Vegan Bak Kwa

Experience the smoky-sweet allure of Vegan Bak Kwa, a plant-based twist on the classic Asian jerky snack that’s bursting with bold, umami-packed flavors. Crafted with tender young green jackfruit and protein-rich tofu, this innovative recipe is infused with a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and a hint of liquid smoke for a perfectly balanced savory-sweet bite. A touch of agar-agar helps create a chewy, jerky-like texture, while a finishing glaze of maple syrup ensures a glossy, caramelized surface. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds, this vegan-friendly alternative is perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing at festive gatherings. With easy preparation and rich, authentic flavors, this homemade Vegan Bak Kwa is guaranteed to delight both the taste buds and the soul!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 400 grams young green jackfruit (canned in water)
• 250 grams firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 100 milliliters water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and drain the canned jackfruit. Remove the seeds and shred the pieces with your fingers to create a pulled texture.

Step 2

Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press it to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu into a bowl.

Step 3

In a pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the jackfruit and crumbled tofu, sautéing for about 5 minutes until any excess moisture evaporates.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, ground coriander, and five-spice powder. Mix well.

Step 5

Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan with the jackfruit and tofu. Stir to coat well and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6

In a separate small pot, dissolve the agar-agar powder in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 7

Pour the agar-agar mixture into the jackfruit and tofu pan. Mix evenly, then transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 8

Spread the mixture evenly and press down with a spatula to compact it into a rectangle about 1 cm thick.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 10

Bake the mixture in the oven for 25 minutes.

Step 11

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and then cut into even squares.

Step 12

Transfer the squares onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional maple syrup for a glossy finish.

Step 13

Bake for another 10 minutes until the tops slightly caramelize.

Step 14

Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(865.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	637.1

Total Fat 30.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1279.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 35.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 622.0mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 1778.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.7%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 41.1%