If you’re looking to enjoy the smoky, savory flavors of ribs without any animal products, this vegan ribs recipe from chefmarkanthony.com is a game changer. Crafted with plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture and taste of traditional ribs, this dish offers all the indulgence without the guilt.
Whether you’re a committed vegan, exploring plant-based options, or just looking to add a delicious new twist to your BBQ repertoire, these vegan ribs deliver on flavor and satisfaction. The recipe combines hearty seitan or vital wheat gluten with a rich, smoky marinade and a sticky barbecue glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven or on the grill.
Perfect for family meals, summer cookouts, or a cozy dinner any time of the year, these ribs are surprisingly easy to make and just as fun to eat. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Ready to dive into this mouthwatering vegan delight? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan ribs recipe stands out because it perfectly balances texture, flavor, and nutrition. Unlike many vegan dishes that can feel bland or overly processed, these ribs have a meaty chew and a smoky, tangy barbecue flavor that rivals traditional pork ribs.
Using simple, wholesome ingredients like vital wheat gluten, soy sauce, and a blend of spices, the ribs are packed with protein and fiber. The recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on your preferences.
Plus, it’s an excellent option for anyone with dietary restrictions — free from dairy, eggs, and meat — while still delivering the comforting, familiar taste of a classic BBQ favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the BBQ sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven or grill
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet or pan (for optional searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the seitan dough: In a large bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices until well combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a dough begins to form, then use your hands to knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until elastic and firm.
- Shape the ribs: Press the dough into a rectangular block about 1 inch thick on a sheet of parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the dough into rib-like strips but do not cut all the way through.
- Bake the seitan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the parchment with the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, flip the block carefully, and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Make the BBQ sauce: While baking, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Glaze and finish baking: Remove the seitan ribs from the oven. Brush generously with the BBQ sauce on all sides. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through.
- Optional searing: For extra texture, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs for 1-2 minutes on each side to caramelize the sauce before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice along the scored lines. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
“For a gluten-free version, try substituting with shredded king oyster mushrooms or jackfruit, though the texture will differ slightly.”
Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces—spicy, sweet, or smoky variations all work well. Adding liquid smoke is key to achieving that authentic smoky flavor, but adjust the quantity to taste.
If you want a firmer texture, try steaming the seitan ribs before baking. You can also marinate the dough overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
For a spicy twist, mix in some chipotle powder or hot sauce into your BBQ glaze. Alternatively, serve these ribs with a tangy vegan coleslaw or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 rib) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan ribs pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, and creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
Drizzle extra BBQ sauce or add a side of vegan ranch dressing for dipping. For a fun meal experience, serve with vegan sliders or your favorite plant-based burgers.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes that complement this dish such as Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a hearty vegetable side, or round out your menu with the comforting Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe adapted for plant-based eaters.
Conclusion
Making vegan ribs at home is easier than you might think, and this recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful alternative to traditional ribs. With a tender, chewy texture and a smoky, tangy barbecue glaze, these vegan ribs are sure to impress even the most dedicated meat lovers.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a plant-based comfort food, these ribs provide a delicious solution that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Experiment with different sauces and sides to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of vegan BBQ that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
For more creative and wholesome recipes, don’t miss the tangy zing of the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe, perfect for adding a spicy kick to your dishes.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Ribs
Description: Deliciously smoky and tender vegan ribs made from seitan and a rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for a plant-based BBQ feast.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, olive oil, and liquid smoke.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and knead for 3-5 minutes until doughy.
- Shape dough into rib-like slabs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 22g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 30g
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