Name: Iconic Vegan California Breakfast Sandwich
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 4 slabs; 1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak); 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 gluten-free English muffins, split; 1 large avocado, sliced; 1 medium tomato, sliced; 1 cup baby spinach; 4 slices vegan cheese (dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice (for avocado); 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

Iconic Vegan California Breakfast Sandwich

CookwithNewsletter

Channeling the delirious energy of awards show absurdity, this vegan California breakfast sandwich is a playfully over-the-top, utterly satisfying tribute to food culture’s most iconic breakfast forms—minus the animal products or allergens. Savory, turmeric-spiced tofu brings the eggy flavor, while creamy avocado, juicy tomato, sharp red onion, and fresh spinach are layered on a toasted gluten-free English muffin. A slice of vegan cheese (dairy-, nut-, and soy-free) ties it all together for a breakfast that’s as worthy of an award as it is deeply personal. It’s decadent, filling, and perfectly suited to California mornings—or anytime you want to feel like you’re part of the cultural conversation.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat tofu dry and slice into 4 slabs. In a small dish, mix black salt, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly on both sides of tofu slabs.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tofu slabs until golden and heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and keep warm.
While tofu cooks, toast the gluten-free English muffins until golden brown.
In a small bowl, toss avocado slices with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
To assemble each sandwich: Layer baby spinach, seared tofu, vegan cheese, tomato, avocado, and red onion onto the bottom half of each muffin. Top with the other muffin half.
If desired, return assembled sandwiches to the skillet, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes to slightly melt the vegan cheese.
Serve immediately with extra spinach or tomato on the side.