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Vegan Seitan Recipe

This vegan seitan recipe transforms wheat gluten into a versatile, protein-rich meat alternative. It mixes simple ingredients and spices and is steamed to perfection before possibly being fried for a golden finish. This handmade seitan is ideal for various meals and is a full and nutritious option for both meat eaters and vegans.
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Steamer Basket
  • Medium to Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Skillet or Non-Stick Pan
  • Tongs
  • Airtight Containers
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Food Processor
  • Kitchen Scale
  • Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup Vital wheat gluten
  • ¼ cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable broth powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅔ cup Water

Ingredients For Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 1 tablespoons Rice vinegar
  • ½ tablespoons Sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons Light oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoons Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1 small handful Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare For Steaming

  • Add about an inch of water to a pot with a steamer basket.
  • Bring the water to a light boil.

Mix The Dough

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, flour, vegetable broth powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Gradually pour in the water, stirring until a dough forms.

Steam The Seitan

  • Lightly grease the steamer basket.
  • Tear the dough into bite-sized pieces, arranging them in a single layer in the basket.
  • Cover the pot and steam for 10 minutes.

Prepare The Sauce

  • While the seitan steams, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.

Fry The Seitan

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Carefully use tongs to transfer the steamed seitan bites to the hot oil, avoiding splatters.
  • Fry the seitan for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Add Sauce And Serve

  • Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Add the prepared sauce to the skillet, tossing to coat the seitan bites evenly.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Serve the seitan hot, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different sauces based on your taste preferences. Options like teriyaki, barbecue, or a simple soy-ginger glaze work well.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of garlic or onion powder for a milder or stronger flavor profile.
  • Cooking Methods: Besides steaming, you can bake or grill the seitan for different textures.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve seitan over rice, in sandwiches, or as a salad.
  • Storage: Leftover seitan can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
  • Customization: Incorporate additional spices or herbs into the dough for extra flavor.