Vegan Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe - Easy & Delicious (2024)

Enjoy the classic flavors of sweet and sour chicken in this vegan rendition, featuring soy curls that perfectly mimic the texture of chicken, all smothered in a homemade sweet and sour sauce.

This vegan sweet and sour chicken recipe offers a fantastic blend of crispy textures, umami depth, and the classic sweet-and-sour flavor. Using soy curls to mimic the texture of chicken, it proves that plant-based ingredients can create dishes just as satisfying as their traditional counterparts. Inspired by the popular “No Name” dish at Grasshopper in Allston, MA, this version brings the flavors of Chinese takeout into your kitchen in a fun and accessible way.

It’s designed for anyone looking to mix up their meal routine with something new yet familiar. The combination of ingredients and the cooking process not only produces a dish that’s enjoyable to make but also one that encourages seconds. Whether you’re well-versed in vegan cooking or just experimenting with plant-based meals, this recipe is fairly straightforward, delicious, and sure to be a hit. If you love soy curls, be sure to check out our Vegan Mongolian Beef, New England Vegan Clam Chowder, Curried Soy Curls, and Vegan Tom Kha Soup.

This dish is a celebration of what vegan cooking can be: simple, flavorful, and a little adventurous. It invites you to dive into the world of plant-based cuisine without leaving behind the tastes you know and love.

Our Vegan Crab Rangoon, Vegan Egg Drop Soup, and Sweet and Sticky Cashew Tofu would all be great vegan Chinese takeout recipes to accompany this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Plant-Based Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This battered vegan sweet and sour chicken delivers the perfect texture, utilizing soy curls as a great plant-based alternative to chicken. It’s a crispy, satisfying twist on a classic! Here are more reasons you’ll love it:

• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Chinese Takeout Quality: Achieve the genuine taste and texture of your favorite Chinese takeout with this homemade version.
• Flexible with Vegetables: The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to use whichever vegetables you prefer or have available.
• Fun to Make: The process is as enjoyable as it is delicious, making for a nice cooking experience.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap soy sauce for tamari to easily make this dish gluten-free.

What Are Soy Curls?

Soy curls are a remarkably versatile and nutritious plant-based protein option. They begin as whole soybeans, which are then cooked, pressed to reduce their fat content, and finally dried into curls. This process yields a product with a unique ability to absorb flavors, making soy curls an invaluable ingredient in the culinary toolkit of those exploring plant-based cooking.

Upon rehydration, soy curls expand, adopting a texture strikingly similar to shredded chicken, yet they remain completely plant-based. They are the best mock chicken for stir-fries!

This characteristic allows them to seamlessly integrate into a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to vibrant stir-fries, adapting effortlessly to the dish they find themselves in. Crafted from nothing but soybeans, without the addition of any chemicals or preservatives, soy curls are a simple and wholesome ingredient.

Key Ingredients For This Easy Vegan Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This sweet and sour mock chicken dish starts with soy curls, a delicious sauce, and fresh vegetables. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and what they do in the recipe!

• Soy Curls: The star of the dish, soy curls chicken replicate the texture of chicken, absorbing flavors well and providing a satisfying bite.
• Vegan Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a rich, savory foundation that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic quality that is essential in creating the base of many savory dishes, including this one.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts a nutty, toasty flavor that adds a layer of complexity to both the sauce and the overall dish.
• Soy Sauce (or tamari to make it gluten-free): Offers the salty, umami flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidity, brightening the dish and balancing the sweetness and heat.
• Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick, adding heat that can be adjusted to personal preference.
• Fresh Ginger: Contributes a distinctive spicy-sweet flavor that complements the heat from the sriracha and the tanginess from the vinegar.
• Raw Agave: Acts as a natural sweetener, rounding out the flavors with its mild, neutral sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the soy curls and to thicken the sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch, becoming a foundational flavor in the stir-fry.
• Kale: Add a nice pop of green to the dish. Feel free to swap it out with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas).
• Mushrooms: Offer an earthy flavor and meaty texture, enhancing the umami qualities of the dish.
• Cashews: These offer a nice creamy crunch when added to the final dish.
• Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor with a fresh, crisp finish, adding both color and taste.
• Ener-G: A vegan egg replacer that helps create the perfect crispy coating. It allows the soy curls to become crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside, without becoming overly greasy.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, it gives the soy curls a crispy exterior, crucial for mimicking the texture of fried chicken.

How To Make This Mock Chicken Recipe

Making this recipe involves a few steps, but it’s a relatively straightforward process. To make this recipe, you’ll follow this basic flow:

Step One: Prepare the Soy Curls
Begin by rehydrating the soy curls in a vegan chicken broth that’s been heated with smashed garlic cloves. This not only infuses the soy curls with a savory depth but also softens them to mimic the texture of chicken. After soaking, press them between towels to remove excess moisture, preparing them for frying.

Step Two: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
Combine the reserved broth (from the soy curls) with sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version), rice vinegar, sriracha, grated fresh ginger, and raw agave in a saucepan. Simmer until the flavors meld. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry to coat the soy curls evenly after they are fried.

Step Three: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In a separate pan, lightly fry your choice of vegetables—like kale, onions, and mushrooms—until they’re just tender. This step adds a crunch and nutritional boost to the dish. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available (find a handy list below).

Step Four: Fry the Soy Curls
Dip the prepared soy curls first in an Ener-G and water mixture, then coat them in cornstarch. Fry in hot vegetable oil until they’re crispy and golden. This ensures the exterior is crunchy while the inside remains tender.

Step Five: Combine and Serve
Toss the fried soy curls in the sweet and sour sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Serve the saucy soy curls over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and cashews for a fresh touch.

Helpful Recipe Tips

Before we get into how to make this vegan sweet and sour chicken recipe, let’s go over some tips to ensure your cooking experience is as smooth as possible.

• Prep the Soy Curls Properly: Make sure to soak the soy curls in hot vegan chicken broth to fully rehydrate them before pressing out the excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to experiment with the sauce ingredients. If you prefer it sweeter, add more agave; for more tang, increase the vinegar. Remember, the best part of homemade sauce is making it your own!
• Use a Thermometer for Oil Temperature: To ensure the soy curls fry to perfection, keep the oil at a consistent temperature, ideally around 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer can be your best friend here.
• Use the Chopstick Test: You can also preheat the oil for about 7 minutes, then test its readiness by inserting a chopstick so it touches the bottom of the pot. If bubbles form around the chopstick, it’s fry time.
• Experiment with Vegetables: This recipe is versatile. Whether you have kale, broccoli, or baby corn, use what you love or what’s in season. The more colorful, the better!
• Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding and ensure each piece of soy curl gets crispy, fry in small batches. This also helps maintain the oil’s temperature.

How To Serve This Recipe

Serving this vegan sweet and sour chicken is not only about taste but also presentation and pairing. Here are some suggestions to make the most out of this delicious recipe:

On a Bed of Rice or Noodles: The classic way to enjoy this dish is over a steaming bed of jasmine rice or tender noodles. These bases provide a neutral background that complements the bold flavors of the sweet and sour sauce and the crispy texture of the soy curls.

With a Side of Steamed Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. This adds color, nutrition, and freshness to balance the rich flavors of the main dish. Find a handy list of suggestions below!

Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime over the top before serving. These garnishes add a burst of color, texture, and a fresh flavor contrast to the deep, savory elements of the sweet and sour chicken.

As Part of a Larger Spread: This dish shines when served as part of a larger Chinese-themed dinner spread. Include options like our Vegan Crab Rangoon, Vegan Egg Drop Soup, Sweet and Sticky Cashew Tofu, spring rolls, or egg rolls.

How To Vary This Recipe

Stir-fries are a staple in many cuisines, known for their versatility and the vibrant array of vegetables that can be used. Whether you’re aiming for a crunchy texture, a pop of color, or an added nutritional boost, incorporating a variety of fresh and canned vegetables can easily vary this dish. Here’s a list of vegetables, both fresh and canned, that you can use in this stir-fry:

How to Use This List:

When preparing a stir-fry, consider a mix of colors, textures, and flavors from the list below to create a balanced and visually appealing dish. Remember, the key to a great stir-fry is quick cooking over high heat, so cut your vegetables accordingly—into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and retain their texture. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix.

Fresh Vegetables:

• Bean Sprouts: Offer a crunchy, fresh element.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green peppers add sweetness and color.
• Bok Choy: Contributes a leafy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
• Broccoli: Offers a crunchy texture and is rich in vitamins.
• Carrots: Bring a sweet flavor and vibrant orange hue.
• Kale: Adds a hearty, leafy component.
• Mushrooms: Varieties like shiitake, button, and oyster provide umami.
• Onions & Green Onions: Offer a sharp or mild bite, depending on how they’re cooked.
• Snow Peas & Snap Peas: Add a sweet crunch and bright green color.

Canned Vegetables:

• Baby Corn: Delivers a sweet taste and crunchy texture.
• Bamboo Shoots: Provide a mild flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Water Chestnuts: Known for their ability to stay crisp, adding a refreshing crunch.

How To Store Leftovers

Given the crispiness of the fried soy curls in this vegan sweet and sour chicken, it’s truly at its best when enjoyed fresh. The textures and flavors are most vibrant and satisfying straight from the stove. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to handle them:

Storage Tips

A Note About Leftovers

While the reheated dish won’t exactly mimic the fresh experience, it can still be enjoyable. To creatively use the leftovers, repurposing them might be the way to go. Chopping them up and adding them to a stir-fry or incorporating them into a veggie wrap with some fresh greens can breathe new life into the dish, making it a tasty and efficient use of leftovers.

While this vegan sweet and sour chicken shines brightest when served fresh, with a little creativity, leftovers can still provide good leftovers.

FAQs

This post was last updated on February 19, 2024.