Vegan Bite Size Tonkatsu

Traditionally, tonkatsu is a Japanese preparation of pork where the cutlet is breaded and deep fried and served on a bed of shredded cabbage.  Using vital wheat gluten, you can achieve a vegan version which is tasty and versatile, as it can be used as an appetizer (as shown below), as an entree, or as part of another dish.  This recipe comes from my friend and chef Pat.

Ingredients

For the tonaksu

• 1C vital wheat gluten
• 1t garlic powder
• 1t onion powder
• 1C warm water
• Breadcrumbs (Italian style or Panko style)

Liquid for boiling

• 4C water
• 1/2C soy sauce

Dipping sauce for serving (optional)

• 1C mayonnaise
• 1/2C prepared mustard
• 1/2C honey

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.  Ensure that the dry ingredients are incorporated.
3. Let the dough rest for five minutes.
4. After five minutes, cut the dough into bite size pieces.  For me, this recipe makes about 40 bite size pieces.
5. In a large pot, combine water and soy sauce.  Bring to a boil.
6. Place the bite size pieces into the boiling mixture.  Cover and return to a boil.
7. Let the bite size pieces simmer for five minutes.  Remove from the water and drain on paper towels.
8. While the pieces are drying, heat a frying pan filled with 1-inch of oil.
9. When cool enough to handle, dip each bite size in the bread crumbs and place in the frying pan.
10. Fry the bite size pieces for 3-4 minutes.
11. Remove from the fryer and drain on paper towels.
12. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and honey.  Mix until well blended.
13. Serve tonkatsu with dipping sauce.

Note:  Vital wheat gluten is available at Publix and Kroger grocery stores as well as most health food stores.