Satisfy your cravings: discover the best vegan honey chicken recipe that will make you forget the original
What To Know
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the soy sauce and fry the chicken strips until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken strips to a serving dish and pour the honey sauce over them.
- Reheat the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Craving the delectable flavors of honey chicken without compromising your vegan lifestyle? Look no further than this tantalizing vegan honey chicken recipe. With its crispy coating, sticky-sweet sauce, and tender plant-based chicken, this dish will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your values.
Ingredients:
For the Vegan Chicken:
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegan honey (such as agave nectar or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
Making the Vegan Chicken:
1. In a large bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Gradually add the vegetable broth while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Divide the dough into bite-sized pieces and shape them into chicken strips.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, add the soy sauce and fry the chicken strips until golden brown.
Preparing the Honey Sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the vegan honey, soy sauce, vegetable broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Coating and Frying the Chicken:
1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the fried chicken strips into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully drop the chicken strips into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Assembling the Vegan Honey Chicken:
1. Drain the fried chicken strips on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Transfer the chicken strips to a serving dish and pour the honey sauce over them.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
Tips:
- For a chewier texture, knead the dough for longer.
- Adjust the sweetness of the honey sauce by adding more or less vegan honey.
- Serve the vegan honey chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour or plum sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Benefits of Vegan Honey Chicken:
- Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe provides a healthy and compassionate alternative to traditional honey chicken.
- Nutrient-Rich: Vegan honey chicken contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the plant-based ingredients.
- Low in Cholesterol: Unlike animal-based chicken, vegan honey chicken is cholesterol-free.
- Suitable for Various Diets: This recipe is gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Questions You May Have
1. What can I use instead of vital wheat gluten?
- Seitan or tofu can be used as substitutes for vital wheat gluten.
2. Can I use regular honey instead of vegan honey?
- No, regular honey is not vegan as it is produced by bees.
3. How do I make the chicken strips crispy?
- Double-coating the chicken strips in flour and frying them in hot oil ensures maximum crispiness.
4. What can I serve with vegan honey chicken?
- Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables complement vegan honey chicken well.
5. Can I freeze vegan honey chicken?
- Yes, fried vegan honey chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
6. How do I reheat vegan honey chicken?
- Reheat the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use certified gluten-free flour and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
8. Is this recipe suitable for children?
- Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
9. What are the health benefits of vegan honey chicken?
- This recipe is low in cholesterol, high in protein, and provides essential vitamins and minerals from the plant-based ingredients.
10. Can I use a different type of plant-based milk in the sauce?
- Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of vegetable broth in the honey sauce.