Easy Vegan Tortas

These Vegan Tortas are filled with juicy Vegan Carne Asada, Refried Black Beans, Cilantro Lime Sauce, and tons of fresh veggies. It’s the ultimate leftovers recipe and is one of my favorite recipes of all time!

What are Tortas?

Tortas are a type of Mexican sandwich that are known for their hearty and flavorful fillings, typically served in a soft roll known as a “bolillo” or “telera.” They are a popular street food in Mexico and can also be found in many restaurants.

Tortas can be fully customized to suit individual tastes, which is why they are so delicious, filling, and perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch. Tortas are traditionally filled with meats like carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, or chorizo. In order to make this delicious sandwich a vegan and vegetarian torta recipe, I’ve swapped these meats with my homemade plant-based options.

Alternatively, you can make a veggie torta sandwich, filled with just beans, veggies, and your favorite cheese. There is a sandwich for everyone!

Recipe Ingredients

• Vegan Carne Asada: My favorite “meat” to use on these vegan tortas is my Carne Asada made with soy curls. It mimics the taste and texture of steak and makes for a delicious hearty sandwich. If you prefer a softer style “meat” filling, make my Vegan Carnitas instead! 
• Refried Beans: I’ve made these sandwiches with both Refried Pinto Beans and Refried Black Beans and both are delicious. I highly recommend making your own beans from scratch because it’s so much more flavorful, but if needed, you can also opt for a can of store-bought beans. 
• Bread Rolls: Traditionally, Mexican tortas are made with a bolillo roll or telera rolls. However, unless you live near a local Mexican bakery or have a wide selection of breads at your local grocery store, you might have difficulty finding these breads. Instead, use any crusty rolls of choice. I often like to use ciabatta or a french roll. 
• Produce: I like to fill these sandwiches with avocado, tomato, red onion, and shredded iceberg lettuce, but use what you like.
• Cilantro Lime Sauce: This creamy sauce is made with fresh cilantro, vegan sour cream, lime juice, and jalapeño. It’s the perfect creamy spread to add an explosion of flavor. 

How to Make Vegan Tortas

This recipe is my favorite to make when I already have leftover Vegan Carne Asada and Black Beans on hand. Then, all I have to do is reheat, prepare the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce and assemble! 

If you haven’t already, first prepare the Vegan Carne Asada. It’s a slow cooker recipe and does require some prep in advance. While it cooks, prepare the Refried Beans. I like to give these beans some time to cool and thicken before spreading on Tortas so start them when you start the slow cooker and give them time to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. 

Once you’re got these two components ready, you’re ready to assemble!

1. Make the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce. ​Using a large cup food processor or blender, pulse together the sauce. Set aside. 

2. Toast the rolls. Slice the torta bread in half, then toast in the air fryer or toaster until warm and golden. 
3. Add the sauce and beans. Spread the Cilantro Lime Sauce on one half of the bread and the Refried Black Beans on the other half.
4. Top with sandwich fillings. Add the Vegan Carne Asada, creamy avocado, slices of tomato, a couple slices of onion, shredded iceberg, and any other desired toppings you’d like. 
5. Serve. Place the top half of bread on top, condiment-side down, then serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Tortas

This Mexican torta sadwich can be served as is, or if you prefer a warm, crispy torta, place the assembled sandwich in a panini press and grill until your desired crispiness! Alternatively, place the sandwich in a grill pan and press down with a spatula. 

Then, serve your vegan torta with a side of Mexican Pickled Vegetables (Escabeche) and Air Fryer Tortilla Chips!

Add-ins and variations

​In addition to the recommended fillings, there are all sorts of fillings you can use to make these tortas hearty and delicious. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Guacamole or mashed avocado
• Hot peppers or pickled jalapeños
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Vegan cheese or nacho cheese
• Cabbage slaw
• Homemade Roasted Red Peppers

Condiment Options

• Vegan Sour Cream
• Avocado Crema (vegan)
• Vegan Mayonnaise
• Garlic Aioli
• Vegan Chipotle Sauce

How to Store Leftover Vegan Tortas

Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning on making these tortas for meal prep, I’d recommend storing all of the fillings in separate airtight containers or in bowls tightly covered with plastic wrap.

Then, toast and assemble right before enjoying. This will help prevent the rolls from becoming soggy and make your vegan tortas taste as fresh as possible. 

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