Mock Chicken Fried Steak: A Deliciously Vegan Southern Comfort Food

Craving that classic Southern comfort food, chicken fried steak, but living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle? Look no further! This mock chicken fried steak recipe delivers all the crispy, savory goodness you remember, without any actual chicken. We’ll be using seitan, a protein-rich wheat gluten, to create a hearty and satisfying steak alternative that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone, vegan or not, coming back for seconds!

This recipe focuses on creating a truly authentic texture and flavor, mimicking the traditional dish as closely as possible. We’ll achieve this through a combination of carefully chosen ingredients, a precise breading technique, and proper frying. Prepare to be amazed by the results!

## Why Seitan? The Star of Our Mock Chicken Fried Steak

Seitan is the key ingredient that makes this recipe work. It’s made from wheat gluten, giving it a chewy, meaty texture that perfectly mimics the feel of chicken or beef. Unlike tofu or tempeh, seitan can withstand high-heat cooking without becoming mushy, making it ideal for frying. Plus, it’s a blank canvas for flavor, readily absorbing the seasonings and spices we’ll use to create that signature chicken fried steak taste.

If you’ve never worked with seitan before, don’t be intimidated! It’s readily available in most grocery stores (often in the refrigerated section near tofu or tempeh) and online. You can even make your own seitan from scratch, though that’s a project for another day! For this recipe, we’ll use pre-made seitan to keep things simple.

## Ingredients: Gathering Your Vegan Southern Staples

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This list is broken down into sections for the seitan preparation, breading, and gravy.

**For the Seitan Steaks:**

* 1 pound seitan, drained and patted dry
* 1 cup vegetable broth
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)

**For the Breading:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a large skillet about 1/2 inch deep)

**For the Creamy Vegan Gravy:**

* 2 tablespoons vegan butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
* 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
* 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)

## Equipment: Tools You’ll Need

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Two shallow dishes or plates for breading
* Tongs
* Paper towels or a wire rack
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Mock Chicken Fried Steak Masterpiece

Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create the most delicious mock chicken fried steak you’ve ever tasted.

**Step 1: Prepare the Seitan Steaks**

1. **Slice the Seitan:** Using a sharp knife, slice the seitan into approximately 1/2-inch thick steaks. The goal is to mimic the size and shape of a traditional chicken fried steak.
2. **Pound the Steaks:** Place each seitan steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the steaks to flatten them slightly. This helps tenderize the seitan and gives it a more authentic texture. Be careful not to pound them too thin, as they can tear easily.
3. **Marinate the Steaks (Optional but Recommended):** In a shallow dish, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and vegan Worcestershire sauce (if using). Place the seitan steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This step infuses the seitan with flavor and helps to tenderize it further. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the marinade really elevates the final result.

**Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. **Prepare Wet Ingredients:** In the second shallow dish, whisk together the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. The apple cider vinegar helps to curdle the milk slightly, creating a buttermilk-like consistency that aids in browning. The cornstarch helps the breading adhere to the seitan.

**Step 3: Breading the Seitan Steaks**

1. **Dredge in Flour:** Remove a seitan steak from the marinade (if using), allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides. Press the flour into the seitan to help it adhere.
2. **Dip in Wet Mixture:** Dip the floured steak into the plant-based milk mixture, again ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess wet mixture to drip off.
3. **Double Dredge in Flour:** Return the steak to the flour mixture and dredge again, making sure it is completely coated in flour. This double dredging is key to creating a thick, crispy crust. Gently press the flour into the seitan to ensure it adheres well.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat this breading process with the remaining seitan steaks.

**Step 4: Frying the Mock Chicken Fried Steaks**

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan, enough to fill it about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil; it should sizzle and brown quickly.
2. **Fry the Steaks:** Carefully place the breaded seitan steaks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the steaks and ensure even cooking.
3. **Drain on Paper Towels:** Once the steaks are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This helps to keep the crust crispy.

**Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Vegan Gravy**

1. **Melt the Vegan Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
2. **Whisk in Flour:** Whisk in the flour (or gluten-free blend) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the gravy. Be careful not to burn the roux.
3. **Slowly Add Milk:** Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk, a little at a time, ensuring that no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
5. **Season and Flavor:** Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), and nutritional yeast (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Plate the Steaks:** Place the mock chicken fried steaks on plates.
2. **Smother in Gravy:** Generously smother the steaks with the creamy vegan gravy.
3. **Serve with Sides:** Serve immediately with your favorite Southern-inspired sides, such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, biscuits, or corn on the cob.

## Tips and Variations: Making it Your Own

* **Gluten-Free Option:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the breading and the gravy. Ensure that your soy sauce is also gluten-free (tamari).
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little extra heat.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breading and gravy, such as thyme, sage, or rosemary.
* **Make it Ahead:** The seitan steaks can be breaded ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the breaded seitan steaks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded steaks with cooking spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
* **Mushroom Gravy:** For a different flavor profile, try making a mushroom gravy instead of the creamy vegan gravy. Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and garlic, then add vegetable broth and flour to create a thick and flavorful gravy.

## Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Southern Feast

This mock chicken fried steak is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some classic Southern sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the crispy steak and gravy.
* **Collard Greens:** Braised collard greens add a touch of bitterness and Southern flavor.
* **Biscuits:** Fluffy, homemade biscuits are a must-have for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a refreshing side dish.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A classic Southern comfort food, mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A holiday favorite that also pairs well with chicken fried steak.

## Nutritional Information: A Healthier Take on Comfort Food

While this mock chicken fried steak is still a relatively indulgent dish, it’s significantly healthier than its traditional counterpart. Seitan is a good source of protein and is lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken or beef. Using plant-based milk and vegan butter also reduces the saturated fat content. Of course, the nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a general estimate per serving (excluding sides):

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion: A Vegan Twist on a Southern Classic

This mock chicken fried steak recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic Southern comfort food without any animal products. The seitan provides a hearty and meaty texture, while the crispy breading and creamy gravy deliver all the flavors you love. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken fried steak, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a vegan masterpiece that will have everyone saying, “Yeehaw!”

Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of this mock chicken fried steak! It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need meat to enjoy classic comfort food. This recipe proves that vegan cooking can be just as flavorful, satisfying, and downright delicious as any traditional dish. So, the next time you’re craving something comforting and familiar, give this recipe a try. You might just be surprised at how much you love it!