Introduction
Imagine this: it’s been one of those “where did the day go?” kind of weeks, and you’re staring down the barrel of a meal that needs to be cozy, quick, and totally satisfying. Enter the Chinese Red BBQ Strips — your new plant-powered secret weapon for turning a lazy evening into a flavor-packed fiesta.
Think smoky, sweet, and just a little bit sassy, these strips bring all the saucy goodness without any of the fuss (or the meat, of course). Perfect for flexitarians, vegans, or anyone who just wants to impress their taste buds without breaking a sweat.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like a bustling street market? Let’s get those veggie vibes sizzling—because who said going plant-based can’t have a little swagger? Plus, choosing plant-based options like these helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 125g (1 cup) wheat gluten
- 2tsp chinese five spice powder (spice it up!)
- 1tsp smoked paprika
- 2tsp onion powder
- 2tsp garlic powder
- 180ml (3/4 cup) cold vegetable stock
- 3tbsp light soy sauce
- 3tbsp peanut butter (nutty magic)
- 1tbsp sesame oil to grease the tin (or regular oil if you have no sesame)
- 125ml (1/2 cup) hoisin sauce
- 125ml (1/2 cup) soy sauce
- 50g (1/4 cup) soft brown sugar
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 2tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1tsp onion powder
- small amount of vegan red food colouring
This lineup is like a flavor party where every vegan guest is invited!
Whether you’re new to seitan or just looking to jazz up your BBQ game, these ingredients bring a smoky, sweet, and spicy vibe that’s sure to wow even the most dedicated carnivores.
Get ready to meat your new favorite plant-based strips!
For an extra burst of zest and aroma, consider incorporating fresh chopped coriander to brighten the flavor profile.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get those Chinese Red BBQ Strips party started! You’ll want to grab 125 grams (or 1 cup, if you’re feeling fancy) of wheat gluten and toss it together with some stellar spices—2 teaspoons of Chinese five spice powder, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, plus a good sprinkle (2 teaspoons each) of onion powder and garlic powder.
Mix all that dry magic in a bowl and make a little well in the center—think of it as a cozy spice nest waiting for its liquid friends.
Now, bring in the wet stuff: 180 ml (about 3/4 cup) of cold vegetable stock joins forces with 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Whisk that combo like a pro until it’s smooth and inviting.
Pour this saucy goodness into the dry mix’s little well and stir until your doughy masterpiece starts to come together—a bit like kneading a soft, spiced cloud. Don’t be shy with your hands here; get in there and give it a good squish to make sure everything’s well combined.
You’ll want to grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a tablespoon of sesame oil (or regular oil if that’s what you’ve got lounging in your pantry) to keep things from sticking, because nobody likes seitan stuck to the pan—that’s a BBQ tragedy.
Pop your soon-to-be BBQ strips into the oven set at a toasty 375°F (190°C) and let the magic happen. While the oven does its thing, you can start dreaming about that smoky, sweet, plant-powered glory coming your way.
The seitan will puff up and soak in all those flavors, turning into perfect strips that are ready to be slathered in your mouthwatering red sauce. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like a vegan BBQ dream come true!
For an added touch of texture and flavor, consider adding nuts or seeds as a topping before baking to bring a delightful crunch to your BBQ strips.
Bonus Tips
- Want that extra sizzle? Give your strips a quick char on the grill or under the broiler—because even plants deserve a little smokey drama.
- Feeling spicy? Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to turn up the heat without breaking a sweat.
- Don’t have red food coloring? No worries—embrace your inner rebel and rock that natural look; flavor’s what really steals the show anyway.
Why You’ll Love It
Get ready to wow your taste buds without turning your kitchen into a smokehouse! These Chinese Red BBQ Strips bring the kind of bold, saucy swagger that makes plant-based eating feel like a flavor party.
Plus, they’re like the cool kids of vegan meals—flexible enough to slide into tacos, salads, or just straight-up snack mode. Whether you’re a seitan newbie or a tofu veteran, these strips make it ridiculously fun to play with your food.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 320
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 18 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
