Vegan Bak Kwa
Satisfy your craving for a smoky, sweet, and savory treat with this irresistible Vegan Bak Kwa, a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese pork jerky. Made with the wholesome duo of young green jackfruit and firm tofu, this recipe mimics the meaty texture and robust flavors of the traditional dish. A flavorful marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and aromatic spices like five-spice powder and coriander infuses the snack with its signature umami depth. The combination of agar-agar and oven baking ensures a delightful chewiness, while a final caramelized maple glaze creates a shiny finish. Topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra flair, this crowd-pleasing, protein-packed vegan jerky is perfect for sharing or snacking on the go. With just 30 minutes of prep time and zero animal products, this guilt-free treat is a must-try for anyone exploring vegan versions of Asian street food favorites. Keywords: Vegan Bak Kwa, plant-based jerky, jackfruit jerky, tofu snacks, Asian vegan recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams young green jackfruit (canned in water)
- 250 grams firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
- 100 milliliters water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse and drain the canned jackfruit. Remove the seeds and shred the pieces with your fingers to create a pulled texture.
Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press it to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu into a bowl.
In a pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the jackfruit and crumbled tofu, sautéing for about 5 minutes until any excess moisture evaporates.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, ground coriander, and five-spice powder. Mix well.
Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan with the jackfruit and tofu. Stir to coat well and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
In a separate small pot, dissolve the agar-agar powder in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Pour the agar-agar mixture into the jackfruit and tofu pan. Mix evenly, then transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking tray.
Spread the mixture evenly and press down with a spatula to compact it into a rectangle about 1 cm thick.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bake the mixture in the oven for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and then cut into even squares.
Transfer the squares onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional maple syrup for a glossy finish.
Bake for another 10 minutes until the tops slightly caramelize.
Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.5 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2012 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.3 g | ||
| Protein | 48.3 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1922 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1452 mg | 31% | |
*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.
