Vegan Grilled "Chicken" - Gluten Free

Introduction: Vegan Grilled "Chicken" - Gluten Free

About: 17 year old tryna find their way through this confusing universe. I love making and learning stuff so if you have any suggestions for a project please let me know! :D

This recipe might not taste exactly like chicken (but I can tell you it tastes amazing and smells exactly like grilled meat while it's on the BBQ), but with its Mediterranean inspired flavors, it's a super tasty alternative to the grilled carrots and broccoli you've been feeding your vegetarian guests.

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Most of the vegan "meat" recipes you see out there use gluten, and with the rise of allergies and glutenphobia, some people have grown to hate it. There are other options, such as pea protein and Texturized Vegetable Protein (from soy), so as long as you can find non-GMO, soy protein is a great alternative.

This recipe is super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, and I've also added a recipe for a wonderful vegan yogurt dressing!

Step 1:

Ingredients:

FOR THE "CHICKEN"

- 10 Slices TEXTURIZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (Here in Romania they're super cheap, so if you're around here, this is where I buy them from: https://www.sanovita.ro/soia-felii-300g-82.html

OR IN THE US: Dixie Diner's Chicken-Not Strips

BROTH: Make it tasty, unseasoned TVP isn't super appetizing

- 1 teaspoon Salt

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Vegeta NO MSG

- Enough water to cover the TVP completely

MARINADE:

- Large handful parsley and dill, finely chopped

- Juice of 2 lemons

- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

- 4 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 8 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

What you'll need:

- A grill of some sort

- Charcoal

- Wood chips soaked in water for 20 minutes for smoking (I used apple)

Step 2: Boil the TVP

Put the soy protein in a pot and cover with water and the broth spices. Put it on a stove on medium heat and let boil for around 25-30 minutes for big chunks, or around 10 minutes if you're using smaller pieces (the ones I use are around 3''x3"x0.5"

Drain the water once they're boiled, and leave them in a sieve or pat them with a towel to remove some of the water from inside.

Step 3: Marinate

Mix all the ingredients for the marinade together and using the wooden handle of a spoon, sort of mash the garlic and the herbs together to release more flavor.

Put the boiled TVP in a ziploc bag or container along with the marinade, close the bag and shake to mix everything up. Let sit in a fridge for a couple hours or preferably overnight.

Step 4: Grill

Once the chunks are done marinating, fire up the grill. I had to make my own version of a BBQ because I don't have one, but it worked perfectly fine.

Once the coals are hot, add the wet smoking chips, and place the TVP on the grill, allowing them to slowly cook and smoke for around 8-10 minutes on each side, occasionally basting with the remaining marinade.

Step 5: Yogurt Sauce

This light, refreshing sauce goes wonderfully with the rich "chicken". Obviously if you're not vegan, opt for a regular yogurt.

- 1 cup plain vegan coconut or soy yogurt

- 1 small cucumber, peeled and finely chopped

- A couple sprigs of fresh dill and mint

- Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together and serve alongside or poured over the grilled TVP

Step 6: Serve!

This recipe goes awesome with a fresh caprese salad and naan bread, or even as a burger smothered in some barbecue sauce!

Hope you enjoy and please let me know in the comments if you made it or if you have any questions!

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    7 Comments

    1
    TortillaTortilla
    TortillaTortilla

    4 years ago

    Looks delicious. I would actually suggest substituting vegan bouillon cubes or paste diluted in hot water for the vinegar; there's fake chicken bouillon out there. While you're at it add some maple syrup or brown sugar.

    0
    White Raven Shed
    White Raven Shed

    Reply 4 years ago

    Absolutely! thanks for the suggestion!

    1
    buildandsewandstuff
    buildandsewandstuff

    4 years ago

    Boy, some harsh comments! Anyone who eats GF always reads labels, and will only have GF products and seasonings in their home - I know my niece does. I think it's interesting and it sounds tasty, and I appreciate you sharing a way to make TVP or soy nuggets more palatable. Will the soy "chicken not" nuggets stay on a skewer after they are softened? Thanks for the recipe!

    0
    White Raven Shed
    White Raven Shed

    Reply 4 years ago

    thank you! I was gonna say the same...

    Yes it definitely does stay on, especially if you drain as much of the water out as possible after boiling. Just make sure you boil them for much less time if you're using the smaller chunks...

    0
    Alcareyjr
    Alcareyjr

    4 years ago

    Why call it chicken when you admit in your opening that it doesn't taste like chicken. Why do vegans want to misnamed their food after meat products, then preach how inhumane and unhealthy the average persons died is. Be honest, call it a grilled soy patty.

    0
    andygreyrider
    andygreyrider

    4 years ago

    It's not suitable for Coeliac's, as it has Balsamic Vinegar and Soy Sauce, both of which contain gluten as standard, unless you buy specifically made 'gluten free' products.
    Nevermind, the rest of the ingredients, you have declared GLUTEN-FREE, which it is not!