New food fashions have created a call for new products which are now invading the shelves of organic stores and supermarkets. Among them are seitan, the flagship product of vegan and vegetarian diets, but also those curious to discover new culinary experiences.
Find out everything you need to know about this meat substitute: what is seitan used for , how to use it, its taste and also how to make homemade seitan.
Seitan: definition
Seitan is made from wheat protein, gluten powder. The flour is washed to separate gluten, starch and bran. It then produces a dough which, after resting, is pressed and finally cooked in water or in broth.
High in protein, little or no fat, seitan is a permanent fixture in kitchens vegetarian and vegan. It is eaten in different forms, fried in slices, grilled in fillets, pan-fried, in stuffing, in Bolognese sauce, diced in tarts or quiches, etc.
What does seitan taste like?
Seitan replaces meat in diets without meat products. Its fairly neutral taste and consistency allow it to absorb the flavors of the foods with which it is cooked. Its firm texture is reminiscent of chicken, which it takes its place in many vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Where to buy seitan?
You can find seitan in organic stores, specialized stores , vegan butchers, but also now in many supermarkets.
How is seitan eaten?
Plain seitan replaces meat products in all traditionally meat-based dishes: shepherd’s pie, chilis, nuggets, skewers, etc.
It can also be enjoyed simply air fried with oil and a little seasoning: soy sauce, sautéed garlic and onions, Provençal herbs or spices of your choice depending on taste… It can be eaten as a sandwich, burger or accompanied by french fries or air fried butternut.
Seitan: recipe
If you have a little time to spare, it is possible to make homemade seitan from powdered gluten. Starting from flour is not recommended, because the gluten separation process is quite long.
Seitan can be frozen, so when you start making it, make it in quantity to make the most of the time spent. Once ready, you cut it into portions and freeze it.
Seitan ingredients (for 1 kg)
- 250 g of wheat gluten
- 2.5 liters of stock cube or homemade
- cooked and peeled potatoes
- a tablespoon of cornstarch
- 40 g malted yeast
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 10 cl of soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of oil of your choice
- Spices: cumin, coriander, nutmeg of your choice
Seitan preparation
In a blender, mix potatoes, gluten flour, cornstarch, malted yeast and spices. Pour the mixture into a container.
Mix 25 cl of broth, olive oil and half of the soy sauce. Mix with the preparation then knead to obtain an elastic dough. Leave to rest for 20 minutes.
Shape the seitan into around ten pieces, sprinkle them with flour and leave to rest for half an hour.
Heat the broth and the rest of the soy sauce then put the seitan in it for three-quarters of an hour over low heat.
It keeps for a few days in the fridge in the broth or freezes.