Smoked Faux Brisket

Ingredients:

  • 1 large seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute of your choice (about 2 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegan)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Wood chips for smoking (fruitwood, apple, cherry, or other preferred wood)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to make the marinade.
  2. Place the seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is coated evenly with the marinade. Cover or seal the dish/bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat.
  3. Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and preheat it to a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes prior to smoking.
  4. Remove the marinated seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the smoker is preheating.
  5. Drain the wood chips and add them to the smoker’s wood chip tray or smoker box, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  6. Place the seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute on the smoker’s grate, away from direct heat if using a charcoal or wood-fired smoker. If using an electric or gas smoker, place a drip pan underneath to catch any drips.
  7. Close the smoker and let the seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute smoke for about 2-3 hours at 225°F (107°C).
  8. Once the desired result is reached, remove the seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute from the smoker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice the smoked vegan brisket against the grain into thin slices for serving. You can serve it as is or brush it with additional marinade or BBQ sauce for extra flavour.
  10. Serve the smoked vegan brisket with your favourite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, and enjoy the deliciously smoky, plant-based flavours!

Note: Smoking times may vary depending on the type of smoker and the thickness of the seitan roast or plant-based meat substitute. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches a safe temperature for consumption. Adjust smoking times accordingly to achieve the desired level of smokiness and tenderness.