🍢 Chinese Grilled Gluten Skewers
(Kǎo Miàn Jīn) is a classic street food from China, especially popular at night markets and barbecue stalls. It features skewered wheat gluten grilled over charcoal or an open flame, brushed with a savory-spicy sauce, and finished with fragrant spices. Its chewy texture and smoky flavor make it irresistible.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Skewers
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Fresh wheat gluten : 400 g (or store-bought gluten balls/rolls)
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Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): 6–8
For the Marinade
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Light soy sauce: 3 tbsp
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Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp
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Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
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Chili paste or chili sauce: 1 tbsp (adjust to taste)
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Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
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Cumin powder: 1 tsp
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Chili powder (or paprika): 1 tsp
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Sugar: ½ tsp
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Sesame oil: 1 tsp
For Sprinkling
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Ground cumin: ½ tsp
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Chili flakes: ½ tsp
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White sesame seeds: 1 tsp
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Fresh cilantro (optional, chopped): for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Gluten
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If using fresh wheat gluten, cut it into bite-sized chunks or roll into long strips.
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If using pre-shaped gluten balls/rolls, leave them whole or slice slightly to help absorb flavor.
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Thread the gluten pieces tightly onto soaked bamboo skewers.
Step 2. Make the Marinade
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In a bowl, mix soy sauces, oyster sauce, chili paste, garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, sugar, and sesame oil.
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Brush the marinade evenly over the skewered gluten, making sure all sides are coated.
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Let them rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3. Grill the Skewers
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Preheat a charcoal grill, stovetop grill pan, or oven broiler.
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Place the skewers over medium heat. Grill while continuously turning to prevent burning.
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Brush with extra marinade during grilling to keep them juicy and flavorful.
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Grill until golden brown, slightly charred, and fragrant (8–10 minutes).
Step 4. Season and Serve
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Once cooked, sprinkle skewers generously with ground cumin, chili flakes, and sesame seeds.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
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Serve hot as a snack or side dish — chewy, smoky, and packed with flavor.
🌟 Tips
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For authentic street food flavor, charcoal grilling works best.
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Adjust chili and cumin levels to suit your spice tolerance.
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You can also prepare gluten skewers in advance and reheat quickly on the grill for gatherings.
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