How to cook with Seitan | Random Cooking

Protein

What is seitan?

Seitan, also known as wheat gluten, is a plant-based protein made from wheat protein. It is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes because of its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors. It is made by washing wheat flour dough to remove the starch, leaving behind the gluten protein. It can be flavored and shaped into a variety of forms, such as cutlets, ground meat, and more.

How do you cook seitan?

Seitan can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, pan-frying, and baking.

Here is a basic recipe for making seitan by boiling:

Ingredients

1 cup vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup water or vegetable broth

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, tomato paste, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Slowly add the water or vegetable broth to the mixture, kneading it with your hands until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic.
Divide the dough into smaller pieces, shaping them as desired (e.g. cutlets, sausage shapes, etc.).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the seitan pieces to the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and simmer the seitan for about 45 minutes.
Remove the seitan from the pot and let it cool.
Once cooled, it can be sliced, diced, or crumbled as desired and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, or used as a meat substitute in sandwiches and other dishes.
Alternatively, seitan can also be pan-fried or baked. It can be sliced and pan-fried in a little oil until crispy and golden brown on both sides. It can also be brushed with a marinade or BBQ sauce and baked until crispy.

What are some good dishes to make with seitan?

Seitan can be used in a variety of dishes as a meat substitute. Some popular dishes that use seitan include:

Seitan Stir-fry: Sliced seitan can be sautéed with vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Seitan Skewers: Seitan can be cut into cubes and skewered with vegetables, then grilled or broiled for a flavorful and hearty dish.
Seitan and Vegetable Curry: Seitan can be added to a curry dish with vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
Seitan and Mushroom Stroganoff: Seitan can be sautéed with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce for a rich and comforting dish.
Seitan and Vegetable Loaf: Seitan can be mixed with vegetables, such as grated carrots and zucchini, and then baked in a loaf pan for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Seitan and Vegetable Pot Pie: Seitan can be mixed with vegetables and a flavorful gravy and then baked in a pie crust for a comforting and delicious dish.
Seitan Tacos: Seitan can be crumbled or sliced and then sautéed with taco seasoning and added to taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings such as cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
Seitan and Vegetable Skewers: Seitan can be cubed and skewered with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms and then grilled or broiled.

These are just a few examples of the many ways seitan can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s very versatile and can be used in many different cuisines, it can be marinated, grilled, sautéed, and added to soups and stews.