What is Seitan?
Also known as Wheat Meat, Seitan is a plant-based protein made of cooked wheat gluten. The wheat gluten is cut into pieces and cooked in a savory broth. The texture of seitan resembles meat quite well as it offers a chewy texture that works well in sandwiches, stir-fries, salads and more.
In addition to being low in fat with a good source of protein, seitan also offers the benefit of convenience as it can be enjoyed hot or cold. Seitan can be added to a salad directly from the package or heated and enjoyed in a stir-fry.
Although you may think that Seitan is high in carbohydrates, it surprisingly is low in carbohydrates as the starch is extracted during the cooking process. Seitan is a hearty plant-based meat alternative that will keep you full without weighing you down like traditional carbohydrates. Nature’s Soy Vegan Chicken and Vegan Beef Seitan has 75 calories per serving, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of protein per serving. Since Seitan is high in protein and contains no cholesterol, it is a health-conscious alternative to chicken and beef.
One of best advantages of seitan is that it can be used in about any recipe that originally uses meat. Tacos? Pizza Topping? Casseroles? Sure! Seitan can be substituted and enjoyed just as much as meat (we think it’s even better than meat!).
Seitan can be used in the following meal ideas and more!
Tacos, Stir-Fry, Casserole, Sandwiches & Wraps, Salads, Pizza Topping, Ramen & Soups
One of our favorite seitan recipes is this 5 Spice Vegan Beef Seitan Broth Bowl that combines savory 5 Spice flavor with fresh vegetables.
5 Spice Beefless Seitan Broth Bowl
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, large pieces, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced fresh
1 Package of Nature’s Soy Vegan Beef
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 teaspoons five-spice powder
3 cups Vegetable Broth
2 tablespoons tamari sauce
4 ounces cooked brown rice noodles
½ Cup Sliced Shitake mushrooms
1 carrot, cut in ribbons
1 Small Jalapeno, cut into thin slices
2 Sprigs of fresh cilantro
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger and seitan. Cook until garlic and ginger become fragrant and Seitan starts to crisp along the edges. Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, five-spice powder, broth and tamari sauce. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Divide cooked rice noodles evenly into 4 bowls. Ladle broth over noodles and top with fresh mushrooms, carrot ribbons, jalapenos and cilantro.
Note: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar when sautéing the garlic & ginger for a sweeter broth, or add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper when adding the spices for a spicier broth. If you prefer to have softer toppings, add them to the broth at the simmer stage before placing into bowls.
Our friend and Vegan Chef @dc_cancook on Instagram enjoys Nature’s soy Vegan Chicken and Beef often by incorporating the seitan in her plant-based meal ideas. Check out a few of her posts below and give her a follow on Instagram!
Seitan is a plant-based protein that is unlike any other meat substitute yet it brings delicious ‘meaty’ texture to all of your favorite dishes. If you love seitan as much as we do, share your favorite seitan recipe for a chance to be featured on our blog and social media!
To learn more about Nature’s Soy Seitan and other products, please visit our products page.