How to Prepare Delicious Vegan Oxtails: A Simple and Savory Recipe

Guess what? Vegan oxtails are officially a thing, and they taste just like the real deal – seriously mind-blowing! And here's the kicker: they're so good that your meat-loving friends might even consider jumping on the vegan train! 🌱✨

Creating vegan oxtails involves using plant-based ingredients to replicate the flavors and textures of traditional oxtails. Here's a recipe for Vegan Oxtails:

Ingredients:

For the Vegan Oxtails:

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten (seitan)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth

For the Cooking Broth:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Vegan Oxtails:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

2. Gradually add the vegetable broth to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously, until a dough forms.

3. Gently knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

4. Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into oxtail-like pieces.

5. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shaped oxtails and simmer for 30 minutes. This helps set the shape.

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. In a baking dish, place the partially cooked oxtails.

Tip:

Marinating the Seitan: Marinate the seitan (vital wheat gluten) in a flavorful mixture before shaping and cooking. Use a blend of soy sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices to infuse extra taste.

Herb and Spice Blend: Experiment with various herbs and spices to create a unique blend for the seitan. Consider using thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, or any herbs that complement the rich, savory flavors.

Liquid Smoke (Optional): Add a touch of liquid smoke to the seitan mixture for a smoky undertone, enhancing the oxtail's complexity.

Serving Sauces: Pair your vegan oxtails with flavorful sauces like a tangy barbecue sauce, mushroom gravy, or a savory tomato-based sauce to add an extra layer of taste.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the vegan oxtails over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious broth.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or green onions on top to add a burst of freshness.

Preparing the Cooking Broth:

1. In a separate pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

2. Add vegetable broth, bay leaves, tomato paste, soy sauce or tamari, liquid smoke (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

3. Pour the hot broth over the oxtails in the baking dish.

4. Place aluminum foil over the dish and bake for 45 minutes

5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden and the oxtails have absorbed some of the broth.

Tip:

Double-Flavor in the Broth: Intensify the flavor of the cooking broth by letting it simmer longer or preparing it ahead of time to allow the ingredients to meld. This rich broth will contribute to the overall taste.

Umami Boosters: Add umami-rich ingredients like dried mushrooms, miso paste, or soy sauce to the cooking broth. These elements enhance the savory profile of the oxtails.

Balanced Seasoning: Ensure a well-balanced seasoning in the seitan mixture. Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.

Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capers to the cooking broth for additional flavor complexity.

Serve your vegan oxtails over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and meaty texture without the use of animal products!

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