Vegan Tira de Asado

Ingredients

In this vegan adaptation, the traditional beef ribs are replaced with seitan, a wheat-based meat substitute. The marinade is adjusted to be plant-based, using ingredients like liquid smoke, soy sauce, and maple syrup to recreate the smoky and savory flavors of the original dish. The cooking technique remains similar, with the seitan ribs being grilled to achieve a charred and tender texture. We alse have the original recipe for Tira de asado, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) vital wheat gluten 2 cups (240g) vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup (30g) nutritional yeast 1/4 cup (30g) nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• BBQ sauce, for basting BBQ sauce, for basting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough for about 5 minutes to develop the gluten.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a rib-like shape.
6. 6.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
7. 7.
   Grill the seitan ribs for about 5 minutes on each side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
8. 8.
   Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seitan — Ensure the vital wheat gluten is fresh and of good quality to achieve the best texture for the seitan ribs.
• Liquid smoke — Adjust the amount of liquid smoke according to your preference for smoky flavor.
• BBQ sauce — Choose a vegan BBQ sauce that complements the flavors of the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the seitan ribs overnight in the refrigerator.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the seitan ribs in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce halfway through.
• Serve the vegan Tira de Asado with traditional Argentinian chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the vegan Tira de Asado ribs hot off the grill, accompanied by your favorite barbecue sides such as grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the vegan Tira de Asado ribs on a platter, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.