No items found.

Homemade Seitan

Meat Alternatives
8 Servings
Prep 15 min
Cook 1 hr 15 min
Total 1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

    Ingredients:

    • 2 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
    • 15 g (1/4 cup) nutritional yeast
    • 3 g (1 tsp) garlic powder
    • 2.3 g (1 tsp) onion powder
    • 2.3 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika
    • 420 ml (1 3/4 cups) vegetable broth
    • 45 ml (3 tbsp) soy sauce
    • 16 g (1 tbsp) tomato paste
    • 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
    • 1440 ml (6 cups) vegetable broth
    • 2 bay leaves

    Equipments:

    Refined Sugar-Free
    Nut-Free

    Features:

    Refined Sugar-Free

    Nut-Free

    Nutrition:

    Servings 8  Calories 170  Carbohydrates 7 g  Fat 2.5 g  Fiber 1 g  Protein 30 g
    Monounsaturated 1 g  Polyunsaturated 0.5 g  Saturated 0.3 g  Trans 0 g
    Vitamin A 0 mcg  Vitamin C 0 mg  Vitamin D 0 mcg
    Calcium 20 mg  Iron 3 mg  Potassium 100 mg
    Cholesterol 0 mg  Sodium 550 mg  Sugar 0 g

    Make Now
    Prep

    Knead the dough until it turns visibly elastic and springs back when poked — this development of the gluten is what gives homemade seitan its chewy, meat-like texture.

    Instructions:

    1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
    2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, and olive oil.
    3. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
    4. Knead: Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, until it becomes elastic and slightly springy.
    5. Shape & Wrap: Shape the dough into a log or divide into smaller pieces, then wrap tightly in cheesecloth or foil.
    6. Simmer the Broth: Bring 6 cups of vegetable broth with bay leaves to a gentle simmer in a large pot.
    7. Cook: Add the wrapped seitan and simmer, partially covered, for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until firm.
    8. Cool & Slice: Remove from the broth and let cool slightly before unwrapping and slicing.
    Common Mistakes, Notes, Storage, Swaps & Tips

    Notes: Read through the full recipe before starting so you have all ingredients prepped and ready to go.

    Tips: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for the best texture.

    Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days; slice and freeze for longer storage.

    Swaps: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or pantry staples you have on hand, adjusting cook time as needed.

    Why these Ingredients

    Every ingredient here earns its place, but a few really shape the dish. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory umami note. The garlic powder builds a savory, aromatic base. The onion powder adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down. The smoked paprika adds gentle warmth and a rich color.