If you love the sweet, savoury and sticky flavours of classic char siu, this vegan version is one you'll want to make on repeat. Made with homemade seitan, it's packed with protein, beautifully caramelized around the edges and coated in a rich char siu glaze that's perfect for rice bowls, noodles, bao buns or lettuce wraps. While it does take a little time to prepare, most of it is hands-off, making it a great recipe for meal prep. One batch keeps well in the fridge, so you'll have a delicious high-protein option ready for lunches and dinners all week.
Why You'll Love This Recipe

Budget-friendly compared to store-bought meat alternatives

50 g of plant-based protein per serving

Chewy, meaty texture with crispy caramelized edges

Sweet, savoury and sticky homemade char siu glaze

Perfect for meal prep

Freezer friendly

Great in rice bowls, stir-fries, noodles, bao buns or wraps

Nutritional Benefits

As a dietitian, I love recipes that are both satisfying and nourishing, and this vegan char siu checks both boxes.

Each serving provides approximately 50 grams of plant-based protein, making it an excellent option for supporting muscle maintenance, recovery and keeping you feeling full between meals. Protein-rich meals can also help promote satiety, making them a satisfying addition to a balanced eating pattern.

Homemade seitan is naturally low in saturated fat and contains very little sugar, despite the sticky glaze. Pairing it with vegetables and whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa adds fibre, vitamins and minerals to create a well-rounded meal.

Making char siu at home also gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to reduce sodium and added sugars compared to many restaurant and takeout versions while still enjoying the same bold flavours.

For an even more nutrient-dense meal, serve it alongside colourful vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, bell peppers or cabbage. These vegetables provide fibre, vitamin C, folate and antioxidants that support overall health.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 5

Description

Tender, chewy homemade seitan with caramelized edges, coated in a glossy, sweet and savoury char siu glaze. This high-protein vegan version captures the classic flavours of Chinese BBQ and is perfect for meal prep and delicious served with rice, noodles, steamed greens or tucked into bao buns.

Ingredients

Seitan

540 mL canned cannellini beans with liquid
2 tbsp soy sauce
2/3 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp miso paste
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
2 cups vital wheat gluten

Marinade

2 cup vegetable broth
1.5 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp five spice powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 slices fresh ginger

Sticky Char Siu Glaze

3 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetarian hoisin sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 slices of fresh ginger
1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sambal oelek
1/2 tsp chinese five spice powder
1 tsp beet powder (optional, for classic char siu red colour)
1/2 cup water

Instructions

1
Add the cannellini beans (including the liquid), soy sauce, vegetable broth, sesame oil, miso paste, nutritional yeast, white pepper, and hing to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
2
Transfer the vital wheat gluten to a large mixing bowl. Pour the blended bean mixture over the gluten and mix with your hands until a dough forms. Knead and gently stretch the dough for about 1 minute, just until smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as this will result in a denser texture.
3
Shape the dough into a long rectangle and set aside in a container while you prepare the marinade.
4
To make the marinade, combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
5
Carefully add the seitan to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes. Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, as boiling can make the seitan dense and chewy. The seitan will absorb majority of the liquid.
6
While the seitan is simmering, whisk together all of the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
7
Transfer the cooked seitan to a cutting board and slice it into strips, then cut each strip into 2-3 inch pieces.
8
Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seitan in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly caramelized. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
9
Return all of the seitan to the skillet and pour the glaze over top. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
10
Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. For a saucier char siu, cook for about 3 minutes. For a stickier, more caramelized finish, continue cooking until most of the glaze has been absorbed. Be sure to remove the ginger pieces before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

11
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Bok choy
- Chinese broccoli
- Stir-fried broccoli
- Rice noodles
- Bao buns
- Lettuce wraps
- Pickled cucumber
- Pickled carrots
- Sesame seeds for garnish

Storage

12
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until heated through and lightly crisp again.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 5

Amount Per Serving
Calories 488kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.4g9%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Total Carbohydrate 67g23%
Dietary Fiber 8g32%
Sugars 22g
Protein 50g100%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Vegan Char Siu

Nutritional Benefits

Nutrition Facts