Tempeh Bacon Sandwich (Vegetarian BLT)

Since going pescatarian over 15 years ago one sandwich I miss the most is a BLT. When I figured out a way to make a delicious vegetarian BLT sandwich I was so excited!

This vegetarian BLT is made with tempeh bacon to give you all those rich umami flavors you typically get from bacon. Tempeh is becoming easier and easier to find in the grocery store so it's been a go-to this summer.

Vegetarian BLT Sandwich Ingredients

• Tempeh Bacon: You can use homemade or store-bought tempeh bacon in this recipe. The tempeh adds a great texture and smokiness to the sandwich.
• Lettuce: If you can find it, I love to use micro greens on this sandwich. If not, you can easily use any greens like romaine or arugula.
• Fresh Tomatoes: This sandwich isn't anything without a great tomato. I love to use heirloom tomatoes if I can. Beefsteak tomatoes also work great here. Anything that you can get a large slice of is a good option.
• Mayo: Any mayo will work in this sandwich. I like classic mayo but you could use a chipotle mayo or even a plant-based mayo if you prefer.
• Bread: My favorite bread to use is some type of sourdough bread. I've also made this vegetarian BLT with whole wheat bread and it was delicious as well.

If you want to add extra flavor to your tempeh sandwich feel free to add some sliced avocado or red onion.

Tips For Making The Best Vegetarian BLT

• Always salt and pepper your tomatoes. Tomatoes are good on their own but they are great when you salt them. It just brings out all their flavor. You can use sea salt or kosher salt for this.
• Add mayo to both sides of the bread. To help hold everything in and to give it the best flavor, add a thin layer of mayo to both slices.
• Cook your tempeh in oil to get it crispy. When cooking your tempeh bacon sometimes it says to use oil and other times it does not. I have found that just using a little bit of oil will help crisp up the tempeh just enough to give it a nice texture.

What is the best tempeh bacon to use?

There are two main options when using tempeh bacon. You can buy store-bought or you can make your own. I almost always use store-bought tempeh bacon. I like the Lightlife brand and it is easy to find.

If you want to make your own tempeh bacon you can use a recipe like this one: Tempeh Bacon Recipe.

Can this be a vegan BLT sandwich?

Yes! This sandwich can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based mayo alternative. You could also skip the mayo altogether.

Other Vegetarian Sandwiches You Might Enjoy

• Grilled Halloumi Sandwich with Pesto and Balsamic Tomatoes
• Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
• Vegetarian Ciabatta Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Sauce