Nut-free, Soy-free option
For this alternative to fried chicken, we use Steamed Seitan—it has a chewy, meatlike texture, making it perfect for vegan fried chicken. The seitan is battered and fried to crispy perfection.
Seitan Fried Chicken Nuggets with Sweet BBQ Dipping Sauce is a mouthwatering and indulgent vegan treat that captures the flavors and textures of classic fried chicken nuggets. These golden, crispy nuggets are made from seitan, a protein-rich meat substitute that provides a satisfyingly meaty bite.
The preparation starts with creating a flavorful flour and panko breadcrumb coating infused with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This coating ensures the nuggets have a crunchy exterior when deep-fried to perfection.
The accompanying Sweet BBQ Dipping Sauce is a delightful combination of creamy vegan mayo, tangy Dijon mustard, rich BBQ sauce, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s a perfect complement to the savory and crispy nuggets, providing a burst of contrasting flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to enjoy a tasty meatless meal, Seitan Fried Chicken Nuggets with Sweet BBQ Dipping Sauce offers a satisfying and flavorful dining experience that’s sure to become a favorite snack or party appetizer.
PREP TIME: 20 minutes, plus prep time for Steamed Seitan
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
YIELD: 30 nuggets
INGREDIENTS:
Sweet BBQ Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup (113 g) vegan Mayo (soy-free if needed)
- ¼ cup (60 g) Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (72 g) vegan BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup or agave
Flour Coating
- ½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ¼ tsp salt
Panko Coating
- ½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (30 g) vegan panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Fried Seitan
- Canola oil
- 1 batch Steamed Seitan, chopped into about 30 bite-sized pieces (soy-free if needed)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, vegan BBQ sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Prepare the Flour Coating and Panko Coating:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the flour mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the panko coating ingredients.
- Coat and Fry the Seitan:
- Pour 2 inches (5 cm) of canola oil into a deep saucepan or pot, or use a deep fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
- For each piece of seitan, dip it into the flour coating, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it with the panko coating.
- Carefully place the coated seitan pieces in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 6 minutes, or until crispy, flipping the pieces halfway through.
- Remove the fried seitan from the oil and place it on a large plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy seitan bites warm with the sweet BBQ dipping sauce on the side.
