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How to Make Seitan

Sharon Palmer

Wondering how to make seitan? Learn all about the process of making homemade seitan, as well as seitan nutrition benefits, in this guide.

Have you tried seitan—the wonderful, traditional, versatile plant-based staple? If you have, it’s probably a regular item in your shopping cart (it certainly is in mine). What is seitan? This common plant-based meat substitute called seitan (pronounced “SAY-tan”) is made from the main protein in wheat flour—gluten. Seitan is made by washing away the starch of wheat to reveal the protein. This traditional food hails back to China in the 6th century, where it’s been widely consumed in Buddhist traditions. It also appears in other traditional Asian cuisines, such as Japan and Vietnam. Seitan is frequently dubbed “wheat meat” because it mimics the heartiness and chewiness of meat, without the animal protein. Plus, seitan is high in protein with essential amino acids like lysine, and is extremely versatile in a range of dishes. If you have ever ordered vegan barbecue “ribs” or “ribz”, vegan gyro, or vegan Mongolian beef when dining out, chances are you have probably already tasted seitan. Commercial seitan is also becoming more widely available (often pre-seasoned in tasty varieties) at grocery stores, where you’ll find it in the refrigerated section alongside other meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh.

You can put your own spin on seitan by making it yourself, plus you’ll have more control over the ingredients. It’s not too difficult to make; all you need is Vital Wheat Gluten (available online and in well stocked supermarkets) and a few ingredients to create a delicious broth (i.e., spices, herbs, tomato paste) to cook the seitan in. The ultimate addition to your plant-powered meal prep toolbox, making homemade seitan saves money and makes multiple servings for plenty of leftovers. Dip seitan strips in this Vegan Cheese Fondue, quickly stir fry it with veggies, and enjoy seitan cubes in this Vegetable Pho, for example. You are ready for any meal idea with your very own versatile homemade seitan!

Learn step-by-step how to make seitan in this guide. Get the full recipe for BEST Homemade Seitan here.

Step-by-Step Guide

Make the broth by mixing 6 cups water, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 3 tablespoons seasoning blend, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3 sprigs parsley, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 1 garlic clove in a large pot.
Heat the broth and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cover and keep on low heat.
For dough: Add 1 1/2 cups water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons miso paste, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons chili powder, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder in a blender.
Process ingredients for a few seconds until well combined.
Add to the container of a mixer (or mix by hand).
Measure out 2 cups vital wheat gluten.
Add vital wheat gluten and 2 tablespoons nutrition yeast to the mixer.
Mix with a dough hook (or wooden spoon) until well combined and texture begins to get shaggy.
Knead with the dough hook (or by hand in the bowl) for 1 minute.
Place dough on a cutting board.
Slice into pieces, cutting into desired shapes.
Drop seitan pieces into simmering broth.
Cover and cook over low for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
When done, the seitan pieces will get fluffy and float to surface.
Remove and serve with sauce as desired. Makes 10 servings (1/2 cup each).

 

 

Get the full recipe for BEST Homemade Seitan here.

This recipe for Easy Soba Noodles with Peanuts and Seitan is a great showcase for your homemade seitan.

For recipes featuring seitan, try the following:

Snow Pea and Seitan Vegetable Stir Fry
Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
Winter Melon Mushroom Soup with Seitan

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