Ever been to an incredible vegan restaurant where the chefs effortlessly recreate classic comfort foods like chicken fried steaks and buffalo wings? You can praise seitan for that. If you aren’t familiar, seitan (say-tahn) is a vegan ingredient made from vital wheat gluten. It is high in protein and meaty in texture, making it an ideal plant-based alternative to both beef and chicken. Contrary to what you may assume, seitan is far from a fad ingredient and has been used for hundreds of years by people in China, Japan, and a number of Southeast Asian countries. While dishes that use tofu or tempeh are frequently used by herbivores in the kitchen, seitan recipes can seem intimidating to those who have never cooked with it before. However, seitan recipes don’t have to be more difficult or time-consuming than any other vegan fare, especially if you buy it prepackaged, the way you would with other plant proteins. However, making it from scratch is also surprisingly simple. You can easily make a large batch in advance, and incorporate it into virtually any seitan recipe for an entirely homemade meal. If you’re looking for a new way to liven up your plate, try these delicious seitan recipes at home.
1. Seitan from Scratch
If you like to make your own plant protein, this is a fantastic seitan recipe that is as versatile as it is delicious. It makes a generous 2-pound batch, and is perfect for freezing, so you can use it as needed. The ingredients are simple, and as you get more familiar with making seitan, you can begin to experiment with a variety of spices and flavors.
2. Crispy Seitan Salad with Chia Seed Dressing
If you want a hearty, protein-packed meal that won’t put you into a food coma, adding seitan to a salad is the perfect solution. This tasty seitan recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and is the perfect balance of comfort and health food. The creamy homemade chia seed dressing is a satisfying, Omega-3 packed addition to a rainbow of nutritious veggies that will boost your energy and keep your tummy happy.
3. Vegan Kebabs
For a fun and zesty meal that will put you in a tropical mood, look no further than these terrific vegan kebabs. Perfect for summertime entertaining, these kebabs are sure to be a hit with all of your friends, whether they eat meat or not. The hearty seitan paired with coconut rice is sure to keep you full, and the homemade sweet and sour sauce is super addictive. You can use any vegetables you wish to assemble your kebabs, so mix and match whatever produce is in season for a bright and exciting plate.
4. Vegan Fajita Bowls
Macro bowls are, in many ways, the holy grail of vegan meals. When done right, they are filling, flavorful, and super nutritious, making them the epitome of wholesome eating. This tempting fajita bowl is great for either lunch or dinner, and can easily be enjoyed all year long. The seitan paired with quinoa and black beans makes this dish a protein superstar, and the Latin-inspired spices make for a fiery fiesta in your bowl.
5. Vegan Buffalo No-Chicken Wraps
Wraps are fantastic for a filling meal that’s convenient to grab on the go. While most commercially prepared versions are packed with meat and other animal ingredients, this no-chicken wrap uses seitan for a cruelty-free meal that’s still full of flavor. The creamy ranch dressing made from cashews is absolutely unreal, so make extra for a delicious dipping sauce.
6. Vegan Seitan Marsala
Marsala is an Italian wine often used in meat dishes (like chicken Marsala). In this mouthwatering recipe, Marsala wine makes a divine mushroom sauce for seitan and cooked veggies. This is a lovely dish to make for your special someone–just don’t forget to enjoy any leftover wine!
7. Vegan Shawarma
If you’re a vegan who craves Turkish/Middle Eastern street food, this delicious seitan recipe is sure to hit the spot. This vegan shawarma is meaty, creamy, and satisfying. The crunchy veggies, soft bread, and tangy dressing are irresistible, and this is sure to be a dish that you want to make time and again.
Do you plan to make any of these seitan recipes? Let us know in the comments!
Also by Ashley: 11 Mouthwatering Vegan BBQ Recipe Ideas (That Aren’t Veggie Burgers)
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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling, Angie Follensbee-Hall
