Barbecued Seitan Ribs and BBQ Sauce

My Unexpected Vegan Rib Adventure

Let me tell you, I'm not exactly known for my culinary adventures. My cooking usually revolves around quick, easy meals that get the family fed and back to their busy schedules. I'm more of a "grab-and-go" kind of gal, and anything involving more than five ingredients usually ends up as a takeout order. However, my recent foray into the world of vegan cooking has been surprisingly delightful, and it all started with a simple craving: ribs.

Now, I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan by any stretch of the imagination. I love a good steak, a juicy burger, and a crispy piece of fried chicken as much as the next person. But lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into our diet. I stumbled across a recipe for barbecued seitan ribs, and intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how incredibly delicious these ribs would be.

The recipe itself wasn't overly complicated, but it did involve a few ingredients I wasn’t familiar with. The vital wheat gluten, for instance, was a new one for me. I had to search online, even visit a couple of different specialty stores, to locate it. But the search was well worth it. The process of making the ribs was more like a fun experiment; mixing and kneading the dough, watching it transform in the oven and then on the grill, was really rewarding.

The texture was surprisingly meaty – I'm still in awe of how closely it mimicked the feel of real ribs, albeit with a satisfyingly chewy bite. The smoky, sweet barbecue sauce was the perfect complement, creating a flavor profile so rich and complex that even my most carnivorous friends were impressed (and requesting seconds!). I must admit that, after tasting them, I would choose these over traditional ribs any day! It’s a more flavorful, healthier and less costly alternative.

The Unexpected Success

Initially, I was a bit hesitant. I wondered if my family, particularly my husband, a self-proclaimed "meat and potatoes" kind of guy, would even try them. He’s not one to shy away from a good ribeye, after all! I was prepared for at least some amount of skepticism. But to my absolute surprise, he absolutely loved them. He devoured them, declaring them "the best ribs he's ever had" and asking for the recipe immediately. This alone made the entire process worthwhile.

Since that first successful attempt, barbecued seitan ribs have become a regular feature in our meal rotation. I’ve even experimented with different barbecue sauces, adding my own personal touch to the recipe, customizing flavors to suit our taste. I’ve also discovered that these ribs are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic on their own, but they also make an amazing addition to salads, tacos, or even sandwiches.

I’ve shared the recipe with friends and family, and the response has been universally positive. Everyone is always surprised at how delicious and satisfying a vegan meal can be. It's a wonderful way to introduce more plant-based options into your diet, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. I’ve since become more adventurous in the kitchen and have discovered a whole new world of plant-based possibilities. I still love my comfort foods, but this experience has broadened my culinary horizons, proving that you can have your cake, and eat it too—or in this case, your ribs.

Beyond the Ribs: A Culinary Journey

This experience has taught me more than just how to make incredible vegan ribs; it’s shown me the joy of exploring new culinary horizons. The confidence I’ve gained in the kitchen has inspired me to try other vegetarian and vegan dishes, and I'm constantly amazed at the creativity and deliciousness I find. I’ve embraced the challenge of creating meals that are both satisfying and healthy, and I’ve found that cooking has become a more fulfilling and creative outlet than I ever imagined.

For anyone hesitating to try vegan or vegetarian cooking, I urge you to give it a try. Start small, experiment with new flavors, and don't be afraid to get creative. You might surprise yourself with what you discover. My journey started with a simple craving for ribs, but it’s turned into something so much more—a newfound appreciation for the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cooking, and a confidence in the kitchen I never knew I possessed.

So, give these barbecued seitan ribs a try and experience the magic for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.

Step-by-step

• Start with Barbecue sauce: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
• Cook for an hour stirring frequently.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Lightly oil an 8x8 baking dish.
• Combine the dry ingredients, first 5, together in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl combine water, tahini, and soy sauce.
• Add wet to dry ingredients, once just combined start to knead the dough lightly until all is well combined (If you let the liquids and wheat gluten sit together for too long it will become an unstretchable dough, so work fast once combined).
• Put dough into baking dish and flatten it out to evenly fit in pan.
• Cut into 8 strips and then down the middle to form 16 ‘ribs’.
• Bake for 25 minutes and prepare grill.
• Remove ‘ribs’ from the oven and gently re-cut the strips so that they will pull apart easily after being grilled.
• Generously brush with BBQ sauce.
• Place ‘ribs’ BBQ sauce side down on the grill.
• Brush remaining side with BBQ sauce.
• Grill each side until it is nicely browned or charred, based on your preference.
• Serve immediately.