Description
This Vegan Deli Meat is the plant-based version of the Vietnamese Chả Lụa made with vital wheat gluten (seitan), tofu and some local spices. It pairs well with almost anything, or standalone as a snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry
- 120g vital wheat gluten
- 30g tapioca starch (for bounce)
- 1 tbsp mushroom seasoning (or vegan chicken powder)
- 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Wet
- 200g silken or soft tofu
- 80ml cold water or unsweetened soy milk
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
- 1 tsp liquid aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tsp vegan fish sauce (optional but gives umami depth)
Instructions
- Blend the wet mix until smooth with no visible tofu crumbs.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Pour the blended mixture into the bowl. Stir quickly until it forms a dough.
- When the dough is formed, add black peppercorns on top and start kneading with each stroke by gently pressing the dough down and away from you with the heel of your hand. Then lift the edge of the dough that’s farthest away from you and fold the dough in half toward you.
- Repeat folding and pressing until the dough is smooth and elastic and forms a ball. This should take 5 to 7 minutes.
- Use a knife to cut the dough into 2 hand-size pieces. Wrap each piece tightly with 2 pieces of baking paper (first) and 1 piece aluminum foil (second), or with banana leaves like the traditional way (if you could get some). This is to make sure that the water does not get in the logs while steaming.
- Steam the vegan deli meat logs for 45-60 mins.
- Leave it completely cool before unwrapping and slicing.
- Serve with Bánh mì or Sticky rice with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and chili sauce, soy sauce or any savory sauce.
Notes
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and only takes a few minutes to reheat in a microwave.
Rub a thin layer of oil on the baking paper before wrapping to prevent the dough from sticking. This makes it easier to unwrap later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Plant-based Hacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Vietnamese