This Vegan Breakfast Sandwich Recipe layers toasted English muffins with savory tofu scramble, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. A creamy avocado spread adds richness, while a sprinkle of nutritional yeast offers a cheese-like flavor. Ideal for mornings, this sandwich combines texture and taste, proving that plant-based options can rival traditional breakfasts. It’s a nutritious start to the day, easy to assemble and enjoy.
Why It Works?
- Nutrient-Rich: Combines protein-packed tofu with healthy fats from avocado.
- Flavorful: Seasonings and nutritional yeast add depth.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
- Satisfying: Filling without feeling heavy.
- Eco-Friendly: Plant-based, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
- Allergen-Friendly: Free from common allergens, suitable for everyone.
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Finding a delicious and satisfying vegan breakfast option can feel daunting, especially when cravings hit for something hearty and comforting. I remember mornings filled with bland, uninspiring dishes that left me yearning for more.
That was until I stumbled upon a vegan breakfast sandwich recipe that transformed my mornings. This game-changer combines flavorful tofu scramble, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado spread between perfectly toasted English muffins. It’s not just a meal; it’s a revelation in the world of vegan cuisine.
Let me guide you through this culinary journey if you decide what to whip up for breakfast. This recipe may become your new morning ritual, offering a delicious solution to those vegan breakfast blues.
What Is Vegan Breakfast Sandwich Recipe?
A vegan breakfast sandwich consists of a tofu scramble seasoned with turmeric, black salt, and pepper tucked between toasted English muffins. Avocado, mashed with a hint of lime and salt, serves as a creamy spread.
Fresh lettuce and tomato slices add crunch and juiciness, while a sprinkle of nutritional yeast brings a cheesy flavor without dairy.
This sandwich is a testament to how versatile and satisfying vegan cuisine can be, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and freshness. It’s a homemade delight that proves plant-based eating never sacrifices flavor for nutrition.
Fact– Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in vegan cuisine. It is rich in B vitamins and adds a cheese-like flavor to dishes without animal products, making it a vegan favorite.
Recipe Directions
To Prepare the Tofu
- Mix Marinade: In a large resealable bag or a small casserole dish, combine the nutritional yeast, olive oil, soy sauce, water, liquid smoke, Sriracha, and garlic powder.
- Marinate Tofu: Add the tofu slices to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow marinating for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Cook Tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slices and remaining marinade, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. A spatula presses the marinade onto the tofu slices for added flavor.
To Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread Avocado: Spread ¼ of the mashed avocado on the bottom half of a toasted English muffin.
- Add Tofu: Place a slice of cooked tofu on top of the avocado.
- Add Tomato: Top with 1-2 tomato slices.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle with Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce as desired.
- Complete Sandwich: Cover with the top half of the English muffin.
- Repeat: Follow the same steps to make the remaining sandwiches.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap tofu for tempeh or a plant-based sausage patty for a different texture or flavor profile.
- Bread Choices: For a twist on English muffins, try bagels, ciabatta, or artisan sourdough bread.
Add-Ons
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, or kale can add a fresh, peppery note.
- Vegan Cheese: A slice of cheese melted over the tofu adds creaminess and depth.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, sautéed until caramelized, can introduce a savory sweetness.
- Pickled Additions: Pickles, jalapeños, or banana peppers offer a tangy kick.
- Sauces and Spreads: Beyond avocado, consider hummus, vegan pesto, or a smoky barbecue sauce.
Toppings
- Crunchy Elements: Sliced cucumber, radishes, or alfalfa sprouts provide a satisfying crunch.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh cilantro, basil, or smoked paprika can brighten flavors.
- Savory Toppings: A sprinkle of vegan bacon bits or sundried tomatoes adds a savory punch.
- Extra Heat: A few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of spicy salsa can elevate the heat for those who like it hot.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Bell Peppers: Sautéed or fresh, they add sweetness and crunch.
- Spinach or Kale: These greens wilt nicely when added to a warm sandwich, providing a nutrient boost.
- Zucchini: Thinly sliced and grilled zucchini can offer a subtle, sweet flavor and a tender texture.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms give a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a hearty addition.
- Onions: Caramelized onions can add a deep, sweet flavor, while raw red onions provide a sharp, crunchy contrast.
- Sprouts: Alfalfa or broccoli sprouts add a fresh, slightly nutty flavor and a crisp texture.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber offers a cool, crisp freshness, balancing out the warmer, savory elements of the sandwich.
- Arugula: Its peppery bite can add depth and a slight spice to the sandwich, pairing well with the creamy avocado.
- Sweet Potato: Thin slices of roasted sweet potato can introduce a sweet, soft element that contrasts nicely with the other textures.
Quick Tip– Add thinly sliced marinated tempeh or chickpea flour omelets as a hearty, flavorful tofu alternative for a protein boost in your vegan breakfast sandwich.
Best Side Dishes
- Seasoned Home Fries Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Fresh Fruit Salad A mix of seasonal fruits for a sweet, refreshing side.
- Vegan Yogurt Parfait Layered with granola and fresh berries.
- Smoothie Bowl Packed with fruits, nuts, and seeds for an energy boost.
- Grilled Asparagus Lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- Avocado Slices Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Kale Chips Baked until crispy, with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
- Vegan Sausage Patties For an extra protein kick.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes With balsamic glaze and fresh basil.
- Vegan Baked Beans A hearty and flavorful complement.
How To Serve?
- Directly Hot: Serve the sandwich immediately after cooking to enjoy the bread’s crispy texture and the filling’s warmth.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of vegan aioli, hot sauce, or ketchup for added flavor.
- Alongside Beverages: For a complete breakfast experience, pair with fresh orange juice, coffee, or a green smoothie.
- Add a Side Dish: For a fuller meal, accompany with seasoned home fries, a fruit salad, or vegan yogurt.
- Wrap for On-the-Go: If you’re in a hurry, wrap the sandwich in parchment paper for an easy, portable breakfast option.
- Presentation: Place on a colorful plate with fresh greens or avocado slices for a visually appealing meal.
- As a Brunch Feature: Serve as part of a larger brunch spread, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches with various toppings and add-ons.
Quick Tip– Serve your vegan breakfast sandwich with mixed berries and a hot herbal tea for a balanced, energizing start to your day.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Marinate Tofu Overnight: For deeper flavor, prepare and marinate the tofu slices overnight in the refrigerator. This makes morning assembly quick and easy.
- Prep Components Separately: Cook tofu and slice vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
- Avocado Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before storing to prevent the mashed avocado from browning. Keep it in an airtight container.
- Assembly in the Morning: For the best texture and taste, assemble your sandwiches in the morning.
- Freezing: Although best enjoyed fresh, cooked tofu slices can be frozen. Wrap them individually and thaw them overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm the tofu in a skillet or microwave before assembling your sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Fact– Nutritional yeast, a staple in vegan cooking, is rich in protein and B vitamins and adds a savory, cheese-like flavor to dishes.
Time-Saving Tips
- Prep the Night Before: Slice your tofu vegetables and prepare the marinade the night before. This significantly reduces morning prep time.
- Use a Toaster Oven: Toast your English muffins in a toaster oven while you cook the tofu, multitasking to save time.
- Batch Cook Tofu: Cook extra slices and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat as needed for quick assembly.
- Ready-to-Use Avocado: If short on time, use pre-mashed avocado or guacamole instead of mashing fresh avocado.
- Pre-Mix Seasonings: Combine the dry seasonings for your tofu marinade in advance and store them in an airtight container. When ready to marinate, just add them to your wet ingredients.
- Assembly Line: Set up an assembly line for your ingredients. This streamlines the sandwich-making process, especially if you’re making multiple sandwiches.
- One-Pan Tofu and Veggies: If adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, cook them in the same pan as the tofu after it’s done to save on washing up
Must-Try Vegan Breakfast Sandwich Recipe For A Powered Morning
To streamline your vegan breakfast sandwich preparation, pre-marinate and cook tofu slices in bulk, storing them in the refrigerator for easy access. To prevent browning, use pre-sliced vegetables and keep a batch of mashed avocado with lemon juice. Assemble sandwiches fresh each morning for a quick, nutritious start. This approach saves time and ensures a delicious, hearty vegan breakfast is always within reach.
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Ingredient List
1 Block 1 Extra-firm tofu (pressed for a minimum of 30 minutes, then cut into 4 slices)
2 Tbsp 2 Nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp 2 Olive oil
2 Tbsp 2 Soy sauce
2 Tbsp 2 Water
1 Tsp 1 Liquid smoke
1 Tsp 1 Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
½ Tsp ½ Garlic powder
4 4 English muffins, sliced in half and toasted (gluten-free if preferred)
1 1 Avocado, mashed
1 1 Large tomato, sliced
As per recipe As per recipe Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce
Step By Step Directions
- Preparing The Tofu
- Mix Marinade: In a large resealable bag or a small casserole dish, combine 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha (optional), and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Marinate Tofu: Add the pressed and sliced tofu to the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination will enhance the flavors. For convenience, you can marinate overnight and store the marinated tofu in the fridge for up to a week.
- Cooking The Tofu
- Cook Tofu: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated tofu slices along with any remaining marinade. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown, and the marinade becomes sticky and caramelized. A spatula presses the sticky marinade onto the tofu for extra flavor.
- Assembling The Sandwich
- Spread Avocado: Take ¼ of the mashed avocado and spread it on the bottom half of a toasted English muffin.
- Add Tofu: Place a slice of the cooked tofu on top of the avocado spread.
- Add Tomato: Place 1-2 slices of tomato on top of the tofu.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle your preferred amount of Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce over the tomato slices.
- Top It Off: Place the top half of the English muffin over everything to complete the sandwich.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make 4 sandwiches.
- Equipment List
- Large resealable bag or small casserole dish
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Toaster
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- Press tofu to remove excess water for better texture.
Marinate tofu overnight to enhance flavors.
Store marinated tofu in the fridge for quick use throughout the week.
Experiment with the amount of Sriracha for desired spiciness.
Use gluten-free English muffins for a gluten-free option.
Avocado can brown; add lemon juice to maintain freshness.
Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce can be prepared in advance.
Sandwich components can be heated separately for a warmer meal.
Customize with additional toppings like spinach or vegan cheese for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Any Type Of Tofu For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of tofu, but extra-firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape well and absorbs flavors better. Silken tofu needs to be more soft and provide the desired texture for a sandwich. Firm or extra-firm tofu can be pressed to remove excess water, making it ideal for marinating and frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Ensure that the English muffins used are certified gluten-free to make this recipe gluten-free. Additionally, check that the soy sauce is replaced with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari. Many store-bought vegan sauces and dips contain gluten, so read labels carefully or prepare your gluten-free versions at home.
Is The Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce Necessary?
While the Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce adds flavor and moisture, it’s not strictly necessary. You can customize your sandwich with other vegan sauces or spreads according to your preference. Avocado, vegan mayo, or a drizzle of olive oil mixed with lemon juice can also enhance the flavor of your sandwich.
Can I Prepare The Components Ahead Of Time?
Yes, preparing components ahead of time is a great time-saver. The tofu can be marinated and cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Vegetables can be sliced and kept in airtight containers.
The mashed avocado can be prepared a day ahead; just add a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This way, you can assemble your breakfast sandwich quickly.
How Long Does The Marinated Tofu Last In The Fridge?
Marinated tofu can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the tofu even more delicious. Ensure the marinade fully covers the tofu to maximize flavor absorption and preservation.
