Seitan (pronounced “say-tan”) is a vegan meat substitute made entirely out of hydrated gluten, the main protein found in wheat. It’s very nutritious, high in protein and minerals, low in fat.
It’s prepared by combining wheat gluten with water and kneading into a stiff dough. It can then be boiled or steamed, then baked or fried. It’s often marinated or cooked with a sauce to give it additional flavor.
This version has flavor from the garlic and onion powders, the no-chicken seasoning, and smoked paprika. I like to steam it, then combine with a sauce.
Not-Chik’n Seitan & Orange Sauce
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
Seitan
- 1 ½ cup wheat gluten
- 1 15-oz package silken tofu
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon no-chik'n seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Orange Sauce
- ½-¾ cup orange juice about 3 oranges
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
Seitan
- Start a pot of boiling water and insert a slightly oiled steamer.
- Put all ingredients in food processor and process until well mixed and doughy.
- Cut dough into pieces, 6 to 8, or 16 to 20 nuggets.
- Steam 30 minutes, flipping half-way.
- Another way to cook them is to drop into boiling seasoned water for 20 minutes, then bake at 425° for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I cook the nuggets this way.
Orange Sauce
- Mix together all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch and water.
- Then whisk together the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl before adding to the other ingredients. Whisk to combine.
- Add the seitan to the sauce. Let simmer 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats the seitan.
Notes
Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice and a green vegetable like broccoli or green beans or assorted stir-fry vegetables.