Lightly-Seasoned VEGAN Beaf Crumble

Lightly-seasoned beaf crumbles are an excellent gluten-based meat alternative for any recipe calling for cooked and crumbled ground beef, such as pasta with “meat” sauce, chili, casseroles, Mexican cuisine, etc. For this application, the seasoned dough is wrapped in foil and steamed until almost completely cooked. The beaf is ground in a food processor, chilled to firm and enhance the texture and then lightly browned in a skillet to complete the cooking process (beaf crumbles are not intended to be used for preparing burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, etc.) Additional seasonings can be added as desired while browning the crumbles in the skillet. This recipe yields about ¾ lb. of lightly-seasoned cooked beaf crumbles (which is roughly equivalent to 1lb. of lean ground beef after cooking).

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Step 1

For steaming, you will need a large cooking pot with a lid and a steamer insert.

Step 2

Add enough water to the pot to just reach the bottom of the steamer insert. Do not overfill or the foil package will be sitting in water.

Step 3

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Combine the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl or measuring cup.

Step 5

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and combine thoroughly with a silicone spatula to form the dough and begin developing the gluten.

Step 6

Knead the dough in the bowl until elastic, about 1 minute.

Step 7

Shape the dough into a compact flattened slab and wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Be sure the package is tightly sealed.

Step 8

Steam the package over high heat for 45 minutes.

Step 9

Remove to cool for 30 minutes or until the package can be handled comfortably. Please note that the beaf will be fully cooked around the exterior but slightly undercooked in the center. This is normal.

Step 10

Cut the beaf into chunks and grind in a food processor with a standard chopping blade to the desired texture.

Step 11

Place in a food storage bag and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Chilling is necessary to firm and enhance the beaf texture.

Step 12

Add the oil to a skillet and place over medium heat; sauté the onion until tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 13

Add the minced garlic and any optional herbs and spices of your choosing and sauté an additional minute.

Step 14

Add the ground beaf, mix well and cook, stirring frequently until the crumbles are lightly browned. Season the crumbles with salt and pepper to taste. Use in your favorite recipe as desired.