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.
We love this vegan version of the classic BLT sandwich. Instead of bacon, we make delicious savory tempeh bacon. Tempeh strips are marinated in an easy, flavor-packed, 3-ingredient sauce, and then baked to perfection.
Feel free to use the tempeh bacon for other recipes too. It's so versatile and tasty. It's great alongside a classic tofu breakfast scramble, steamed vegetables, 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 super quick and easy favorites:
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. pure maple syrup (or less)
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
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°F (176°C).
- 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)
If you're enjoying this TLT sandwich, also feel free to check out:
Come join The Garden Grazer on Instagram and then share a photo if you make or adapt this recipe! (Also please leave a review and star rating below if you give it a try. Your feedback is greatly appreciated - thank you!)
Shirley boock
I didn’t have high hopes for this sammie. I have had tempeh many times but not as “fake bacon”. Wow, was I surprised! This is delicious, my son who is picky and non vegan said it was very good. High compliments! Thank you, this will be on my regular menu from now on.
Kaitlin
Hi Shirley! That's so fantastic - glad to hear you and your son enjoyed. Thank you for giving it a try and sharing your very kind feedback. Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week!
Terri
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 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!
Kaitlin McGinn
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!