Simple Seitan Recipe

The first time I made my simple seitan recipe and honestly it was a little messy but so much fun, I had flour everywhere on my kitchen counter and I even got some on my shirt but I couldn’t stop laughing while kneading it. Making this simple seitan recipe taught me patience because the dough is sticky and stretchy and at first, I thought I had ruined it but after steaming it, it turned out chewy and perfect.

Another time I made my simple seitan for a family dinner and my youngest tried shaping little nuggets and some looked funny but they tasted amazing and everyone at the table kept asking for more, It’s crazy how something so simple can bring everyone together and even my husband, who usually prefers meat, loved it.

Just last week I decided to make it again after a long day and I was tired and a bit frustrated because the dough was sticking to my hands and I almost gave up but then I remembered to add a little more olive oil and it worked beautifully and I ended up with soft, flavorful seitan that went perfectly in sandwiches and stir fries.

You can enjoy this seitan in so many ways I’ve tried it with roasted veggies, in a hearty stir fry, on top of fresh salads, in tacos, as nuggets with ketchup, alongside my banana bread recipe, and even enjoy it with shredded seitan barbecue from the blog and everything tastes absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pot with lid
• Steamer basket or heat safe plate
• Tongs

How to Make a Simple Seitan Recipe?

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Take a large mixing bowl and add the vital wheat gluten with the nutritional yeast and the garlic powder and the onion powder and the paprika. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon until the powders are spread out well.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl stir the vegetable broth with the soy sauce and the olive oil and the tomato paste. Mix them until they all come together in one liquid. This will give the seitan its flavor and make it easier to knead.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry

Pour the liquid into the bowl with the dry mix slowly while stirring with the spoon. Keep stirring until it starts to look like dough. It will become sticky but that is okay because gluten is stretchy.

Step 4: Kneading the Dough

Now use your hands to knead the dough for about five minutes. Push and fold and stretch. The dough will get firmer as you work it. This step helps the gluten develop so the seitan will be chewy.

Step 5: Shaping the Dough

After kneading, shape the dough into a log or ball. You can make small pieces too if you want to cook faster. Kids might like to shape little patties or nuggets because they are fun to eat.

Step 6: Steaming the Seitan

Place the dough in a steamer basket inside a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for about 30 minutes. Flip the seitan halfway through with tongs so it cooks evenly.

Step 7: Cooling and Using

After steaming, take the seitan out and let it cool for a bit. Once cool, you can slice it, fry it, bake it, or even grill it. It will soak up sauces and spices and taste very good in sandwiches, stir fries, or soups.

some Notes

Seitan is best when you season it well so do not be shy with spices. If you want it softer, steam for less time. If you want it chewier, knead more. Store extra seitan in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for later. Always let seitan rest after cooking because it gets firmer as it cools.

FAQ

What is seitan made of?

Seitan is made from wheat gluten which is the protein part of flour mixed with spices and broth.

Can kids eat seitan?

Yes kids can eat seitan because it is healthy and soft when cooked but always check if they have gluten allergies.

Is seitan healthy?

Yes seitan is high in protein and low in fat so it is a good meat alternative for many people.

Can I make seitan without a steamer?

Yes you can simmer it in broth but steaming makes the texture better and less soggy.

Can I freeze seitan?

Yes you can freeze cooked seitan for up to three months and then thaw before cooking again.

How long does seitan last in the fridge?

Seitan lasts about five days in the fridge when stored in a sealed container.

Can I flavor seitan differently

Yes you can add curry powder, chili flakes, or even herbs like thyme to make new flavors.

How do I use seitan in meals?

You can fry it in a pan, grill it on skewers, bake it in the oven, or stir fry it with vegetables.