Layered Asian Dip with a Twist (vegan/plant-based)

Iterations of this recipe abound online. This is my contribution to the line-up. Among other twists, my secret sauce is a little vegan mayo in the Asian “chicken” salad on top.

All the recipes I have seen flavor the cream cheese. But there are so many flavors, colors, and textures in the sauce, salad layer, and garnishes that I feel plain cream cheese is the perfect, tangy, pure white layer to serve as the base.

I love to serve this dish as a side with heated Nasoya Plantspired brand beef, either Korean BBQ or Gojuchang style.

Note: Make the salad layer at least 30 minutes or up to several hours before you plan to serve.

Layered Asian Dip

Yield: 8 servings

8 ounces chicken flavored seitan or something similar, diced or shredded (I like Tofurky Chick’n)
8 ounces diced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 cup diced bell pepper (I used green)
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon roasted or tuxedo sesame seeds
2 tablespoons vegan mayo
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon riced wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2-8 ounce packages vegan cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce

Optional: freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnishes:
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped roasted and lightly salted peanuts
2 tablespoons tuxedo sesame seeds

Accompaniment:
Vegan rice crackers

In medium bowl, stir together first 10 ingredients and refrigerate covered for at least 30 minutes or several hours.

Spread cream cheese in a shallow approximately 8 to 10-inch bowl or plate. Spread with sauce. Top wirh seitan mixture. Garnish as desired with green onions, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serve with vegan rice crackers.