Crispy Tempeh BLT Sandwich

vegan, whole food plant-based, easy, healthy, oil-free, etc

Otherwise known as a TLT, tempeh bacon makes this classic sandwich come to life! With so few ingredients, every single one counts, so now is the time to bust out the heirloom tomatoes and fancy artisan bread if you’ve got them. The smoky homemade tempeh bacon is the star of the show, but it’s the supporting actors that really makes it sing. Top it all off with a little creamy, oil-free hummus and you've got a sandwich that’s not only beautiful, but also incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Servings: sandwiches

Calories: 387kcal

Author: Hannah Kaminsky

Ingredients

Tempeh Bacon

8 ounces tempeh
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vingegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sandwiches

6 slices Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Bread or gluten-free bread
6 tablespoons oil-free hummus
6 romaine lettuce leaves shredded
1 large heirloom tomato or 2 medium beefsteak tomatoes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325℉ degrees. Cut the tempeh into 1/8-inch-thick slices crosswise. Lay them out flat, without overlapping, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small dish, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Brush the marinade evenly over all the tempeh slices. Hold back any extra if you have it.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tempeh is beginning to brown. Flip the slices, brush with any reserved marinade, and bake for 5 – 10 minutes longer, until dark brown and crisp around the edges. Let cool for at least a few minutes before using.
To assemble the sandwiches, spread 1 tablespoon of hummus on each slice of bread. On one slice, stack half of the tomato, lettuce, and tempeh bacon. Top with a second slice of bread, hummus-side-down. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Slice sandwiches in half, if desired, or wrap to take them on the go! Enjoy at room temperature.

Notes

Serving suggestion: Go all out and make the viral sensation popularized by Whole Foods known as the TTLA: tempeh, tomato, lettuce, and avocado. Add ½ thickly sliced medium avocado to each sandwich before adding the top slice of bread.

Notes: The tempeh bacon can be made 3 – 5 days in advance, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You may need to toast them briefly in the air fryer to re-crisp them before serving.

Nutrition