Discover a Delicious Vegetarian BLT Recipe Today!
Welcome, my dear reader! Today, we are going to embark on a culinary journey which will tantalize our taste buds and leave us craving for more. As you may already know, I am a vegan chef, and I’m passionate about creating healthy and delicious food that doesn’t harm animals or the environment. In this recipe article, I am going to introduce you to the world of vegetarian BLT sandwich, which is not only plant-based but also gluten-free.
BLT sandwich is a classic American dish that consists of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, all stuffed between two slices of bread smeared with mayonnaise. It is a sandwich with a crispy texture and a savory flavor that are irresistible. However, as vegans or vegetarians, we don’t eat bacon or any meat products. So what best option do we have? We can recreate this classic sandwich with plant-based and vegan ingredients like tempeh bacon or smoked tofu.
In this recipe article, I will show you how to make a delicious vegetarian BLT sandwich made vegan without compromising the taste and texture. Besides being incredibly easy to make and suitable for beginners in the kitchen, it’s also perfect for summer or any time of the year when you’re craving something savory and delicious.
So let’s put on our aprons, roll up our sleeves, and start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Introducing a vegetarian BLT recipe! This sandwich is packed with flavor and texture; it’s everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich, but in a plant-based version. If you’re looking for something simple yet delicious for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, then the vegetarian BLT is a great choice that’s definitely worth trying.
Let me tell you why this recipe will become your new go-to, even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan. First off, it’s easy to make! You don’t need any fancy equipment, and all the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. Secondly, it’s versatile. You can customize this sandwich to your liking by choosing your favorite type of bread, vegetables and meatless bacon option. I like to use tempeh bacon which gives the sandwich a smoky flavor and crispiness.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors and textures. You get the crunch from fresh lettuce leaves and juicy tomatoes paired with savory tempeh bacon which works perfectly alongside creamy vegan mayo melted provolone cheese which flavours all bring the dish together creating a satisfying taste that can only come from high quality ingredients.
Lastly, this recipe is good for you! It uses plant-based ingredients that are not only better for your health but also better for the environment too! You can feel good knowing that you’re doing something good for yourself and the planet every time you take a bite out of this delicious sandwich.
In conclusion, this vegetarian BLT sandwich made with tempeh bacon is a game-changer. It’s tasty, easy to make, customizable and good for you. Try it today with your favorite sides like chips or salad!
Ingredient List
- Tempeh bacon: 4 slices (You can make your own from scratch or use store-bought)
- Tomatoes: 2 to 3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Lettuce Leaf: A few leaves of lettuce (romaine or iceberg would work great)
- Vegan mayo: 3 tablespoon (You can either buy it from the store or make it at home)
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Provolone cheese (Optional, not vegan): 4 slices
- Rice paper sheets (Optional, gluten-free alternative to bread): 3 to 4 sheets
For Tempeh Bacon:
- Tempeh: 1 block (8 ounces)
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Liquid smoke: 1 tablespoon
- Maple syrup: 1 ½ tablespoons
Ingredient Notes:
Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and has a nutty and slightly sour taste. It has a firm texture that holds up well in dishes like sandwiches. If you can’t find tempeh, you can substitute it with tofu or seitan.
Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor to tempeh bacon without actually smoking it. You can find this ingredient in most grocery stores or online.
Provolone cheese can be replaced with vegan cheese or omitted completely.
Rice paper is a thin wrapper used in Vietnamese cuisine. It is made from rice flour and water and has a delicate texture when cooked. It makes a great gluten-free alternative to bread in this recipe. To use, simply soak each sheet in warm water for about ten seconds until pliable and wrap the sandwich filling inside like a burrito.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the intriguing ingredients for a vegetarian BLT, it is time to jump into the recipe. I learned this recipe from the lovely folks over at The Minimalist Baker and have added a few personal touches of my own. Here are the step-by-step instructions that will lead to a mouthwatering vegan BLT.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread (or any bread of your choice)
- Lettuce leaf (I recommend butter lettuce or romaine lettuce)
- Tomato *(ripe tomatoes work best) *
- 8 slices of tempeh bacon (you can make your own or purchase pre-made)
- Vegan mayo spread (you can learn how to make your own here)
- Olive oil for cooking the tempeh bacon
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the skillet is heating up, wash your lettuce thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut your ripe tomato into thin slices and set aside.
- Place 8 slices of tempeh bacon on a dish and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 ½ tablespoons of maple syrup mixed together in a small bowl. Be sure that each slice is generously coated on both sides.
- Once your skillet is hot, add the marinated tempeh bacon to the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides (around 2 minutes per side).
- Once the tempeh bacon is crispy and golden brown, remove them from the skillet and place them onto paper towels to cool down.
- While the tempeh bacon cools off, start preparing your mayonnaise spread by mixing together ½ cup of vegan mayonnaise with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Slice two pieces of sourdough bread and toast them to your desired level of crispiness.
- Using a knife or a spatula, spread vegan mayonnaise on both pieces (adding as much or as little as you desire).
- Add two slices of cooked tempeh bacon on one side and cover with fresh lettuce leaves.
- Place thin tomato slices over the lettuce layer and top with another slice of sourdough bread that has been toasted and spread with more vegan mayo.
- Repeat steps 10 – 11 for each sandwich until you have all four sandwiches assembled.
Bite into these “BLT” sandwiches immediately while they are still warm!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to elevate this classic sandwich recipe? Or do you need substitutions for certain ingredients? Fear not, as there are plenty of ways to add a twist to this vegetarian BLT recipe.
First off, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the bread for rice paper, lettuce cups or even collard greens. Or opt for sourdough or a different type of bread that suits your dietary needs.
To make this sandwich spicier, you could add some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes. Or try adding a spread of hummus or spicy mayo instead of traditional mayonnaise. If you’re feeling Mediterranean-inspired, swap out the cheese and mayonnaise for feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. This will give the sandwich an authentic taste that is sure to take your tastebuds on a culinary journey.
For those who love roasted vegetables, you can replace the tomato with roasted red bell peppers or zucchini slices. You could also try adding grilled mushrooms or eggplant for added depth and texture.
If you want to switch up the bacon component of this recipe, try using coconut bacon, seitan bacon or even tempeh bacon if you prefer a firmer texture with a smokier taste. Simply marinade with soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup and black pepper before cooking.
Lastly, if you want to make this sandwich even healthier, add some sprouts or kale leaves for added nutrition.
Get creative with this recipe and adjust it according to your taste and dietary preference – there are endless possibilities!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegetarian BLT sandwich is ready to eat, let’s talk about pairing and serving options. This is a versatile sandwich that can complement a variety of sides or even additional toppings for extra umph.
One great pairing option is a classic comfort food side dish like chips or fries. The crispy texture will add an enjoyable crunch to the sandwich experience. But, if you want to keep it a bit healthier, consider serving the sandwich with kale chips or even carrot sticks.
Another option is to elevate your BLT game by adding a tasty dip on the side. A creamy hummus can bring richness and depth of flavor to your sandwich. It’s also delicious when paired with rainbow vegetables and crackers for a colorful plate that enhances both taste and visual appeal.
If you’re a fan of cheese in your sandwiches, add some provolone cheese slices to this veggie bacon, lettuce and tomato combination. Remember, if you’re vegan or prefer plant-based cheese alternatives, Vegan Provolone cheese may be available in supermarkets near you.
Lastly, switching up the bread can be another way to create different variations of the sandwich. Try using sourdough bread instead of regular white bread for more texture and flavor. Grilled or roasted veggies can also be great companion for your vegetarian BLT.
No matter how you decide to serve this delicious vegetarian BLT sandwich, remember that it’s all about experimenting and figuring out what best suits your taste buds cravings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared your Vegetarian BLT Sandwiches, you may find that you have leftovers or want to prepare some in advance for a meal later in the week. Fortunately, this sandwich is perfect for make-ahead meals and can be stored easily for later use.
To store your Vegetarian BLT Sandwiches, wrap them individually with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. You can keep the sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2-3 days without any problems. When it’s time to reheat your sandwiches, simply take them out of the fridge and follow one of the options below:
Option 1: To reheat the sandwich, remove any plastic or foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Option 2: You can also use a toaster over to reheat your sandwich. Simply toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Option 3: If you’re pressed for time, you can microwave your BLT Sandwich on high power for 30 seconds to a minute. However, microwaving may make the bread texture more soggy.
If you’re making ahead of time, remember not to put lettuce and tomato slices on before refrigeration. Instead, use toast and store them separately in an air-tight container. You can then assemble the sandwich before eating it.
It’s always great to have an easy-to-make delicious recipe that can be stored easily for later use like this vegan BLT. It’s also perfect as a takeaway lunch option when you’re running low on time!
Tips for Perfect Results
We all know that preparing a recipe can be a daunting task, and sometimes we need some extra help to achieve perfect results. In this case, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips that will make sure your vegetarian BLT sandwich tastes as delicious as possible.
First things first: when making the tempeh bacon, make sure that it’s not too thin or too thick; approximately 1/4 inch should do the trick. This will guarantee that it’s cooked evenly and has the crispy texture that you want. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re frying it. Overcrowding can make cooking times longer and could lead to unevenly cooked tempeh.
Another key element is the choice of mayo. Vegan mayo often has a lighter and tangier taste than traditional mayonnaise due to its egg-free nature. However, there are different kinds of vegan mayo brands available in the market, so make sure you find one that fits your taste.
It’s important to season your lettuce leaves and tomatoes with salt and black pepper before assembling your sandwich. This may seem like an obvious step, however, it significantly enhances the flavor of the vegetables and complements well with the saltiness of tempeh bacon.
To take your sandwich-making skills to another level, try experimenting with different types of bread or adding avocado slices in place of cheese for a creamier texture. Gluten-free rice paper can also be used instead of bread for those avoiding gluten.
Finally, serve your vegetarian BLT sandwich with your favorite side dish or pair it with a refreshing beverage for a complete meal.
These tips will surely help you achieve perfect results when making a vegetarian BLT sandwich at home. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe and mastered these tips, you’ll never go back to a traditional BLT again!
FAQ
Now that you have all the necessary information regarding the Vegetarian BLT recipe, you might still have few questions that need clarification. Below are some frequently asked questions and their respective answers to further guide you in making a delicious vegan BLT sandwich.
What can you substitute for bacon in a BLT?
When it comes to making vegan bacon, there are plenty of options beyond the traditional lettuce and tomato. With ingredients like seitan, tofu, tempeh, eggplant, rice paper, mushroom, coconut, carrot, and beetroot, the possibilities are truly endless. Simply season and cook them the way you would regular bacon for a delicious and satisfying plant-based twist.
What is the best substitute for mayo on BLT?
When looking for a substitute for mayo on your BLT, using a runny egg can be a great option since mayo typically contains eggs in its composition.
What else can I put in a BLT?
Adding avocado to your sandwich not only enhances its creamy and smooth texture but also adds a distinct flavor to it. For a spicy kick, mixing horseradish with mayo can be a delicious option. If you want to make it more filling, consider adding a fried egg to your sandwich. Instead of lettuce, kale is another nutritious and tasty option. And if you’re a fan of spice, go ahead and drizzle some Sriracha sauce on your sandwich.
What is the best layering for BLT?
To make a delicious sandwich, start by mixing shredded lettuce with mayonnaise. Spread the mixture on both slices of toast. Layer on thinly sliced tomatoes and some crispy vegan bacon. The combination of the creamy mayo, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon creates the ideal sandwich balance. This sandwich is also sturdy enough to hold together while you eat it.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vegetarian BLT recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional BLT sandwiches. With the use of plant-based ingredients such as tempeh bacon and vegan mayo, you can enjoy this classic sandwich while still maintaining your lifestyle choices. The use of fresh lettuce leaves and ripe tomatoes add a burst of flavor and texture to each bite, while the provolone cheese provides a satisfying creaminess.
By following the provided tips and variations, you can create your own unique twist on this recipe that will suit your individual taste preferences. Plus, with the option to make-ahead and store the sandwich for a quick meal on-the-go, this recipe is perfect for those who are always on-the-move.
So why not give this vegetarian BLT recipe a try today? You might just discover a new favorite sandwich that satisfies your craving for a classic yet healthy meal. Happy cooking!
Vegetarian BLT Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread, toasted
- 3 -4 slices tomatoes
- 1 -2 lettuce leaf
- 1 -2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 -2 slice provolone cheese
- black pepper, if desired
Instructions
- Spray a non-stick skillet with plenty of non-stick spray and place the cheese in a single layer in the center.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat.
- When the cheese bubbles and is crunchy and hard on the bottom, flip to the other side.
- Note: do not try to flip the cheese before the bottom is totally solid or you will wind up with a goopy mess.
- Once both sides of the cheese are crunchy, assemble the sandwich with the lettuce, tomato, and "bacon" (cheese), and the mayo spread over the bread.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.