This vegan Smoky Tomato Tofu Sandwich is an easy vegan recipe that is the sandwich to rule all sandwiches! The star of the show is baked tofu basted with a savory smoky tomato rub. You can load this vegan sandwich up with spicy mayo, avocado, and your favorite veggies for the ultimate vegan meal. This is a high protein vegan sandwich that is perfect to meal-prep lunches for the week.
Why You'll Love This Tofu Sandwich
- Meal-prep friendly – Set up your lunches for the week by meal-prepping the tofu for this sandwich and pre-slicing the veggies and toppings so you can put together a healthy and satisfying sandwich in just minutes!
- Easy to make – This plant based sandwich is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find. The smoky tomato rub is simple to mix and the tofu bakes in under 30 minutes, making this a great recipe for anyone new to vegan cooking or learning how to cook tofu.
- Customizable – Choose your favorite sandwich toppings and create your own ultimate sandwich experience. I chose to layer this sandwich with spicy vegan mayo, greens, avocado, red onion, and tomatoes.
- High protein – Each sandwich packs around 30 grams of plant based protein to help you hit your daily protein goals. Whether you’re looking for a high protein post-workout meal, or just a filling and delicious sandwich, you’ll love this recipe!
Even though this plant based sandwich is flavorful, colorful, and delicious, it is actually simple to make and the baked tofu requires only 8 ingredients and takes 20 minutes to cook! Then you can layer on some vegan mayo or hummus (oil-free if you like), mixed greens, tomato, onion, and avocado! I find that this tofu sandwich works beautifully on a toasted ciabatta roll or a bagel, but you can choose any bread you like – or even put it in a gluten-free wrap or on crispbread.
Ingredients for Baked Tofu Sandwiches
- Super firm tofu. This is the tofu that typically is packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag and does not require pressing. Alternatively, you can use regular firm tofu in a tofu press for a few hours.
- Tomato paste. I used a salt-free tomato paste, but if you only have a salty version, adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to your tastes.
- Nutritional yeast. This adds a savory element to the flavoring in addition to B-vitamins including B-12.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Liquid smoke
- Spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Sandwich fixings. I used Ciabatta rolls, vegan spicy mayo, avocado, red onion, tomato, and greens. Feel free to mix it up with your favorites.
How to Bake Tofu for Sandwiches
Baking the Smoky Tomato Tofu for this tasty sandwich is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Mix together tomato paste, spices, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and liquid smoke (can substitute with vegan Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread an even layer on both sides of the tofu slices.
- Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Tip: use a silicone baking mat or baking paper to prevent sticking.
Then you’re ready to assemble your epic high-protein vegan sandwich!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Storage: Store the baked tofu slices and prepared sandwich fixings separately in the fridge in sealed containers for up to 5 days.
- Meal Prep: For the freshest sandwiches, I recommend storing the sandwich fillings separately until at least the morning before you have this sandwich for lunch. However, you can choose to prep each sandwich ahead and have them stored in separate sandwich containers to grab and go as needed.
Want more vegan sandwich recipes?
Sandwiches are one of my favorite meals because they are easy to eat, absolutely delicious, and there are endless varieties to create! Here are some more plant based sandwiches you’ll love:
Serving suggestions
Sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they are awesome when paired with a sandwich sidekick! This baked tofu sandwich pairs great with a side of Vegan Mac and Cheese or something crispy like Baked Onion Rings or Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. If you’re meal prepping your lunches with this sandwich, add some fresh veggies or crackers on the side and dip them in some Smoky Artichoke Dip.
Hungry for more delicious vegan recipes?
Discover flavorful and easy-to-make vegan recipes from quick weekday breakfasts to wholesome, comforting dinners, and everything in between. All recipes are organized by meal type and made with everyday ingredients to help make your everyday life more fresh and enjoyable!
These easy and delicious tofu sandwiches are proof that simple, plant-based ingredients can deliver big, satisfying flavor. With savory marinated tofu and a hint of smokiness in every bite, this recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegan sandwich or a high-protein vegan recipe, this sandwich is sure to deliver!
I hope you fall in love with this Vegan Smoky Baked Tofu Sandwich! Whether you’re fully vegan or just into healthy eating, I’m so happy to share these recipes with you!
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment to help support this blog and help others find easy vegan recipes. For more recipes and meal ideas, follow @RootyFruityVegan on social media.
Smoky Baked Tofu Sandwich
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A savory smoky high-protein vegan sandwich that makes a perfect plant based meal prep for lunch or dinner. This vegan smoky tomato tofu sandwich will likely be your new favorite!
Ingredients
For the Baked Tofu
- 1 block super firm tofu (in the vacuum-sealed package; but you can sub pressed tofu)
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste, no salt added
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sandwiches
- 4 Ciabatta rolls or 8 slices of bread
- 4 Tablespoons vegan mayo, chipotle mayo, and/or hummus
- 1 Avocado, mashed or sliced
- Red onion slices
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce, spinach, arugula, or micro-greens
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice the tofu into 1/4 to 1/2-inch slices.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, spices and seasonings for the Baked Tofu.
- Spread an even layer of this mixture onto each side of the tofu slices. Place on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or baking paper and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toast the ciabatta rolls and assemble your delicious vegan baked tofu sandwich with all the desired fillings.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Very tasty, though it did take longer to cook, more like 30 min.