Plant-Based BLT Sandwich
The other day, I included a recipe for shiitake bacon in a fettuccine dish I had made. I then realized that shiitake bacon is a highly addictive substance, and have been making it ever since. I know how much everybody seems like bacon- but this is my plant-based version, and it is so addictive! I have no idea how shiitake mushrooms, and a little smoked paprika can taste soooo delightful, but it does- and I’m not going to second guess it!
I want to use this shiitake bacon in every possible way, so of course a BLT sandwich had to happen- with a twist.
The key to the shiitake bacon is roasting the mushrooms until crisp (but checking on them frequently, so they don’t burn) and then tossing them together with smoked paprika and flaky sea salt. Smoked paprika is one of my favourite spices- it really has this unique smoky flavour to it that tastes awesome on just about anything. Especially if you are vegetarian or vegan, you might find that this smokiness is something you’ve been missing. I have experimented with other varieties of mushrooms and none get quite as bacon-y as the shiitakes do.
Obviously a good bread is key to a good sandwich. I’ve used a nice crusty French loaf, but use whatever your favourite is. I used an entire half an avocado on this sandwich because I have an insane love for avocado….you can use less if your feelings toward this magical fruit are not quite the same. This recipe will make enough for two sandwiches.
Vegan BLT Sandwich
A plant-based bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich
Smoky Shiitake Bacon:
- 100 g 3.5 oz shiitake mushrooms
- ½ tsp avocado oil (or any other oil with a high smoke point- rice bran, canola, etc.)
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt
Sandwich:
- 4 slices tomato
- 2 leaves romaine lettuce
- 1 avocado (thinly sliced)
- mayo (I used Veganaise)
- Non-dairy margarine (or butter)
- 4 slices French bread
- For the shiitake bacon, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
- Slice the mushrooms into ¼” (6mm) pieces. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Place in an even layer on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, checking frequently, until crispy.
- Remove from oven and toss with smoked paprika and salt.
- While shiitake mushrooms are cooking, toast your bread and then put mayo on one piece and butter on the other for each sandwich
- Layer your lettuce, tomato, and avocado, and finally the shiitake bacon.
- Repeat with the second sandwich. Enjoy your lunch!
10 Comments
Sarojini (yogi vegans)
I love the look of this! I’ve tried coconut bacon but wasn’t too impressed, so I’ll try your mushroom version. Thanks for this 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes
This vegetarian sandwich has EVERYTHING I love! YUM!
Koko (kokoskitchen.com)
So happy to hear that- yay!! Thanks Angie!
Koko (kokoskitchen.com)
Oh, I hope you’ll enjoy this version as much as I have!! 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Dat avocadooooooo though!!
Koko (kokoskitchen.com)
Right!!?? So key to a good sandwich 😉
Sharon
This sandwich looks totally lush! I can’t wait try your shiitake bacon. It sounds awesome! I’ve never liked bacon but I do love the smoky flavour and, like you, smoked paprika is one of my all-time favourite spices.
BTW I’m loving your step-by-step recipe posts on Drop Dead 🙂 I made your ‘mac n cheeze’ last week and it was a bit hit with the family. Lil’ L took the leftovers to school with him the next day 🙂 I especially loved the crispy herby topping. SO tasty!
Koko (kokoskitchen.com)
Oh thank you Sharon! The smoky flavour just adds such a nice unique element to this sandwich that I think most vegetarians/vegans might not have had in awhile!! 😉
Thank you so much for your kind words about the Drop Dead Recipes! I’m so glad you (and Lil’L!!) enjoyed the Mac n Cheeze. Sometimes I feel a bit silly doing things step by step, but I think it’s probably a great help, especially to some of the young readers in the Drop Dead fan base. If I can inspire anyone to try new foods, or healthy options by making things as straight-forward and easy as possible, that’s what I’ve got to do! 🙂
vegan miam
What a heavenly tasty sandwich…I love the step-by-step photos…you make shiitake mushrooms absolutely stunning! Your fettuccine dish was a huge hit on my blog, thank you Koko for sharing such an amazing comfort dish!
Sophiesfoodiefiles
MMMMMM8 It looked amazing & that iw why I made it just now, as a lovely early lunch! xxx