Nothing satisfies those lunchtime cravings quite like a good sandwich. However, those limp and unappetising fillings such as plain cheese, salad or ham often just won’t do, so then you know it’s time to bring in the big guns.
A BLT – bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich – is really hard to beat. It’s a classic for a reason, but if you fancy switching it up with a fresh take on this popular favourite, then one recipe is worth a shot. It involves ditching the bacon for a tasty and healthy alternative that still has that distinct smoky, salty flavour.
Tofu, a plant-based protein made from soybeans, can be used to replicate bacon in your BLT and is an excellent option if you’re trying to cut down on the amount of meat you’re eating.
A delicious tofu BLT recipe was recently shared on TikTok by BOSH!, a team of vegan chefs who have been writing books and sharing dishes online for years now. They said: “Do you want to know the secret to a perfect sandwich? Crispiness, contrast, crunch. And this tofu lettuce tomato has them all.”
The video was also shared on Instagram, where people in the comments were full of praise. One person said: “I made this and it was delicious!!” while another described it as ‘divine’.
Tofu BLT
Ingredients – for the filling
- One block firm smoked tofu
- One tbsp soy sauce
- One tbsp maple syrup
- One tbsp tomato purée
- One tsp smoked paprika
- One tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- One tbsp olive oil
- Two large tomatoes
- Little gem lettuce
- Ciabatta loaf
For the chilli maple mayo
- Three tbsp vegan mayo
- One tsp chilli crisp oil
- One tsp maple syrup
Method
Slice the tofu into very thin trips, using a cheese peeler or knife. Mix the soy, maple, tomato purée, paprika, and liquid smoke. Slice the tomatoes, chop up the lettuce and halve the ciabatta.
Coat the tofu strips in the marinade, then pan-fry in olive oil for a couple of minutes, flipping halfway, until golden, sticky, and smoky.
To make the dressing, stir together vegan mayo, chilli crisp, and maple syrup.
Then all there’s left to do is toast your ciabatta, slather with the chilli-maple mayo, then layer in that tofu, tomatoes, and lettuce. Slice the sandwich up and enjoy.
