Kaofu Croutons (Chinese Wheat Gluten) - Vegan Chicharrones
These crunchy croutons are made from kaofu (Chinese wheat gluten). High in protein and keto-friendly, kaofu croutons are easy to make and taste like chicharrones!
Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces dehydrated wheat gluten (kaofu)
- 4 tbsp avocado oil or other neutral or flavoured oil
- smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Soak the dehydrated kaofu wheat gluten in hot or warm water, or according to package instructions.
- Once rehydrated and soft (this will take between 5-15 minutes depending on size of the kaofu gluten pieces and water temperature), discard the soaking water and rinse the kaofu gluten pieces 2-3 times.
- Squeeze out excess water from the kaofu gluten pieces and slice into thin (1 cm) slices.
- Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Fry the kaofu gluten slices in hot oil, flipping as needed, until both sides are golden and hard.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika or other seasoning (if desired).
- Enjoy!
Video
@hellenshouse Kaofu is high in protein and becomes so crunchy when fried! Full recipes for kaofu crouton and spicy kabocha soup are on my website: https://hellenshouse.com #proteinhack #veganprotein #chicharrones #croutons #kaofu #seitan #healthyrecipes
♬ original sound - Hellen Chan
Notes
To prevent sputtering, make sure all excess water is squeezed out from the rehydrated kaofu gluten pieces. Alternatively, pat dry with a paper towel before frying in oil.
For a flavour boost, fry sliced garlic in avocado oil before frying the kaofu gluten slices or fry kaofu gluten slices using flavoured oil. Some ideas include garlic oil, scallion oil, or chilli oil - but please note that smoke point for oils vary.