Braised Mock Chicken Legs in Soy Sauce
Braised Mock Chicken Legs in Soy Sauce is a classic Chinese vegetarian dish, typically made from wheat gluten or soy protein shaped into drumsticks and slow-braised in a savory-sweet sauce. The braising liquid is a rich blend of light and dark soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and sometimes star anise, giving the 'mock meat' a deep, umami-rich flavor and a tender, meaty texture. It is a popular home-style and temple cuisine dish found across China.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of plant-based protein from the wheat gluten or soy base, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the sauce and any added sugar. A typical serving provides a hearty dose of protein and is relatively low in fat, with a calorie estimate around 250-350 kcal per serving depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
Per 2 pieces (approx. 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish showcases the ingenuity of Chinese vegetarian cuisine, which has a long history rooted in Buddhist temple cooking. It masterfully uses texture and flavor to mimic a meat dish, making it a satisfying centerpiece for meat-free meals.
