The Firecracker TLT

Name: The Firecracker TLT
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: vegan
Ingredients: 1 block Soyavit firm tofu, shaved or thinly sliced2 tbsp Tamari soy sauce1 tbsp Biona Maple agave syrup1 tbsp Biona tomato purée1 tsp smoked paprika; For the sandwich:; 2 ripe tomatoes, slicedCrisp lettuce leaves2 ciabatta rolls, halved2 tbsp Costa D'Oro olive oil; For the spicy maple mayo:; ½ cup vegan Biona mayo1 tbsp chili crisp1 tbsp Biona Maple agave syrup

Smoky Tofu, Lettuce & Tomato Ciabatta Stack

by Darryl Grima May 14, 2026

by Darryl Grima

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What happens when the classic BLT gets a bold plant-based makeover? In this episode of Għand il-Vegan, we turn tofu into smoky, sticky, flavour-packed strips, layered with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a sweet-spicy maple chilli mayo. The result is a sandwich that’s messy, satisfying, and packed with attitude—comfort food with a plant-powered twist.

The Firecracker TLT
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Serves: 2

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

1 block Soyavit firm tofu, shaved or thinly sliced
2 tbsp Tamari soy sauce
1 tbsp Biona Maple agave syrup
1 tbsp Biona tomato purée
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the sandwich:

2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
Crisp lettuce leaves
2 ciabatta rolls, halved
2 tbsp Costa D'Oro olive oil

For the spicy maple mayo:

½ cup vegan Biona mayo
1 tbsp chili crisp
1 tbsp Biona Maple agave syrup

Instructions

Thinly slice the tofu using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler for delicate, bacon-style strips.

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato purée, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke until fully combined.

Add the tofu slices to the marinade and gently coat each piece, allowing the flavours to soak in.

Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the tofu until caramelised, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges, turning carefully.

In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayo, chili crisp, and maple syrup until smooth and balanced between sweet heat and creaminess.

Lightly toast the ciabatta until warm and crisp.

Spread a generous layer of the spicy maple mayo onto both sides of the bread.

Build your sandwich with smoky tofu, fresh tomato slices, and crunchy lettuce.

Press gently, slice in half, and serve immediately.

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Darryl Grima

Darryl Grima is VeggyMalta's Founder. He became vegetarian over 30 years ago and over the years became totally plant based. He recalls a time when Malta was not so vegetarian and vegan friendly. Apart from campaigning and raising awareness on plant based issues he is also active in environmental and animal welfare organisations. He holds a Diploma in Political Studies and a Masters in Business Administration.

The Firecracker TLT

Smoky Tofu, Lettuce & Tomato Ciabatta Stack

The Firecracker TLT

Ingredients

Instructions

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