Crispy tofu BLT
Smoky tofu bacon, juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh butter crunch lettuce, creamy vegan mayo, and golden toasted bread come together in this easy Crispy Tofu BLT. Thin slices of super-firm tofu are coated in a simple homemade marinade made with soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and olive oil, then baked or air fried until browned and crisp around the edges.
It has everything you want in a satisfying sandwich: plenty of crunch, fresh flavor, and smoky, savory tofu in every bite. The tofu bacon can also be prepared ahead of time, making this an easy sandwich to put together for lunch throughout the week.
Preparation Time: 40 minutesIngredients
Tofu BLT
- 2 large slices bread
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 10 ounces super-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
- leaves butter crunch lettuce
- 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
Tofu bacon marinade
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation
- Prepare the tofu: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the super-firm tofu into thin ¼ inch thick strips.
- Make the marinade: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Marinate the tofu: Add the tofu slices to the marinade and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let the tofu sit for about 10 minutes.
- Bake the tofu bacon: Arrange the marinated tofu slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and coating with additional marinade, until browned and crispy around the edges.
Air fryer option: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp. - Toast the bread: Spread the vegan butter over the bread and toast until golden and lightly crisp.
- Prepare the toppings: Slice the heirloom tomato and wash and dry the butter crunch lettuce.
- Assemble the tofu BLT: Spread the vegan mayo over the toasted bread. Layer with butter crunch lettuce, sliced heirloom tomato, and crispy tofu bacon.
- Top with the remaining bread, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Tips
Slice the tofu thinly: Aim for relatively thin, even slices, about ¼ inch thick. Thin tofu slices develop those delicious browned, crispy edges.
Flip halfway through: Brushing the tofu with a little extra marinade when you flip it adds another layer of flavor and helps both sides cook evenly.
Make the tofu bacon ahead: The tofu bacon can be prepared ahead of time, making this an easy sandwich to put together for lunch throughout the week.
Assemble just before serving: Toast the bread and assemble the sandwich just before serving so it doesn’t become soggy.
Storage: Keep leftover tofu bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Store the lettuce and tomato separately.
Reheating: Reheat the tofu bacon in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to help bring back its crispy texture.
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