Homemade Seitan

Savor the Flavor of Homemade Seitan Steaks and Patties

Are you in search of a delicious and nutritious alternative to animal-based proteins? Look no further than seitan! As a plant-based food enthusiast, I've explored various ready-made seitan products available in the market, but nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of crafting my own homemade version. Today, I'm excited to share my favorite recipe for mouthwatering vegan seitan steaks and patties. These versatile mock meats are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor, making them a delightful addition to any plant-based meal.

The Power of Plant-Based Proteins:

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the remarkable benefits of seitan as a protein-packed meat alternative. Seitan, made from vital wheat gluten, is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a valuable choice for vegans and vegetarians alike. With every bite, you'll be providing your body with essential amino acids and vital nutrients to support muscle growth and overall health.

The Star Ingredients:

To create these delectable seitan steaks and patties, you'll need a few key ingredients. Firstly, make sure you have a high-quality, organic vital wheat gluten on hand. I highly recommend using Anthony's Goods Vital Wheat Gluten for the best results. Along with this, you'll require vegetable stock, organic white beans (I suggest Northern or Cannellini), coconut amino acids (a gluten-free alternative to tamari), catsup (a.k.a. ketchup), nutritional yeast, and an array of seasonings such as paprika or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and sea salt. The secret ingredient, filtered water, will bind everything together to form a fantastic dough.

Homemade Seitan Steaks and Patties Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten

• 1/2 cup vegetable stock

• 1/2 can white beans (Northern or Cannellini)

• 2 tablespoons coconut amino acids

• 2 tablespoons catsup

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 1/2 tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning (Old Bay adds great flavor)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable stock and a little water, then set it aside.

2. In a larger mixing bowl, mash the white beans until smooth.

3. Add coconut amino acids, catsup, nutritional yeast, paprika or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and sea salt to the mashed beans, and mix everything thoroughly.

4. Now, incorporate the vital wheat gluten into the mixture, and slowly add the stock with water as needed to form a dough ball. Knead the dough until it's elastic but not too sticky. Allow it to rest in the bowl.

5. Divide the dough ball into equal pieces, forming approximately 8 or more dough balls. Flatten each ball to create your desired "steak" shapes or patties.

6. If not using right away, wrap the uncooked seitan patties with plastic wrap and freeze them for later use.

7. Create a steam bath for the seitan pieces using a large pan with a lid, adding the remaining stock and water to it.

8. Place the seitan pieces in the steam pan, letting them steam until they slightly rise and appear plump. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and steam them in a pot.

9. Remove the seitan pieces from the steam and add more seasonings or marinade, if desired.

10. To complete the cooking phase, heat a large pan slightly greased with avocado oil or coconut oil. Add the seitan pieces to the pan and drizzle a little more coconut amino acids over the top, or use vegan Worcestershire sauce.

11. Cook the pieces on both sides until they are nicely browned. For a final touch, you can finish cooking the seitan in the oven.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Protein: 21 g

• Carbohydrates: 13 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugars: 2 g

• Fat: 1 g

  • Saturated Fat: 0 g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Sodium: 740 mg

• Potassium: 148 mg

• Calcium: 27 mg

• Iron: 3.4 mg

• Vitamin C: 0 mg

• Vitamin A: 0 IU

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used in the recipe. For precise nutritional information, it's best to refer to the nutrition labels on the packaging of each ingredient and use a recipe nutrition calculator for accurate results.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy the seitan steaks or patties as a main dish, served with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

• Slice the cooked seitan and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for a delicious and protein-packed plant-based meal.

Storage Recommendations:

• If you're not using the uncooked seitan right away, cover it with plastic wrap and freeze it for later use.

• Store any remaining cooked seitan pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Healthy Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Seitan (Vital Wheat Gluten): Seitan is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a valuable option for vegans and vegetarians. It also contains iron and calcium, which are essential for overall health and bone strength.

• White Beans: White beans are rich in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and supporting digestive health. They also provide essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, contributing to heart health.

• Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan source of vitamin B12, which is crucial for nervous system function. It is also a good source of protein and adds a cheesy flavor to dishes.

• Tamari/Coconut Amino Acids: These soy sauce alternatives add a savory umami taste to the seitan while being gluten-free options for those with allergies or sensitivities.

• Vegetable Stock: Using vegetable stock instead of water adds flavor and depth to the seitan without adding extra fat or calories.

• Avocado Oil/Coconut Oil: These healthier oils are used sparingly to grease the pan, providing monounsaturated fats or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), respectively.

Conclusion:

Creating your own seitan at home offers the wonderful advantage of complete control over the ingredients, resulting in a versatile and wholesome meat alternative. Whether you're craving juicy steaks or savory sausages, the possibilities are endless, and it's a fantastic way to center your meals around nourishing plant-based protein.

Why not indulge in a delightful culinary experience and give this recipe for homemade seitan steaks and patties a try? Embrace the delectable and nutritious benefits that each bite offers. Enjoy your cooking journey, and may your kitchen be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of homemade seitan! Happy cooking!

#HomemadeSeitan #VeganSteaks #PlantBasedProtein