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Sticky BBQ Vegan Ribs

Sticky BBQ Vegan Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

These Sticky BBQ Vegan Ribs are a delicious, high-protein plant-based dish that rivals traditional ribs.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 ribs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rib Mixture
  • 1 can Canned Chickpeas Substitute: Mashed white beans for a similar texture.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Substitution: Green onions can be used for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Vital Wheat Gluten Essential for this recipe; do not substitute with regular flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitution: Fresh minced garlic can be used, but adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Substitution: Regular paprika with a touch of liquid smoke.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder No exact substitute, but can be omitted if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Vegan Ham Broth Base (optional) Skip if unavailable; add soy sauce for saltiness.
  • 3 tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Substitution: Tamari for gluten-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Substitution: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil may be used.
  • 1 cup Water or Vegetable Broth Use vegetable stock for a richer taste.
For the BBQ Coating
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Use your favorite kind or make a homemade version for freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preference.
For Presentation (Optional)
  • 3-4 pieces Popsicle Sticks, Wooden Dowels, or Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks Omit if you prefer a simpler presentation.

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Clean surface for kneading

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prep Ingredients: Finely mince the canned chickpeas and yellow onion in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine vital wheat gluten, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional vegan ham broth base in a large bowl.
  3. Combine Mix: Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add minced chickpeas, onion, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, some BBQ sauce, and water. Stir until clumping.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer and knead the dough on a clean surface for about 2-3 minutes until cohesive.
  5. Shape Ribs: Divide the dough into rectangular portions, score, and insert sticks to resemble ribs.
  6. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil and place the shaped vegan ribs inside.
  7. Make Dry Rub: Mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl, then apply generously over the ribs.
  8. Bake Covered: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Apply BBQ Sauce: Remove foil, add water, brush BBQ sauce, increase temperature to 425°F (220°C), and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
  10. Cool & Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ribCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 38gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These Sticky BBQ Vegan Ribs are a delightful twist on traditional BBQ and are perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

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