Smoked Tempeh Sandwich | TLT
This smoky tempeh sandwich is incredibly delicious due to its perfectly seasoned, smoky tempeh paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a zesty sauce, making it a mouthwatering, plant-based delight. Packed with protein and rich flavors, it’s a satisfying and healthy choice for any meal.
Move over BLT! It’s time for a new, heart-friendly TLT (tempeh, lettuce, tomato) sandwich that is slightly crunchy, yet chewy, smokey, and hearty. It’s the smoked tempeh bacon that is the centerpiece of this sandwich. So easy and flavorful! This vegan sandwich will surprise you with how delicious it is!
We have other delicious vegan sandwiches on this website like my smashed chickpea avocado salad sandwich, this easy chickpea no-tuna salad, and our amazing veggie hummus sandwich.
Reasons you will love this sandwich
- Irresistible Flavor: The smoked tempeh bacon adds a savory, smoky depth that elevates the taste of every bite, offering a delicious alternative to traditional bacon.
- Plant-Based Delight: Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, this sandwich provides a hearty, protein-packed option that satisfies without sacrificing flavor.
- Crunchy and Fresh: With crisp vegetables and a flavorful spread, this sandwich delivers a satisfying crunch and freshness in every mouthful.
- Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy lifestyles, this smoked tempeh bacon sandwich is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
Ingredients you will need
- Tempeh- It’s an excellent option for making a vegan sandwich due to its high protein content and its ability to absorb flavors from marinades and seasonings.
- Soy sauce- This is what gives a salty flavor that resembles traditional bacon.
- Liquid smoke– The smoky flavor of this vegan bacon is achieved with liquid smoke, so don’t leave it out.
- Maple syrup- Adds the perfectly sweet flavor needed.
- Bread- A nutritious whole grain bread (or gluten-free) is the foundation of any sandwich. However, there is also the option to use wraps or even large green leaves like romaine or collard greens.
- Vegan mayo- Smear on my eggless vegan mayo or this homemade spicy vegan mayo that I call special sauces to take this sandwich over the top.
- Veggies- Lettuce, tomato, and onion are my favorites, but you can add others like beans sprouts to make it even more hearty.
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is found in most grocery stores in the produce section. It’s a traditional soy product from Indonesia.
It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form and has a nutty, mushroom, meaty flavor.
Tips & Suggestions
- Mayo- My Eggless Low-Fat Vegan Mayonnaise recipe goes perfectly with these sandwiches!
- Find tempeh- Tempeh can usually be found in the produce section of most grocery stores.
- Marinate- The longer the tempeh marinates, the more flavorful the final product.
How to make a smoked tempeh sandwich
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
STEP #1: Begin by making the smoky marinade. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup and mix well.
STEP #2: Slice tempeh into strips. Place slices into mixture and allow to marinate. The longer, the stronger the flavor will be. I like to leave it in the refrigerator overnight if possible, but at least 30 minutes is necessary.
STEP #3: Add tempeh strips to a frying pan with a little bit of the marinade liquid and cook over medium-high heat until crispy on one side.
Turn and brown on other side. Add more of the marinade and cook until caramelized. About 5 minutes each side is a reasonable estimate. If baking in the oven, cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
I am often asked which knives I use personally, and I have to say that it is Victorinox. They are the same company that makes Swiss Army Knives and the quality is excellent.
STEP #4: Toast your bread (or don’t), smear the toasted bread with my eggless vegan mayo or this homemade spicy vegan mayo. Add tomato slices, lettuce or spinach leaves. I like a little mustard on mine. Serve and eat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Tempeh can be found in many US grocery stores in the produce section. In other countries, you should be able to purchase it at Asian markets or health food stores.
I used to steam my tempeh before preparing it for a recipe, but have found that it isn’t necessary. It does not taste bitter to me at all, so no steaming is required.
It has a salty smokey flavor that will remind you of bacon, but it doesn’t taste like bacon and doesn’t have the crunch of fried pork bacon.
Store smoked tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Wait to assemble your tempeh sandwich until it’s time to eat.
If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!
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Smoked Tempeh Sandwich | TLT
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz package tempeh
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- tomatoes sliced
- lettuce leaves or spinach
- low-fat eggless mayo
- mustard (optional)
- 2 slices whole grain bread
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup and mix well.
- Slice tempeh into strips. Place slices into mixture and allow to marinate. The longer, the stronger the flavor will be. I like to leave it in the refrigerator overnight if possible, but at least 30 minutes is necessary.
- Add tempeh strips to a frying pan with a little bit of the marinade liquid and cook over medium-high heat until crispy on one side. Turn and brown on other side. Add more of the marinade and cook until caramelized. About 5 minutes each side is a reasonable estimate. If baking in the oven, cook at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
- Toast your bread (or don't), smear the toasted bread with my eggless vegan mayo or this homemade spicy vegan mayo. Add tomato slices, lettuce or spinach leaves. I like a little mustard on mine. Serve and eat!
Video
Notes
- Finding Tempeh- Tempeh can be found in many US grocery stores in the produce section. In other countries, you should be able to purchase it at Asian markets or health food stores.
- Steaming- I used to steam my tempeh before preparing it for a recipe, but have found that it isn’t necessary. It does not taste bitter to me at all, so no steaming is required.
- Marinate- The longer the tempeh marinates, the more flavorful the final product.
- Storage- Store smoked tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Wait to assemble your tempeh sandwich until it's time to eat.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
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About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
FYI went to whole foods to get the sandwich and at least in Wichita Kansas they have discontinued the area where they make sandwiches. But I’m going to make yours and I’ll let you know how it turns out! Thanks so much