This is a great recipe if you are just switching from a meat-based to a plant-based diet.

 The pulled "meat" in this sandwich are soy curls, which are made from whole soybeans.  They themselves are not very flavorful (like tofu) but they take on flavors beautifully and the texture is so meat-like that people often don't believe that they are not eating meat!

But really, can anything dripping in delicious bbq sauce ever be bad?

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz. Soy Curls
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tsp. Canola oil
• 2 slices Bread (or hamburger bun)

{ Barbecue Sauce }

• 1 1/2 C. Ketchup
• 1/2  C.  Apple cider vinegar
• 5 T. Sugar (granulated)
• 5-6 T. Maple syrup ( I use "B" grade)
• 1 T. Blackstrap molasses
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Onion powder
• 1/2- 1 tsp. Pepper (ground)
• 1 T. Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
• 1 tsp. Mustard (yellow)
• 1- 2 tsp. Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt to taste

{ Coleslaw }

Recipe here.

directions:

Prepare coleslaw according to recipe above.

In a medium sauce pan, add all the ingredients to the barbecue sauce and bring mixture to a boil.  Once sauce has come to a bubble, set heat to low and let simmer 20-30 minutes.  Check the sauce for seasoning and adjust if needed.

Soy curls come dehydrated in the package, but are easily re-hydrated by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes.  I added  a bit of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the water to let them marinade a little bit, but for this recipe that has such a strongly flavored sauce, I'm not sure it is necessary.

After 10 minutes, drain the curls and pat dry a bit.  In a large frying pan, add 2 teaspoons of oil and let warm on medium-high heat.  When pan is hot, add the curls and old bay seasoning and stir fry until they turn slightly golden brown.  If you curls are sticking to the pan, either add more oil, or (what I do is) just add some water to get them unstuck.

 If you have added water, let it evaporate, then add most of the pot of barbecue sauce          (save a bit to add to the top of sandwiches).  Let the curls cook together with the sauce 2 to 3 minutes and remove from heat.

Whether I'm using bread or a bun, I like it toasted, but you know, you do you boo.  

Add your barbecue curls and coleslaw, if you are feeling especially saucy, add some avocado too.  Add a little more sauce, and you are good. to. go.

Are you ready to put this vegan fake-out meal to the test?  If you do, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.  I hope you enjoy!

{ debbie }