Vegetarian Bak Kwa
Satisfy your cravings for the sweet and smoky flavors of traditional bak kwa with this delicious and innovative **Vegetarian Bak Kwa** recipe, perfect for plant-based eaters! Made with textured vegetable protein (TVP) as the star ingredient, this meatless version replicates the chewy, savory texture of the classic Asian delicacy while being completely vegetarian-friendly. A flavorful marinade of light and dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and a hint of liquid smoke infuses the TVP with bold umami and a touch of smokiness, creating an irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and smoky notes. Baked to perfection in thin layers, it’s easy to make and beautifully caramelized. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, part of a festive spread, or a unique addition to your recipe repertoire, this **meat-free bak kwa** is sure to impress vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Great for Lunar New Year celebrations or anytime you want a protein-packed treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
- 250 ml Water
- 3 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Powder
- 50 grams Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground White Pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Liquid Smoke
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the textured vegetable protein (TVP) and water. Allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the TVP is rehydrated.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice powder, sugar, vegetable oil, salt, ground white pepper, and liquid smoke. Mix well to form a marinade.
Add the rehydrated TVP into the marinade. Stir well to ensure the TVP absorbs the flavors evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Transfer the marinated TVP mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly to form a thin layer, roughly 0.5 cm thick.
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface, ensuring there are no uneven patches.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove it from the oven and carefully flip the whole sheet over.
Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the surface is glistening and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting it into strips or squares.
Serve the vegetarian bak kwa warm or store it in an airtight container once completely cooled. Enjoy as a snack or part of a meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1186 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6412 mg | 279% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 121.9 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.9 g | ||
| Protein | 107.2 g | 214% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 385 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 3964 mg | 84% | |
*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.
