BBQ Seitan Sandwich

Nut-free, Soy-free option 

These sandwiches combine BBQ sauce–smothered seitan with homemade Coleslaw. They’re easy to prepare, so not only are they perfect for weekend gatherings or barbecues, they’re great for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal for the whole family. Serve them with Macaroni Salad and extra coleslaw on the side.

The BBQ Seitan Sandwich is a mouthwatering vegan delight that’s packed with flavor and texture. It starts with slices of simmered seitan, a protein-packed meat substitute known for its chewy and satisfying texture. These seitan slices are then sautéed to perfection in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce, giving them a wonderful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The seitan becomes crispy on the outside, adding a delightful crunch to the sandwich.

To complement the BBQ seitan, this sandwich is typically served on soft vegan burger buns, providing a perfect balance of textures. The crowning glory of this dish is the creamy coleslaw, which adds a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast to the smoky seitan. Together, the barbecue seitan, fresh coleslaw, and soft buns create a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that make this sandwich a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based alternatives, the BBQ Seitan Sandwich is a must-try. It’s a testament to how creative and delicious vegan cuisine can be, offering a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that’s sure to leave your taste buds singing with delight.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus prep time for Simmered Seitan and Coleslaw

COOK TIME: 6 minutes

YIELD: 6 burgers

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 batch Simmered Seitan (soy-free if needed)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegan BBQ sauce, divided, plus more if desired
• 6 vegan burger buns
• 1 batch Coleslaw (soy-free if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice the seitan into about 24 thin slices.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Place the seitan slices in the pan and evenly spread ½ cup (120 ml) of BBQ sauce over the slices (depending on the size of the pan, you may need to do this in batches, adding more oil as needed).
4. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottoms are crispy, then flip and evenly spread the other ½ cup (120 ml) of BBQ sauce over the slices.
5. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the seitan is crispy.
6. Serve each burger by topping each bun with about four slices of seitan, your desired amount of coleslaw, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, if desired.

TIPS:

1. Choose High-Quality Seitan: Start with a good-quality seitan or make your own using a trusted recipe. Quality seitan ensures a satisfying meaty texture for your sandwich.
2. Sauté to Crispy Perfection: Sauté the seitan slices until they become crispy on the outside. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.
3. Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Select a barbecue sauce that you love, whether it’s smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy. You can even experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match.
4. Coleslaw Freshness: Prepare the coleslaw just before assembling the sandwich to keep it fresh and crisp. The creamy coleslaw balances the smokiness of the BBQ seitan.
5. Adjust BBQ Sauce to Taste: Feel free to drizzle extra BBQ sauce on your sandwich if you like it saucy. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
6. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the vegan burger buns before assembling the sandwich. This step adds a pleasant contrast in texture.
7. Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or avocado to personalize your BBQ Seitan Sandwich.
8. Serve with Sides: Consider pairing your sandwich with vegan sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete meal.
9. Double the Batch: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, double the batch of seitan and BBQ sauce. The sandwich components can be stored separately for easy reheating and assembly.
10. Enjoy Fresh: BBQ Seitan Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also pack them for picnics or lunches. Just store the components separately to prevent sogginess.