Fake Steak
Discover the ultimate plant-based protein experience with this savory "Fake Steak" recipe! Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, this hearty dish combines vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and a medley of bold spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder to create a tender, steak-like texture bursting with smoky, umami-rich flavor. Steamed to lock in moisture and grilled or pan-seared for that signature charred exterior, these vegan steaks are customizable with a brush of barbecue sauce for extra zing. Ready in just about an hour, this protein-packed recipe is ideal for dinner parties, meal prep, or whenever you're craving a satisfying, meat-free alternative. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh garden salad to complete your plant-based feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Vital wheat gluten
- 0.25 cups Chickpea flour
- 0.25 cups Nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 cups Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 0.75 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cups Barbecue sauce (optional, for basting)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, liquid smoke, vegetable broth, and olive oil until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes elastic and cohesive.
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a steak-like oval, about 1-inch thick.
Prepare a steamer basket or pot. Add water to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Place the 'steaks' in the steamer basket (use parchment paper to prevent sticking, if necessary). Cover and steam for 25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through steaming.
After steaming, let the steaks cool slightly. Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
Cook the steamed steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a crispy, charred exterior. Optionally, brush barbecue sauce on each side during the final minute of cooking for added flavor.
Serve the fake steaks immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a garden salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2005 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.3 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3985 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.8 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.1 g | ||
| Protein | 273.3 g | 547% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 609 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 23.7 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 1587 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
