How To Make Seitan (Shredded, Strips, Nuggets, or Loaf!)

Looking to make the perfect homemade seitan? This easy seitan recipe is your go-to guide for creating a versatile, high-protein, plant-based meat substitute that’s perfect for vegan and vegetarian meals. Whether you want tender seitan strips for stir-fries, flavorful shredded seitan for tacos, bite-sized nuggets for snacking, or a hearty seitan loaf for slicing, this recipe has you covered! With simple ingredients like vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and a touch of nutritional yeast, you’ll achieve a meat-like texture that’s perfect for meal prep. Learn how to steam, shred, or slice your seitan to create customizable vegan protein options that are perfect for stir-fries, BBQ dishes, soups, and more. This step-by-step guide includes tips for the best texture, flavor variations, and storage solutions.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten
• 1 ½ cups chickpea flour
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Fit a food processor with the dough attachment. Add all ingredients to the food processor and blend for about 10 seconds to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and blitz again for about 1 minute, or until the mixture forms a sticky, elastic dough with a stringy texture. (See Notes.)
2. Rest and Shape:
   Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then blend again for about 15 seconds. Transfer the dough to a work surface lightly dusted with vital wheat gluten. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
3. Cooking Options:
   • For a Loaf:
     Shape one piece of dough into a loaf and place it in the center of a 4×12-inch piece of foil. Fold the short sides of the foil over the loaf, keeping the folds loose to allow the dough to expand.
     Place the wrapped loaf in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 30 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool to the touch before refrigerating.
   • For Strips:
     Prepare a loaf as instructed above. Once cooled, slice it into strips of your desired size.
   • For Shredded Seitan:
     Follow the loaf instructions. Once cooled, shred the loaf by hand into your preferred size.
   • For Nuggets/Bites:
     Tear the dough into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them in a single layer in a steamer basket. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. After steaming, let the bites cool for a few minutes and separate them if any pieces have expanded and stuck together.
4. Storage:
   Store seitan in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, place the seitan in a freezer-safe container and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable: You can create seitan in various forms—loaf, strips, shredded, or nuggets—to suit any recipe.
• High-Protein and Versatile: Perfect for adding plant-based protein to a variety of dishes.
• Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective alternative to store-bought plant-based meats.
• Long Shelf Life: Seitan keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep easy.

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Tips

• Don’t Overblend: Avoid overprocessing the dough during the second blitz to maintain the right texture.
• Foil Wrapping: Keep foil loose when steaming the loaf to allow the seitan to expand properly.
• Flavor Boost: Add soy sauce, smoked paprika, or other seasonings to the dough for additional flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Alternative: Unfortunately, vital wheat gluten is essential for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea-based or tofu-based meat substitutes.
• Spices and Herbs: Customize with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs.
• Broth: Use vegetable or mushroom broth for added depth of flavor.

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FAQs

Can I bake seitan instead of steaming it?
Yes, but steaming ensures a softer, more uniform texture. Baking may result in a firmer, chewier seitan.

How do I know when the seitan is cooked?
Steamed seitan will be firm to the touch and slightly expanded.

Can I use this seitan in soups or stews?
Absolutely! Seitan holds up well in liquids, making it ideal for soups and stews.

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Serving Suggestions

• Loaf or Strips: Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or stir-fries.
• Shredded Seitan: Use in tacos, burritos, or as a meat substitute in BBQ dishes.
• Nuggets/Bites: Toss with your favorite sauce for a snack or appetizer.
• Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.