Craving that juicy, satisfying bite of a perfectly cooked pork steak, but committed to a plant-based lifestyle? Buckle up, because you’re about to have your mind (and taste buds) blown! This chickpea-powered pork steak recipe isn’t just a meatless substitute, it’s a flavor and texture revelation. Yes, you read that right. Made with humble chickpeas and a touch of culinary magic, this dish delivers an uncanny resemblance to real meat, complete with that mouthwatering “al dente” bite and even those oh-so-satisfying fibrous strands. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to achieve!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a savory, golden-brown “steak” that boasts a meaty aroma and a texture that resists with a satisfying chew. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, bursting with umami depth and hints of char siew sauce. This isn’t just a vegan option, it’s a culinary masterpiece waiting to be devoured.
So, ditch the skepticism and grab your wooden stick, because we’re about to embark on a delicious journey to vegan steak nirvana. Prepare to be amazed, and maybe even tempted to convert a few meat-loving friends along the way! Don’t worry, we won’t tell them it’s not the real deal
A Deliciously Meaty Vegan Pork Steak Recipe
This incredible chickpea-based pork steak recipe! It boasts a texture remarkably similar to real pork, with al dente bite and even fibrous “meat” strands. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 60g chickpeas, soaked overnight in cold water (150g water)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 130g wheat gluten flour
- 70g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
For the Braising Broth:
- 750ml water
- 3 tablespoons char siew sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
For the Glaze:
- 1 teaspoon syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooking Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpea Base: Drain the soaked chickpeas and mash them until smooth with a fork or food processor. In a large bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas with nutritional yeast, salt, wheat gluten flour, all-purpose flour, and water. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Develop the “Meat” Texture: This is the key step for achieving a meaty texture! Using a wooden stick or rolling pin, beat the dough vigorously for 10-15 minutes. This stretches the gluten strands, mimicking the texture of meat fibers.
- Braise the Steaks: Bring the braising broth ingredients to a simmer in a large pot. Gently add the shaped chickpea dough (form into steak-like shapes) and simmer for 1 hour, covered. Maintain a low simmer, as high heat can toughen the steaks.
- Glaze and Fry: While the steaks are braising, prepare the glaze by whisking together the syrup, soy sauces, and sesame oil. Remove the steaks from the broth and set aside. Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Dip each steak in the glaze and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides, brushing with additional glaze throughout for more flavor and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your vegan pork steaks are ready! Slice them up and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a flavorful sauce.
Tips
- For a more intense “meaty” flavor, add a teaspoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce to the dough or braising broth.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your preference. You can also substitute the syrup with honey or agave nectar.
- Experiment with different marinades or sauces for endless flavor variations.
This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful vegan alternative to meat. So grab your wooden stick and get ready to whip up some incredible chickpea pork steaks!
