Vegan Pollo Asado

The best vegan chicken recipe out there! This Mexican vegan pollo asado recipe is the perfect plant-based option to add to tacos, burritos, and salads.

What is Vegan Pollo Asado?

Vegan pollo asado translates to vegan grilled chicken in English. Pollo asado or pollo guisado is very popular in most Latin American countries and is eaten quite regularly. This vegan pollo asado recipe will make any meat-eater want to go vegan; the texture is surprisingly close to chicken, it is flavorful, slightly smokey, and perfectly tasty!

Make a large batch of this vegan pollo asado so you can eat it with rice and beans, in tacos, burritos or in a salad. My favorite way of eating it is in a taco, with homemade salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. I’ve also meal prepped with it and had a savory burrito bowl the next day, so yummy!

Some people ask me why I like to “veganize” meats and make recipes that resemble meat. It’s mostly because I did not grow up vegan/vegetarian and a lot of the foods that I grew up on WERE meat. I also understand that it may be hard for people to transition to a plant-based diet without finding good substitutes for meat. It’s definitely a lot easier to go plant-based when having delicious meat alternatives — a big plus if they bring back childhood memories!

Tips & Substitutes:

I highly recommend getting the high-protein tofu from Trader Joe’s for this one. I have used firm tofu and it takes significantly longer to achieve desired texture. If using softer tofu I suggest baking for an extra 5-15 minutes depending on how soft it is. For best results, use extra protein or extra firm tofu.

To optimize the texture of your tofu; FREEZE IT! Yes, you heard right. Freeze your tofu overnight and then fully defrost it before cooking it. This helps you get a more chicken-like texture which will blow any meat eater’s mind.

You have three cooking methods to choose from for the tofu; stove-top, air-fryer, and oven-baked. I recommend an oven or air-fryer because it produces a meatier texture.

I used avocado oil but you can also use olive, canola, or vegetable oil.

Tamari is gluten-free but if you aren’t worried about gluten you can use a low-sodium soy sauce.

If you don’t tolerate spicy foods well I recommend avoiding the cayenne powder but encourage you to still use chili powder which is very mild.

I highly recommend keeping other ingredients the same! The flavor comes from the spices and seasonings.

More Popular Vegan Mexican recipes:

Vegan Carne Asada

Potato Chorizo Tacos

Vegan Quesabirria Tacos

Enchiladas Verdes

Vegan Pollo Asado

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• Author: Anna Rios
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 2 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

The best vegan chicken recipe out there! This Mexican vegan pollo asado recipe is the perfect plant-based option to add to tacos, burritos, and salads.

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Ingredients

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• 1 packet extra protein tofu (extra firm will do)
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 tbsp Tamari or soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp cayenne powder (optional, spicy)
• 1/2 tsp of cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F (204 C).
2. Press the tofu dry, and slice it into strips. It should appear like chicken strips.
3. Drizzle the cookie sheet or line with parchment paper and spread the tofu evenly throughout.
4. Bake the tofu for 7-8 minutes, take it out and flip/mix, put it back for another 7-8 minutes.
5. Add vegetable broth, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, and all other spices to a mixing bowl. Whisk together well.
6. Once the tofu has baked for 14-16 minutes, remove it and toss it into the mixture inside the mixing bowl. Toss around and coat evenly.
7. Place the now seasoned tofu back on the baking sheet and bake for another 7-8 minutes.
8. Take the tofu out of the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Air-Fryer option:

1. Press the tofu dry, and slice it into strips. It should appear like chicken strips
2. Air-fry for 15 minutes at 375 F. Flip halfway through.
3. Add vegetable broth, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, and all other spices to a mixing bowl. Whisk together well.
4. Once the tofu has air-fried for 15 minutes, remove it and toss it into the mixture inside the mixing bowl. Toss around and coat evenly.
5. Air-fry again for 5 more minutes flipping halfway through.

Stovetop tofu option:

1. Press the tofu dry, and slice it into strips. It should appear like chicken strips
2. Add 1 tbsp oil to a pan and pan-fry tofu for 10-12 minutes. Stir every 3-4 minutes to allow to cook evenly.
3. Add vegetable broth, avocado oil, nutritional yeast, and all other spices to a mixing bowl. Whisk together well. Add to tofu in the pan.
4. Pan-fry for another 5-8 minutes until golden brown.
5. Serve in tacos, burritos, or rice!

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Tofu
• Method: Air Fryer, Baking, Stove
• Cuisine: Mexican