The Ultimate Vegan Wings Recipe with Seitan and Jackfruit
If you’ve been craving vegan wings that truly deliver on texture and flavor, you’re in the right place. These homemade vegan wings combine the chewy, protein-rich goodness of seitan with the juicy, tender quality of shredded jackfruit for the ultimate meat-free bite.
Whether you prefer spicy buffalo or sweet agave garlic sauce, these wings are perfect for any occasion — from game day snacks to backyard barbecues or cozy dinners. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and flexible cooking methods.
Why this recipe works for perfect vegan wings
The magic behind these vegan wings lies in the unique combination of seitan and jackfruit. Seitan, made primarily from vital wheat gluten, offers the chewy, elastic texture that mimics chicken wings, making it the ideal base.
On its own, seitan can taste bland or wheaty, which is why a blend of flavorful spices is essential. Jackfruit contributes a natural, tender juiciness that balances the chewiness, creating a wing that’s moist and satisfying.
This duo not only replicates the mouthfeel of traditional wings but also boosts protein content, making the dish both delicious and nourishing, a quality that food science reviews have highlighted.
Ingredients you’ll need and why
To craft these vegan wings, you’ll need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s the lowdown:
- Vital wheat gluten: The key protein that forms chewy seitan, providing structure and a meaty bite.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the dough and gives it stability.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a savory, umami flavor often associated with cheese and yeast, enhancing depth.
- Spices: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt season the base to mimic classic wing flavors.
- Jackfruit: Young, canned jackfruit (packed in water or brine) adds moisture and a tender, shred-like texture.
- Vegan chicken broth: Infuses the dough with savory flavor; vegetable broth is a fine substitute but less rich.
- Olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and lends a subtle richness.
- Sauce options: Choose from spicy buffalo sauce made with vegan butter and hot sauce, or a sweet agave garlic sauce featuring agave nectar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Remember that quality ingredients yield the best results. Opt for fresh spices and young jackfruit packed in water if you want a milder taste. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing texture and flavor.
How to make vegan wings step-by-step
Making these vegan wings involves clear, manageable steps that guide you from mixing your dough to serving sauces.
Create the Seitan Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, all-purpose flour, nutritional yeast, and spices until evenly combined. Drain and thoroughly dry the canned jackfruit, removing any large seeds and woody pieces.
Add the shredded jackfruit to the dry mixture. Pour in the vegan chicken broth and olive oil, stirring until the dough begins to pull away from the edges.
Use your hands to mix thoroughly — no kneading is needed, but make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Shape and Simmer
Cut the dough into small wing-sized pieces — remember, they expand during cooking. Optionally, insert sugar cane sticks or short pretzel sticks for a “wing bone” effect.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook the seitan pieces for 30 minutes. This slow simmer firms up the texture.
Bake for Firmness and Crispiness
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Drain and gently squeeze excess water from the simmered pieces, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes. This step creates a firmer outside that holds up well to saucing.
Prepare Your Sauce
While the wings bake, prepare your sauce.
For the agave garlic sauce, combine agave nectar, water, soy sauce, minced garlic and ginger, cornstarch, and red chili flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until slightly thickened.
For buffalo sauce, melt vegan butter and whisk in hot sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder, simmering for about 5 minutes.
Toss and Finish
Remove wings from the oven, toss in your chosen sauce, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes to lock in flavor. For extra crispiness, pan-fry the sauced wings in a little oil before serving.
Alternatively, use an air fryer set to 375°F for 15 minutes after boiling and then sauté in sauce.
Best ways to cook vegan wings for your taste
While baking is the classic finish for these vegan wings, there are alternative cooking methods to perfect texture and flavor according to your preference:
- Air Frying: After simmering, air fry the wings at 375°F for 15 minutes to get a crispy exterior with less oil.
- Pan Frying: Brown the wings in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for an extra crispy and caramelized crust. Then toss with sauce.
Each method lends different textures — baking yields tender yet firm wings, air frying adds crispiness without extra grease, and pan frying creates a rich mahogany crust that’s hard to resist. Choose your favorite based on your equipment and desired wing crunchiness.
Sauce it up with vegan buffalo or agave garlic
Sauce is where your vegan wings truly come alive. These two sauces cover the full flavor spectrum from spicy to sweet:
- Buffalo Sauce: Combines vegan butter, Frank’s RedHot hot sauce, white vinegar, and garlic powder for a classic tangy kick that clings perfectly to the wings.
- Agave Garlic Sauce: A sweet and savory blend with agave nectar, soy sauce, fresh garlic, and ginger that creates a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Both sauces are straightforward to make on the stove and can be adjusted for heat or sweetness to suit your palate. Don’t forget to serve with creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dips to cool down the heat and add creaminess.
Serving ideas and pairing suggestions
Vegan wings are a crowd-pleaser not only as a snack but also as part of a larger feast. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve alongside crisp celery sticks and a bowl of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic experience.
- Pair with vegan pizza, BBQ cauliflower wings, or grilled vegan burgers for game-day parties. For another family-friendly meal, try our easy Instant Pot spaghetti.
- Use leftovers as a protein-rich topping for crunchy salad bowls with romaine, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Presentation matters too — arrange wings on a platter garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for visual appeal. Making your own dips like vegan ranch will impress guests with freshness and flavor.
Troubleshooting and tips for perfect wings every time
Even simple recipes can come with challenges — here are common issues and how to fix them:
- Seitan too rubbery or dense? Try reducing kneading and ensure the dough isn’t overworked. Simmer gently — vigorous boiling can toughen it.
- Wings falling apart? Make sure to cut the pieces small enough before simmering, and gently squeeze excess water when removed to prevent sogginess.
- Sauce won’t stick? Toss wings with sauce while still warm and bake or pan-fry briefly afterward to set the glaze.
- Want bones in your wings? Use sugar cane sticks, bamboo skewers, or pretzel sticks wrapped with foil to avoid burning.
Pro tip: Dry jackfruit well with a clean towel to avoid adding excess moisture, which can interfere with dough consistency. Using fresh spices and good-quality vegan chicken broth enhances overall flavor depth.
Storage, reheating, and making ahead
Planning ahead doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. These wings freeze and store well with the right methods:
- Storage: Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crisp texture; avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze baked wings without sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh sauce after heating for best flavor.
Making wings ahead? Prepare through simmering, then refrigerate dough pieces and bake and sauce on the day of serving for optimal freshness and texture.
Frequently asked questions about vegan wings
What is seitan?
Seitan is a high-protein plant-based meat alternative made from vital wheat gluten. It has a chewy texture that closely resembles meat, making it a popular base for vegan dishes, as noted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Can I make these gluten-free?
No, unfortunately, vital wheat gluten is essential here for the wing texture. For a gluten-free alternative, check out our Cauliflower Buffalo Wings recipe.
Can I prepare wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil and shape wings a few hours in advance and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to bake and sauce.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Are these wings freezer friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze baked wings without sauce, thaw overnight, reheat, and add sauce fresh.
Can I use different “bones”?
Yes, sugar cane sticks are traditional but bamboo skewers, pretzel sticks, or breadsticks work well. Just watch out for burning by wrapping them in foil.
More recipes you might love
Love these meaty vegan wings? Try these other flavorful plant-based recipes for your next meal:
- Vegan Carne Asada
- Jackfruit Pulled Pork
- Vegan Turkey Roast
- Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Vegan Fried Chicken
- Easy Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder
Each recipe brings hearty, satisfying textures and bold flavors to your plant-based cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
Conclusion
Mastering vegan wings at home is easier than you think with this detailed recipe. Combining seitan’s meaty chew and jackfruit’s juicy tenderness creates a crave-worthy texture that even meat-eaters will appreciate.
Whether you bake, air fry, or pan fry, and whichever sauce you choose, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t forget to experiment with spices and dips to make the recipe your own.
Your next crowd-pleasing vegan feast awaits!