This "TLT sandwich" is a satisfying Vegan BLT, but made with savory tempeh bacon! A delicious plant-based version of the classic BLT stacked with vegan bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
This "TLT sandwich" is a vegan version of the classic BLT sandwich.
Instead of real bacon, we make delicious savory tempeh bacon. Tempeh strips are marinated in an easy, flavor-packed, 3 ingredient sauce, and then baked to perfection.
Note: The tempeh bacon is great for other recipes too. It is so versatile and tasty. You can try it alongside a classic tofu breakfast scramble, steamed vegetables, in rice bowls, or simply as a side or snack.
Tempeh: Some tempeh includes other grains, so if you need gluten-free, be sure to check the ingredients.
Vegan BLT Toppings
Customize your TLT sandwich with your own favorite toppings.
I enjoy creamy avocado and fresh clover sprouts.
But feel free to spread on the more classic vegan mayo, hummus, mustard, etc.
For more inspiration, browse all tempeh recipes or sandwich + wrap recipes.
Vegan BLT Sandwich with Tempeh Bacon
Ingredients
- 1-2 roma tomatoes
- 6 leaves romaine lettuce (or spinach, etc.)
- 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 are enjoying this TLT sandwich with tempeh bacon, also feel free to check out:
Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or RSS for more updates and inspiration.
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!