Bacon sandwich lovers looking to elevate their butty beyond the classic ketchup or HP Sauce might want to try chilli maple mayonnaise. The sauce, originally devised by vegan chefs BOSH! to accompany a tofu bacon alternative, works equally well with real bacon.
A sweet and spicy twist on chilli mayo
Chilli maple mayo is a sweet-and-spicy take on classic chilli mayo, combining creamy mayonnaise with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and a kick of chilli. The result is a sauce that hits several flavour notes at once: creamy, sweet, smoky and slightly tangy.
The maple syrup brings a caramel-like sweetness that helps balance the heat of the chilli, while the mayonnaise gives the sauce a rich, indulgent texture. The level of heat can vary depending on the chilli used, ranging from a gentle warmth to a much fierier kick.
How to make the sauce
To make the sauce, combine three tablespoons of mayonnaise, one teaspoon of chilli crisp oil and one teaspoon of maple syrup. A squeeze of lime can add fresh acidity, while extra chilli will turn up the heat and a little more maple syrup will make it sweeter.
The duo said: "Do you want to know the secret to a perfect sandwich? Crispiness, contrast, [and] crunch."
Building the ultimate sandwich
You can then layer up bacon, tomatoes and lettuce — and even throw in some cheese for good measure. As a plant-based substitute for bacon, tofu is an excellent option for replicating that satisfying meaty texture.
For a tofu toasted sandwich, use one block of firm smoked tofu, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of maple syrup, one tablespoon of tomato purée, one teaspoon of smoked paprika and one tablespoon of olive oil. These marinated tofu strips can then be placed in the toasted ciabatta sandwich in place of the bacon, alongside the chilli maple mayonnaise sauce.
