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Best Sticky BBQ Vegan Seitan Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 294 reviews

These Best Sticky BBQ Vegan Ribs are a delicious plant-based take on classic barbecue ribs made from seitan. Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders, these vegan ribs are shaped into rib-like racks, baked to tender perfection, then coated in a sticky, flavorful BBQ sauce with an irresistible caramelized and charred finish. Ideal for a hearty vegan entree that satisfies the craving for smoky, savory ribs without meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Seitan Vegan Ribs

  • ¼ cup canned chickpeas (60g, drained and finely minced)
  • ¼ cup yellow onion (40g, finely minced)
  • 2 cups vital wheat gluten (240g, spooned and leveled)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder (5g)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika (6g)
  • 2 tsp onion powder (4g)
  • 1 tsp vegan ham broth base (optional, 2g)
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (38g)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (8g)
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (35g)
  • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp water (divided) or vegetable stock if omitting broth base
  • 6 Popsicle sticks, bamboo skewers, wooden cake dowels, fresh sugar cane, or Ceylon cinnamon sticks (for ribs)

Dry Rub and Baking

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for coating baking dish and ribs)
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar (30g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup water or vegetable broth (60ml)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided (200g)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Finely mince the yellow onion and canned chickpeas and set aside to later incorporate into the dough.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional vegan ham broth base, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the dry mix and add the minced chickpeas and onions, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, BBQ sauce, and ½ cup water. Stir thoroughly with a rubber spatula to start forming the dough.
  4. Knead the Dough: Using your hands, gently knead the dough inside the bowl, gradually adding the remaining 2 tablespoons water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moist and firm but not soggy. Avoid over-kneading to prevent toughness.
  5. Shape the Vegan Ribs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer dough to a cutting board and divide into 4 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into 3-inch wide, 8-inch long, ¼-inch thick curved rectangles. Stack 2 pieces to form one rib rack approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. Score each rack into 5-6 rib-like sections without cutting through. Insert cinnamon sticks or chosen skewers between sections.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Place rib racks in the oiled baking dish and coat both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with garlic, onion powders, and paprika to create a dry rub. Apply the dry rub evenly on top of the ribs. Pour ¼ cup water or vegetable broth around the ribs and cover with foil or a lid.
  7. Bake Covered: Bake the ribs covered at 375°F for 20 minutes to allow them to steam and cook through gently.
  8. Apply BBQ Sauce & Continue Baking: Remove foil, brush half of the BBQ sauce over all sides of the ribs. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes to set the sauce.
  9. Char and Caramelize: To finish, turn the oven to broil on medium-high and place ribs back in for about 3 minutes to caramelize and lightly char edges. Alternatively, sear the ribs in a heated cast iron grill pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side for a smoky char.
  10. Rest & Serve: Let the ribs cool 10-15 minutes so they firm up and develop a chewy, satisfying texture. If preparing ahead, remove cinnamon sticks after cooling to avoid overly strong infusion and reinsert before serving if desired.

Notes

  • Use a digital kitchen scale for precise measurements to ensure the best texture in seitan ribs.
  • Do not over-knead the dough, as this can make the ribs tough instead of tender.
  • If the dough feels too dry or too tough, add a little more water, but avoid excess moisture.
  • Cinnamon sticks or skewers help mimic rib bones and add presentation and subtle flavor.
  • Resting the ribs after cooking helps them firm up and improves chewiness.
  • For a gluten-free alternative, this recipe is not suitable since vital wheat gluten is the main ingredient.
  • For extra smoky flavor, use a cast iron grill pan to char instead of broiling in the oven.

Keywords: vegan ribs, seitan ribs, sticky BBQ ribs, plant-based ribs, vegan BBQ, gluten wheat seitan, smoky vegan ribs, homemade vegan ribs, BBQ seitan ribs

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/best-sticky-bbq-vegan-seitan-ribs-recipe/