Chef Joya Vegan Chitterlings Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’re craving a soulful, rich, and deeply comforting dish without compromising your vegan lifestyle, Chef Joya’s vegan chitterlings recipe is an absolute must-try. Inspired by traditional Southern chitterlings, this plant-based alternative replicates the texture and flavor with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for those who love bold flavors and hearty meals.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to explore new vegan soul food options, this recipe brings together layers of seasoning, spices, and plant-based magic that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.

Chef Joya has masterfully crafted this recipe to honor the original’s cultural roots while making it accessible and delicious for all. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic comfort food with a compassionate twist.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and free from any animal products, so you can indulge guilt-free. Ready to dive in?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chitterlings recipe is a game changer for anyone missing the traditional dish or looking to try something new. It’s:

• Authentic in flavor: The blend of spices and the umami-packed ingredients replicate the rich taste of classic chitterlings.
• Texturally satisfying: Made with vital wheat gluten and mushrooms, it mimics the chewy, tender texture perfectly.
• Nutritious and wholesome: This recipe uses plant-based proteins and fiber-rich veggies to keep it healthy.
• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, it’s perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or paired with your favorite Southern sides.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1 cup cooked black beans (mashed)
• 1 cup finely chopped oyster mushrooms
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet or tray (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vital wheat gluten mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the cooked black beans until smooth. Add soy sauce, liquid smoke, olive oil, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a dough begins to form, then knead with your hands for about 3-4 minutes until elastic and firm.
4. Add mushrooms: Fold the finely chopped oyster mushrooms into the dough, kneading gently to distribute evenly.
5. Shape the dough: Form the dough into a loaf or chitterling-like shape, about 8 inches long and 3 inches wide. Wrap it tightly in foil or parchment paper if steaming.
6. Steam the dough: Place the wrapped dough in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 60 minutes, turning the dough halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Sauté aromatics: While the dough steams, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
8. Slice and pan-fry: Once steamed, let the vegan chitterlings cool slightly. Unwrap and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Add slices to the skillet with onions and garlic, frying on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
9. Finish with vinegar: Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cooked slices in the skillet, tossing gently to coat and enhance the tangy flavor.
10. Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

“For an even smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the steaming water or increase the smoked paprika by half a teaspoon.”

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute vital wheat gluten with a blend of chickpea flour and cooked lentils, though texture will be less chewy.
• Add heat: Increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the sauté step for a spicy kick.
• Herbal twist: Incorporate fresh thyme or sage into the dough for an earthy aroma.
• Make ahead: Steam the dough a day in advance, then pan-fry slices fresh to save time on busy days.
• Serve with sauce: Pair with a vegan gravy or tangy mustard sauce for extra richness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chef Joya’s vegan chitterlings pair beautifully with classic Southern sides. Consider serving alongside collard greens, cornbread, or mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting feast.

A fresh cucumber salad can add a crisp contrast to the hearty texture.

For a complete meal, try pairing this recipe with Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vegetable side packed with flavor. Or, if you’re looking for a protein-packed addition, check out the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe — vegan or traditional options both complement this dish well.

For a tangy, spicy condiment, serve with a side of Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to brighten each bite.

Conclusion

Chef Joya’s vegan chitterlings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional Southern favorite in a compassionate, plant-based way. It captures the essence of soul food with its smoky, spicy, and hearty flavors, while offering a nourishing and satisfying meal option.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and become a new staple in your kitchen.

By embracing creative ingredients and thoughtful techniques, this dish proves that vegan cooking can be just as rich, flavorful, and comforting as any classic recipe. So gather your ingredients, savor the process, and enjoy a bowl of soul-warming goodness.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site to keep your culinary journey exciting and vibrant!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chef Joya Vegan Chitterlings Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful vegan take on traditional chitterlings using seitan and bold spices. Perfectly seasoned and tender, this dish is a comforting soul food classic reinvented.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1 tsp garlic powder”, “1 tsp onion powder”, “1/2 tsp cayenne pepper”, “1 tsp salt”, “1 1/2 cups vegetable broth”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “1 large onion, sliced”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir to form a dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until elastic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape dough into a loaf and wrap tightly in foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake wrapped loaf for 40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 sliced onions until caramelized.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice baked seitan and toss with caramelized onions before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “25g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}