How to Make Vegetarian Chicken Strips

A vegetarian diet offers many benefits for your health and the environment, but sometimes you miss certain comfort foods -- or even junk food! Plenty of readymade meat substitutes can be found in the freezer case at the grocery store, but these can be expensive, and sometimes the flavor or texture can be a little lacking. Here's a recipe for making vegetarian "chicken" strips from scratch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 package (8 ounces) seitan
• 1/4 cup all purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• Oil for frying
• Knife
• Shallow bowl or dish
• Fork or whisk
• 2 plates
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Paper towel or clean tea towel

How to Make Vegetarian Chicken Strips

1. Drain seitan and pat dry. Slice into strips or tear into nugget shapes. Set aside.

2. Break the egg into the bowl and beat lightly. On one plate, spread out the flour. On another plate, mix together the breadcrumbs, chili powder and garlic salt. The chili powder can be adjusted depending on how hot you want your vegetarian chicken strips. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings, too. Add cumin for a sweet, savory heat, or try substituting curry powder for the chili powder. Instead of chili powder, season your chicken strips with dried basil and oregano for an Italian flair. The possibilities are endless -- use your imagination!

3. Take each piece of seitan and dredge it in flour, dusting off any excess. Dip the floured seitan in the beaten egg, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure you press the breadcrumbs into every moist spot on the seitan, so that it will be nice and crispy when you're done.

4. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded seitan in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, turning often to prevent from burning.

5. Drain on a paper towel or tea towel and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Barbeque sauce is a popular choice, as is ranch dressing or a blend of honey and Dijon mustard.

Tips & Warnings

• These vegetarian chicken strips are more than just yummy finger food! Try them on a sandwich with mayo, lettuce and tomato, or use them to top pasta dishes.

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