Best Vegan Seitan Ribs Recipe for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

If you’re craving the smoky, tender, and downright delicious experience of ribs but want to keep it entirely plant-based, these vegan seitan ribs are an absolute game changer. Crafted from vital wheat gluten, these ribs boast a meaty texture that holds up beautifully to rich, bold barbecue flavors.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of chewiness and saucy goodness that ribs lovers adore.

Not only are these ribs satisfying and packed with flavor, but they also make for a fantastic centerpiece at any BBQ or dinner party. You’ll impress even the most devoted carnivores with this versatile dish that pairs perfectly with classic sides.

Plus, making seitan ribs from scratch allows you to customize the spices and sauces to suit your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan seitan ribs recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the texture is remarkably close to traditional ribs thanks to the vital wheat gluten base, which is chewy and satisfying.

Second, the smoky barbecue sauce glaze adds layers of tanginess, sweetness, and spice, making every bite burst with flavor.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, try different barbecue sauces, or even smoke them if you have a smoker.

The ribs are great for meal prepping since they reheat well and only get better as the flavors meld over time. Finally, it’s a wholesome, protein-rich option that’s perfect for vegans and anyone wanting to cut back on meat without missing out on taste.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smoky flavor)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Steaming basket or large pot with a lid
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Brush for applying BBQ sauce
• Oven or grill

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk together to blend evenly.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. If you want a smoky kick, add the liquid smoke here as well.
3. Combine and knead: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms, then knead the dough in the bowl or on a clean surface for about 3-5 minutes until elastic and firm. This develops the gluten for a meaty texture.
4. Shape the ribs: Flatten the dough into a rectangular shape about 1/2-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the rectangle into “rib” shapes or long strips that resemble ribs. For a more authentic look, you can score the surface lightly with a knife to mimic rib bones.
5. Steam the seitan ribs: Place the ribs in a steaming basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Steaming cooks the seitan gently, ensuring a tender but chewy texture.
6. Preheat your oven: Once steamed, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
7. Apply BBQ sauce: Brush the steamed seitan ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce on all sides. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the ribs: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping and basting with more BBQ sauce halfway through. This step caramelizes the sauce, adding a delightful sticky glaze.
9. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These ribs are perfect hot off the oven, slathered with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper smoky flavor, try adding a bit more liquid smoke to the dough or use a smoked paprika blend. If you prefer a less dense rib, reduce the kneading time slightly. Don’t overdo it!

Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces — from tangy vinegar-based to sweet and spicy styles. You can also grill the seitan ribs instead of baking for a charred finish.

For an extra touch, marinate the steamed ribs in BBQ sauce overnight in the fridge before baking. This helps the flavors penetrate deeper.

If you want to try your hand at other vegan comfort foods, check out my Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe. Both are perfect companions for a cozy meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan seitan ribs pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides. Try them with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob for a full Southern-inspired feast.

For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. You can also slice the ribs and serve them on buns with pickles and vegan mayo to create mouthwatering BBQ rib sandwiches.

Looking for a unique dessert to finish your meal? Don’t miss the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe — it’s a perfect sweet treat after a hearty dinner.

Conclusion

Making vegan seitan ribs from scratch is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors and textures of traditional ribs without any animal products. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, delivering a satisfying bite that even meat lovers will appreciate.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a centerpiece dish that’s perfect for any occasion — from casual weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts. By customizing the spices and BBQ sauce, you can tailor the flavor profile to your liking, making this recipe a versatile staple in your plant-based cooking repertoire.

If you’re interested in exploring more creative recipes that bring bold flavors to your kitchen, be sure to visit my posts on Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe and Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes for inspiration.

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