Vegan BLT Sandwich With Soy Curls

Name: Vegan BLT With Soycurl Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup soy curls (~55 grams)*; 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce; 1 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 1 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon liquid smoke; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked for more smokiness); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); water to deglaze the skillet if necessary; vegan mayonnaise, vegan aioli, or chipotle aioli; 1 ripe tomato, sliced (heirloom or regular); 1 -2 avocados; greens - romaine, butter, iceberg, spinach, or arugula; 6-8 slices of your favorite bread (make sure it's vegan); optional: alfalfa or broccoli sprouts

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 1 review

Here's a plant-based rendition of a classic favorite that might become your new go-to lunch option. This vegan BLT sandwich introduces a delightful twist using soy curls.

Vegan BLT sandwich with soy curls on parchment paper; side view.

While you can also make a tofu wrap or open-faced sandwich, this sandwich is for anyone craving a delicious twist on traditional fare.

Tofu or tempeh are usually stars in vegan BLTs (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches), but I decided to switch it up with soy curls. These little sponges soak up a rich, smoky flavor bacon marinade we all crave in these sandwiches.

So, when the clock strikes lunch, dinner, or snack time, remember that this Vegan BLT (or BLAT...with an avocado) is an easy, quick, and delicious option, ready in 20-25 minutes or faster if you bulk and meal prep the soy curls.

Jump to:

What Are Soy Curls?
Do These Marinated Soy Curls Taste Like Bacon?
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
How To Make Vegan BLT Sandwich With Soy Curls
Top Tips
Serving Suggestions
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
More Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
Recipe
Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
Comments

What Are Soy Curls?

At the heart of this vegan BLT lies the star ingredient: soy curl bacon.

Soy curls, for those unfamiliar, are made from whole non-GMO soybeans that have been cooked, textured, and dried. This process leaves you with a dehydrated product that's a blank canvas for flavors. Once rehydrated, it has a chewy, meaty texture, mimicking the bite and mouthfeel of meat.

They're easy to prepare, and because they store well (they are sold dried), you can always have them on hand for a quick vegetable protein boost to your meals.

Soy curls are a great source of plant-based protein, offering about 11 grams per ¾ cup serving.

Because they're made from whole soybeans, soy curls also offer a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs but can't produce on its own.

Besides being high in protein, they're also low in fat, have no cholesterol, and are a good source of fiber.

Find them at health food stores or purchase these Butler soy curls on the Butler Foods website or Amazon.

side view of Vegan BLT sandwich with soy curls on a plate

Do These Marinated Soy Curls Taste Like Bacon?

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room, or should I say, the B in the BLT.
The burning question: Can a BLT with soy curls really scratch that bacon itch?

If you've been to Nuts & Twigs before, I like to set expectations when recreating classic meals into their vegan looks-a-likes, like tuna sandwiches and BBQ sliders. So here’s the scoop on this one, always served with a side of honesty.

Short answer: I will never tell you that soy curls look like bacon or replicate the crunchy, fatty taste of bacon, but when marinated, they offer a savory, smoky flavor that resonates with the essence of bacon.

And when combined in this sandwich with the mayo, lettuce, avocado, and tomato, making a BLAT, it transforms into something surprisingly satisfying and delicious. It brings a savory, smoky flavor that hints, "I may not be bacon, but I have my own appeal."

So, while a soy curl BLT does not deceive any palate into thinking it's traditional bacon, I think it’ll have you tapping your foot and returning for seconds nonetheless.

It delivers a delicious and reminiscent experience that can certainly satisfy a bacon craving, especially for those looking for plant-based alternatives.

Let me know in the comments if you agree.

Ingredients

This sandwich is super easy to make. The ingredients are listed below, along with a few notes. Adjust the seasoning as you see necessary. See the recipe card for details.

Ingredient Notes

Bread: Select a robust bread capable of supporting all the ingredients without becoming soggy if you don't choose to toast it. Opt for traditional options like sourdough, whole wheat, or a substantial artisan loaf, ensuring they are standard size to accommodate the amount of soy curls used in the recipe.
Tomatoes: Ripe, in-season tomatoes are best for flavor. Heirloom, beefsteak, or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices, depending on your preference for sweetness and acidity.
Greens: Any greens will do. Romaine, iceberg, and butter lettuce are all great choices. I love spinach and arugula for a peppery taste that goes great with this sandwich. Add some sprouts for an artsy-looking BLT.
Soy Curls: Purchase soy curls at either specialty grocery stores or online.

top view of all the ingredients for the sandwich.

How To Make Vegan BLT Sandwich With Soy Curls

Here's the process in pictures. Check out the recipe card for details and more notes.

top view of hydrating soy curls in a white bowl.

Step 1: Soak soy curls in warm water for 10 minutes.

top view of marinade for soy curls in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Mix tamari, oil, sriracha, maple syrup, vinegar, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.

top view of a hand stirrring and coating soy curls in marinade.

Step 3: Combine the soy curls into the marinade after draining the water. Coat soy curls well. Marinate for 10+ minutes for stronger flavor.

cooking soy curls in a cast iron pot; top view.

Step 4: Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook soy curls until the excess liquid evaporates/absorbs, and the curls are caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Use water to deglaze if necessary.

top view assembling the sandwich on a cutting board

Step 5: Toast your bread if you want, then spread vegan mayo on both slices of bread.

Step 6: Cut in half and enjoy with one of the serving suggestions below. Add tomato slices, avocado, cooked soy curls, lettuce, and sprouts (if using) to one bread slice. Cover with the other slice and press lightly.

Top Tips

I tried soaking the soy curls in the marinade but discovered they turned out much nicer when drowned in water instead.
After soaking, there is no need to squeeze out the excess water from the soy curls. Just drain them and then place them in the marinade.
Feel free to play with the marinade ingredients to suit your taste. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, or bump up the liquid smoke if you love that smoky flavor.
If you have leftovers, they store well in the fridge for a few days. Reheat them in a pan over medium heat to get them crispy again, or use an air fryer or oven.
Wrestling over measuring a cup of soy curls? Forget it. Their irregular shape makes it difficult. Whip out your scales and aim for about 55 grams of the chunkiest contenders. Steer clear of those sneaky, weight-warping bacon-bit wannabes lurking at the bag's bottom for the best results in this sandwich.
If you want to avoid using a skillet to cook the soy curls, air-frying or baking them is an option. See the recipe post for details.

side view of Vegan BLT sandwich with soy curls on a cutting board

Serving Suggestions

Serving up a vegan BLT is just the start of a fantastic meal. Here's how to elevate it with some irresistible serving suggestions:

Fries: Regular air-fryer fries, sweet potato fries, or zucchini fries complement the savory flavors of the BLT perfectly. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of paprika for an extra flavor kick.
Guacamole: Whip up a simple guacamole. It's perfect for dipping those fries or adding a creamy layer to your BLT instead of the avocado.
Soup on the Side: A classic tomato soup or a creamy butternut squash soup pairs wonderfully, offering a cozy and comforting meal combo.
Crispy Kale Chips: Kale chips add crunch and a nutritional punch. Season them with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Pickle Spears: The tanginess of pickled cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch with each bite.
Salad: A light orzo salad or couscous salad is a great side dish for any sandwich.
Fruit Salad: Finish or start with something sweet and refreshing. A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and adds a lightness to the meal.
Zucchini Fries: Try zucchini fries for a twist on the classic side.

Make Ahead! This sandwich is great for work or school lunches. For other vegan lunch box ideas, check out 20+ Vegan Lunch Box Ideas.

Variations

This sandwich is super customizable. Pack it with roasted garlic spread or caramelized onions. Here are more ideas:

Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a cool, crisp texture.
Grilled Pineapple: I've never used it, but I have a friend who loves it. A slice of grilled pineapple can introduce a sweet, tangy contrast to the smoky flavors.
Hummus: My kids always use hummus. It serves as a flavorful, creamy spread that adds protein and richness.
Pesto: Spread a thin layer of vegan pesto on the bread for a herby flavor. Try sunflower seed pesto for a delicious nut-free alternative.
Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet, smoky roasted bell peppers can add color and flavor.
Fresh Spinach or Arugula: For a peppery bite, swap out or add spinach or arugula to the lettuce.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add an umami-packed layer.
Ranch Dressing: A vegan ranch dressing can add a tangy, herby moisture to the sandwich.
Pickles or Relish: Add pickles or a spoonful of your favorite relish for a tangy kick.
Use vegan aioli or easy chipotle aioli instead of mayonnaise for a delicious variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftover soy curl bacon?

Any leftover soy curl bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To restore its crispiness, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, in an oven, or in an air fryer.

Can I make the soy curl bacon ahead of time?

You can prepare the soy curl bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat as stated above for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Soycurls are naturally gluten-free, but if you're aiming for a completely gluten-free sandwich, ensure all your other ingredients, especially soy sauce and bread, are labeled gluten-free.

More Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps

What did you think?

Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this vegan BLT with soycurl bacon. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.