Meatless Char Siew Puffs 无肉蜜汁叉烧酥

*in collaboration with Quorn

Whilst I'm forever in pursuit to cook healthier meals since my cancer diagnosis few years ago, it had never crossed my mind to use meat replacements in the past. Or rather, I was ignorant about the existence of meat replacements. Therefore, I was excited when I received some Quorn products to try out. This Meatless Char Siew Puffs 无肉蜜汁叉烧酥 was something I really wanted to create on this first trial as Char Siew Puff 叉烧酥 has always been my favourite item on the menu whenever we dine at Dim Sum restaurants. Do I like this meatless version? It's a definite Yes!

What's Quorn?*

Quorn is natural, nutritious, versatile. The main ingredient of Quorn products is Mycoprotein, a nutritionally healthy source of protein produced by a process of fermentation – similar to yeast in bread – using a natural nutritious fungus from the soil and fermenting it to produce a dough called Mycoprotein. In addition, Mycoprotein has been clinically proven to reduce blood cholesterol among people who are suffering from high cholesterol, as well as help to manage diabetes by contributing to reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels. 

As Quorn products have no strong aftertaste and possess the taste, appearance and texture of meat, they are perfect for creating healthier, guilt-free versions of favourite everyday meals.

Quorn in Brief* :

Quorn pieces are high in fibre and protein, low in saturated fat and gluten free non meat product. They come in several types including pieces, minced, nuggets, meatballs, fillets and others.

• Quorn is not made of mushrooms. It’s made of Mycoprotein that belongs to the same kingdom as truffles and mushrooms.
• Mycoprotein, Quorn's key ingredient is high in protein and fibre, low in saturated fat, zero cholesterol and is soy-free. It is also MSG-free! 
• It’s natural and GMO-free because it’s produced through fermentation – similar to yeast in bread.

Quorn range of products can be purchased from Redmart, NTUC, Cold Storage and Foodie Market Place. Check out  Bit.ly/FindQuorn for all the outlets

*Product Information provided by Quorn Singapore.

Puff Pastry Ingredients (enough to make about 10 to 12 pcs) :

• 2 to 3 sheets frozen butter puff pastry (24 cm x 24 cm per sheet)(cut each sheet into 4 equal squares of about 12 cm x 12 cm each)(slightly thaw in chiller)(frozen puff pastry available at supermarkets)
• 1 small beaten egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Ingredients for  Meatless Char Siew

• 150 gm frozen Quorn Mince (not necessary to thaw beforehand)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 mid sized onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
• 1/2 tsp grounded white pepper 
• 1 to 2 tbsp cooking oil

Seasonings for Char Siew Sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (or to taste)
• 6 tbsp mirin or Chinese cooking wine (or to taste)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (or to taste)
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

Method : 

1. Add all seasonings for Char Siew Sauce in a bowl and mix well. Taste test to your satisfaction.
2. Pour Char Siew Sauce onto Quorn Mince. Allow Char Siew Sauce to soak in. Set aside. 
3. Add cooking oil and stir fry onions, garlic and parsley till aromatic.
4. Fold in Quorn Mince and Char Siew Sauce. Add pepper and lightly stir fry all ingredients for 1 minute. Turn off heat and set aside to cool.
5. Pre-heat oven to 220C. 
6. Spoon Char Siew ingredients onto puff pastry sheet (each pc about 12 cm x 12 cm).
7. Roll puff pastry to wrap stuffings nicely. Trim the 2 ends (if necessary) to ensure all Char Siew Puffs are about same size. 
8. Arrange Char Siew Puffs onto lined baking tray. Use a fork to lightly press on the 2 ends of each Char Siew Puff. 
9. Brush egg wash onto each Char Siew Puff and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. 
10. Bake in oven for 20 to 25 minutes till the Char Siew Puffs are nicely raised and browned. 
11. Remove from oven and leave to cool before serve.

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