0902 353 527 
cskh@nhahangvouy.com 
What Are Vegetarian Ribs Made Of? Storage Tips and 6 Easy Dishes
What are vegetarian ribs made of, and how do they get so chewy and meaty? In Vietnam, sườn chay (vegetarian ribs) are usually made from soy, wheat gluten and vegetarian seasonings. This guide covers the ingredients, how to choose and store them, and six easy dishes for family meals.
Key takeaways
- Vegetarian ribs are usually made from soy, wheat gluten, starch and seasonings; recipes vary by brand.
- Check the label if you are allergic to soy or avoid gluten.
- Soak dried ribs in warm water for about 15-20 minutes and squeeze dry before cooking.
- Store uncooked ribs dry and sealed; refrigerate cooked ribs and eat them soon.
- Easy dishes: crispy fried, sweet-and-sour, honey-glazed, broken rice, braised and coconut-glazed.
What are vegetarian ribs made of?
Vegetarian ribs are entirely plant-based, usually made from soy, wheat, vegetarian seasonings and starches such as taro flour. Processing gives them a chewy, tender bite and a rib-like shape, which is why they are a staple of everyday vegetarian cooking in Vietnam.
Common ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Soy | Plant-protein base and spongy texture, similar to textured vegetable protein |
| Wheat gluten | Chewiness; gluten is also the base of seitan |
| Starch (such as taro flour) | Binding and shaping |
| Vegetarian seasonings | Flavour |
Every brand has its own recipe, so read the label, especially if you are allergic to soy or avoid gluten.
Dried vs ready-to-cook vegetarian ribs
Making vegetarian ribs from scratch takes time, so most home cooks buy dried ribs and simply soak them. Pre-seasoned or pre-cooked versions are handier but tend to contain more salt and oil.
6 easy vegetarian rib dishes
Every recipe starts the same way: soak the ribs in warm water for 15-20 minutes (or as the pack says), rinse, squeeze dry and cut into pieces. Here is a quick guide to each dish.
Crispy fried vegetarian ribs
Ingredients: vegetarian ribs, salt, sugar, vegetarian seasoning, pepper.
Method: tear soaked ribs into small pieces, marinate 10-15 minutes, then fry until golden and drain.
Sweet-and-sour vegetarian ribs
Ingredients: 200 g vegetarian ribs, 1 tomato, ½ onion, bell pepper (optional), leek, coriander, ketchup, chilli sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce.
Method: fry the ribs, mix the sauce, sauté leek, onion, pepper and tomato, then add ribs and sauce and simmer 5-7 minutes until thick. If you avoid the five pungent spices, skip the onion and leek.
Honey-glazed vegetarian ribs
Method: marinate ribs with seasoning and honey, stir-fry, add coconut water and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Broken rice with vegetarian ribs
Method: marinate ribs in soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil and lemongrass for 20-30 minutes, fry both sides, and serve with broken rice, cucumber, tomato, pickles and vegetarian dipping sauce.
Braised vegetarian ribs with mushrooms and radish
Method: lightly fry 100 g dried ribs, add 100 g mushrooms, a small daikon, 2 tbsp soy sauce, sugar, seasoning and 250-300 ml water, and braise on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Coconut-glazed vegetarian ribs
Method: fry the ribs until crisp, reduce 200 ml coconut water with seasoning and chilli sauce, then toss the ribs in the sauce for 3-5 minutes.
How to store vegetarian ribs
Uncooked: keep dried ribs somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight and humidity. Reseal opened packs so they do not absorb moisture, and check the expiry date.
Cooked: let the dish cool, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and eat it soon, reheating thoroughly. Take out only what you need for each meal to avoid reheating it again and again.
Vegetarian ribs at Vo Uy
No time to cook? You can still enjoy vegetarian ribs out. The Tu Tai set for two at Vo Uy pairs sweet-and-sour ribs with pan-seared water spinach, southern sour soup and rice; for the other sets, see how to order vegetarian food for a group.
The restaurant is a comfortable spot for family vegetarian meals, with plenty of light dishes for older diners. Book a table in advance, or browse more easy vegetarian dishes to cook at home.
Frequently asked questions
Do vegetarian ribs contain gluten?
They can, if made with wheat flour or wheat gluten. People with coeliac disease or avoiding gluten should check the label.
Do dried vegetarian ribs need soaking?
Yes. Soak until soft and squeeze dry so they absorb seasoning better.
How do I choose good vegetarian ribs?
Pick a product with clear origin, intact packaging and a valid date, and check ingredients for soy or gluten.
Are vegetarian ribs vegan?
Most are plant-based, but some pre-seasoned products may contain dairy or egg, so if you follow a vegan diet, check the label.
How long do cooked vegetarian ribs keep?
Refrigerate and eat within 1-2 days, reheating thoroughly.
Conclusion: what vegetarian ribs are made of
Vegetarian ribs are mainly made from soy, wheat gluten and seasonings, so check labels if you avoid soy or gluten. Once soaked, dried ribs are wonderfully versatile: fry them, braise them, glaze them or serve them with broken rice.
Call 0902 353 527 to book at Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant, 47 Street No. 3, CityLand Park Hills, Go Vap Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
