Vegan Ribs Recipe That Tastes Just Like The Real Thing

If you’re craving the smoky, tangy, and finger-licking goodness of ribs but want to keep it fully plant-based, you’re in the right place! This vegan ribs recipe captures all the flavors and textures of traditional ribs using wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.

Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or impressing friends at your next cookout, these ribs are moist, flavorful, and boast a satisfying bite. They are made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store and are surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to reduce meat consumption, this recipe offers a delicious alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

In this recipe, we’ll be using vital wheat gluten to create a meaty texture, paired with a rich homemade BBQ sauce that packs a punch. You’ll learn all the tips and tricks to get that perfect rib-like chew and a sticky, caramelized finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Plus, I’ve included some serving suggestions and variations to customize it to your liking. Let’s dive into making these irresistible vegan ribs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan ribs are a game-changer for plant-based BBQ lovers. They offer a meaty texture thanks to vital wheat gluten, which mimics the chewiness of traditional ribs without any animal products.

The homemade BBQ sauce is bursting with flavor — smoky, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy — giving the ribs an authentic taste that rivals any classic recipe.

Not only are these ribs delicious, but they’re also quite versatile. You can bake, grill, or air fry them, depending on your preference and equipment.

Plus, they’re protein-packed and nutrient-rich, making them a healthy choice for those seeking to add more plant-based meals to their routine.

And if you love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Swap out the BBQ sauce for your favorite store-bought version, add extra spices, or try different cooking methods to find your perfect rib experience.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• BBQ Sauce:
• ½ cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional for extra smoky flavor)
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
• Brush for applying BBQ sauce
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

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. Stir well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to form. Once it’s too stiff to stir, knead the dough with your hands for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes elastic and firm.
4. Shape the ribs: On a clean surface, flatten the dough into a rectangular shape about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into “rib” sized strips, roughly 1.5 inches wide and 4-5 inches long.
5. Steam the ribs: Place the rib strips onto a steaming rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Cover and steam for 30 minutes. This step helps set the texture and cooks the gluten through.
6. Make the BBQ sauce: While ribs steam, mix all BBQ sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Preheat the oven: Once steaming is complete, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Apply BBQ sauce: Transfer steamed ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on each rib. Save some sauce for basting later.
9. Bake the ribs: Bake the ribs for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush with more BBQ sauce. Flip the ribs and brush the other side as well.
10. Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until ribs are firm and the sauce caramelizes slightly.
11. Serve and enjoy: Let the ribs cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, add 1-2 drops of liquid smoke to the dough mixture or BBQ sauce. Be careful not to overdo it as it can become overpowering.

To make this recipe soy-free, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy chipotle or sweet bourbon.

If you want a crispier texture, after baking, pop the ribs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. For a quicker version, you can pan-fry the steamed ribs in a little oil for a few minutes on each side before baking.

Looking for gluten-free vegan ribs? This recipe relies on vital wheat gluten, which isn’t gluten-free.

However, you can try jackfruit-based ribs or mushroom ribs, which are excellent alternatives. Check out this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a creamy side to complement your ribs perfectly.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan ribs pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Why not try making your own vegan bread to serve alongside? Our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a perfect match for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.

For a full plant-based feast, round out your meal with some Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals that add vibrant flavors and colors to your plate.

Conclusion

This vegan ribs recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky, tangy, and satisfying flavors of ribs without any animal products. It’s perfect for BBQ lovers looking to try something new or anyone curious about plant-based cooking.

The texture is surprisingly meaty, and the homemade BBQ sauce brings all the classic flavors to life.

With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, anyone can master this recipe and impress friends and family alike. Plus, the versatility means you can adjust flavors and cooking methods to suit your tastes.

Give it a try for your next cookout or cozy dinner and enjoy a delicious, cruelty-free meal full of bold flavors and satisfying textures!

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