TLT Sandwich with Tempeh Bacon

This "TLT" sandwich is a satisfying vegan spin on the classic BLT, made with savory baked tempeh instead of bacon! It's a delicious, protein-rich meal stacked high with veggies and your favorite toppings.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 oz. tempeh
• 3 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 6 leaves romaine lettuce
• 6 slices of your favorite bread
• 3 Tbsp. Cashew Mayo (or store-bought)
• Toppings of choice: avocado, sprouts, hummus, mustard, etc.

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
2. 2Cut tempeh into small, semi-thin strips. (I cut the tempeh block into strips, then halve those strips to make them thinner.)
3. 3In a medium bowl, mix together the tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika. Add the tempeh strips. Gently stir with a spatula to coat each piece. Then set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes while your oven preheats. (You can stir them again occasionally to evenly coat.)
4. 4Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat. Then place the marinated tempeh strips in a single layer. Drizzle any leftover tamari mixture on top for even more flavor if you'd like.
5. 5Bake for 10 minutes. Then flip and return to oven. Bake for 10 more minutes.
6. 6Meanwhile, prepare your toppings. When ready, assemble your sandwich: Layer bread, mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, tempeh bacon, and any other toppings of choice. (I highly recommend avocado and alfalfa/clover sprouts! You can even mash the avocado on one slice of bread for better stability.)