Zesty Escabeche Soy Cutlets

I am going to start this off by saying that I have been seduced by this dish. No. ‘Seduced’ is not strong enough a word. More like ‘captured’ by the combination of flavors. The zest of the vinegar, the sweetness of those browned onions, the fragrant allspice. It’s all there. In one tantalizing bite after tantalizing bite.

What also makes this recipe even more amazing are the soy protein patties in the dish. They are from Whole Foods and I have to say that their addictive! They have the best texture, almost fibrous, yet really juicy. For real. I like them so much that I am currently trying some secret scientist experiments in my kitchen to try to create them from scratch. Wish me luck.

Three great spices: 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp allspice and 2 tsps dried oregano.

Mix the spices in a bowl then coat the soy patties.

In 2 tbs of oil (I use olive) sauté the patties until lightly browned, remove from pan and set them aside.

Next cut an onion in half and make 1/4 inch slices. Add to the pan that the soy patties were in and sauté over med-low heat until caramelized. Diagonally slice 2 carrots and add to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes.

I then added some asparagus spears to the pan because, well, it’s Spring and I had them in my fridge. I snapped off the tough ends and also peeled them a bit before I added them to the pan. Sauté for about 4 minutes.

Take 3 peeled garlic cloves and cut them in half. Slice some peppers, whatever kind you like. I used a mix of pepperoncinis and sweet pickled red cherry peppers, but you could use Jalepenos or a Serrano. Whatever you chose, after you slice them add the garlic and peppers to the mix. Cook for a minute.

Next add the liquids. First add a 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.

Then add 1 cup of veggie broth. Mix well and let everything braise for 2 minutes.

You now can add the soy protein patties back into the pan, gently tucking them in between all those veggies and into the sauce. Cover with a lid and continue to cook for another minute.
To serve, I simply set the asparagus off to the side, added a small mound of perfectly cooked rice and then layed out a few of the patties topped off with the veggie mixture. Pour on some of the sauce and dinner is ready.
One more thing about this dish. It’s quick. Really quick. It came together in the time it took to make some rice. It just gets better and better, doesn’t it? What are you waiting for then? Get your Ecsabeche on tonight!
8 Comments so far
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you’re killing me…I am on tour dining on amy’s burritos & chips. If you find out the secret recipe for those delicious patties I know about 5 people who will marry you, immediately.
–binge
not only does this look devastatingly delicious, but I have to say, the photo presentations are also pretty banging.
Wow, that looks delicious and I also like the series of photos, especially the gorgeous veggies. I’ll keep an eye out for the protein patties at my Whole Foods.
I love these patties. I have used them to make everything from simple chicken sandwiches to vegan crabcakes! I would also love to learn how to make them myself.
Thank you for the wonderful recipes!
Just found your site and I’m hooked! Fabulous recipes, great “how-to” info–it’s all wonderful. Glad I stumbled upon this!
I am interested in much cooking that food culture and you of your country make. And I support your site. If there is time, please come in my site. From Japan
http://food-soybean.blogspot.com/
Any luck on figuring out that recipe? Whole Foods has been out of the cutlets for over a month and I just scored the last 2 bags of the soy nuggets today.
hey shirle, the patties are from a local vendor (north carolina) that converted an old tabacco farm into a soy bean farm. i did a focus group with the owners before they launched their product. i agree that they are the best product out there. use them in all my recipes too.