Summer Smoky Tofu Lettuce Tomato (Printable)
Satisfying vegan sandwich with smoky marinated tofu, fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes on crusty bread.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu & Marinade
01 - 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon 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)
# Directions:
01 - Cut the tofu into 8 thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick for optimal marinating and cooking.
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 to ensure even flavor absorption.
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 on edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Toast bread slices until golden and crisp. Spread vegan mayonnaise on one side of each slice while warm.
06 - Layer ingredients on each sandwich in order: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, smoky tofu, and red onion if using. Top with remaining bread slices.
07 - Slice sandwiches diagonally in half and serve immediately while tofu is still warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The liquid smoke and paprika combination creates this incredibly convincing bacon-like flavor that'll make you forget you're eating tofu
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent way more time on it
02 -
- Don't skip pressing the tofu because excess water prevents proper marinade absorption and makes it hard to get that crispy texture
- Cooking the tofu undisturbed for the full 3 to 4 minutes is what creates that beautiful caramelized exterior
03 -
- Double the marinade and tofu because leftover smoky tofu is incredible crumbled into salads or eaten straight from the fridge
- Let the bread cool completely after toasting so it doesn't make the lettuce wilt prematurely