tomato)
Ingredients
- Sliced tomato
- Romaine or spinach
- 6 slices of your favorite bread
- Toppings of choice: avocado, vegan mayo, hummus, mustard, sprouts, etc.
For the tempeh bacon
- 8 oz. tempeh (GF if desired)
- 3 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cut tempeh into small strips.*
- In a shallow dish, mix together the tamari, smoked paprika, and maple syrup. Add the tempeh strips. Flip to coat well and let sit to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place tempeh strips in single file (drizzling any leftover tamari mixture on top for even more flavor if you’d like – though it does make it saltier!)
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare your sandwich: layer bread, tomatoes, lettuce, tempeh bacon, and any other toppings of choice.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (estimate)
Enjoying this Vegan TLT sandwich? Also feel free to check out the full “Main Dish” recipe archives on the site for more tasty plant based inspiration! (Or these BBQ Tempeh Sloppy Joes for more tempeh goodness.)
Tried this tonight! First time ever trying tempeh in anything other than your tempeh sloppy joes which I LOVE! This VLT turned out amazing! I followed your recipe exactly, and served open face with one piece of toasted sprouted wheat bread, vegan mayo, spinach, the tempeh bacon, and kind of did a double stack with more tomatoes on top. Finished with a sprinkle of Maldon flaky sea salt (which is to die for) and it was just amazing! After I made the open-faced sandwich I let it “rest” for a couple of minutes (while I was scrambling to open wine lol) and the tomatoes and sea salt just melded with the tempeh and it truly had a BLT taste – but totally vegan. So super easy. . . and filling but light. Love this recipe! Next time I make it I’ll post on Insta 🙂
Hey Terri! Your version sounds amazing. (I’m not familiar with that Maldon flaky sea salt but will keep an eye out for it – thanks for sharing!) Great to hear you found another way to enjoy tempeh!