Easy Vegan Ribs & Crispy Chips: Your Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food Fix

Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah

Sometimes, all you need is a truly hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. If you've been craving classic comfort food but want a delicious plant-based alternative, look no further! This easy homemade vegan ribs recipe, served with perfectly crispy chips and a zesty dipping sauce, is designed to hit all the right notes. It's the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner, a game night feast, or whenever you need a protein-packed, meat-free indulgence.

This recipe answers the call for delicious vegan alternatives to traditional comfort foods, proving that plant-based meals can be just as, if not more, satisfying and flavorful. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

What You'll Need

Ingredients

For the Vegan Ribs

• 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten (not in dictionary)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (not in dictionary)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for pan-frying

For the Crispy Chips (Fries)

• 2 large russet potatoes (not in dictionary), peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp himalayan salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Steamer basket or pot with a steamer insert
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Vegan Ribs

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.
3. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to gently knead for about 1-2 minutes until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape the Ribs: Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions. Gently flatten each portion into a rib-like shape, roughly 1-inch thick. You can use a fork to create slight indentations for a "rib" appearance if desired.
5. Steam the Ribs: Place the shaped ribs into a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes, or until firm. This step is crucial for developing the chewy texture.
6. Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steamed ribs and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Coat with Sauce (Optional): Once browned, you can toss the ribs in your favorite BBQ sauce (or the dipping sauce below) in the pan for the last minute of cooking to coat them.

Preparing the Crispy Chips

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, himalayan salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Bake: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Making the Dipping Sauce

1. Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, sriracha, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Adjust: Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.

Serve your hot vegan ribs and crispy chips immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this protein-rich, heart-warming meal!

Tips and Hacks for the Best Vegan Ribs

• Achieving the Perfect Texture: The steaming step is essential for developing the "meaty" texture of the vegan ribs. Don't skip it! For an even chewier rib, you can simmer them gently in a flavorful broth after steaming and before pan-frying.
• Flavor Boost: For deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke to the wet ingredients for an authentic smoky BBQ taste, or a dash of dark soy sauce for extra umami.
• Crispy Chips Secret: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when making your chips; this allows for even crisping. For extra crunch, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before tossing with oil and baking to remove excess starch. Pat them thoroughly dry before baking!

Variations and Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free alternative, you can explore recipes using large portobello mushrooms, jackfruit, or even baked eggplant slices seasoned heavily with BBQ flavors, though they won't replicate the "rib" texture.
• Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different sauces! Instead of a classic BBQ, try a spicy Korean gochujang glaze, a sweet and sour sauce, or a tangy mustard-based sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the rib dough or dipping sauce for an extra kick.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve these vegan ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal.

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