How to Make Homemade Seitan the Easy Way

Have you discovered seitan—the wonderful, traditional, versatile plant-based staple? If you have, it’s probably a regular in your shopping cart. This common plant-based meat substitute called seitan (pronounced “SAY-tan”) is made from the main protein in wheat flour—gluten. 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 alongside other meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh. 

You can put your own spin on seitan and have more control over the ingredients by making it at home. The ultimate addition to your plant-powered meal prep toolbox, homemade seitan saves money and makes multiple servings for plenty of leftovers. Dip seitan strips in this Vegan Cheese Fondue, or 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 your own homemade seitan. 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 Peanut Soba Noodles with Seitan is a great showcase for your homemade seitan.
For recipes featuring seitan, try the following:

Shanghai Snow Pea Seitan Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
Easy Peanut Soba Noodles with Seitan
Veggie Shepherd’s Pie

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Written by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN 


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