Summer Smoky Tofu TLT Sandwich (Printable Version)
Satisfying plant-based sandwich with smoky marinated tofu, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes on toasted bread.
# What You Need:
→ Tofu & Marinade
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp liquid smoke
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Sandwich Assembly
10 - 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, toasted
11 - 8 large lettuce leaves
12 - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
13 - Vegan mayonnaise (optional), for spreading
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Cut the tofu into 8 thin slices for even cooking and marinating.
02 - In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
03 - Add tofu slices to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
04 - Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add tofu slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.
05 - Toast bread slices until lightly golden. Spread vegan mayo on one side of each slice if desired.
06 - Layer ingredients on each sandwich: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, smoky tofu, and red onion if using. Top with remaining bread slices.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately while tofu is still warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky marinated tofu delivers that irresistible bacon flavor without any of the grease or guilt
- These sandwiches come together in under 40 minutes but taste like you spent all day perfecting them
02 -
- Pressing the tofu is not optional here; skip this step and you will end up with soggy, steamy tofu instead of crispy, smoky perfection
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the tofu or it will steam instead of sear and you will miss that crucial texture
03 -
- Cook the tofu slices in two batches if your pan is not large enough; crowding the pan is the fastest way to ruin the texture
- Let the cooked tofu rest on a wire rack for a few minutes while you prep your sandwich components so it stays crispy