If you’ve been vegetarian or vegan for a while, you may be familiar with seitan and vegan dishes like seitan chicken, seitan wings and seitan bacon. Many vegans and others living a meat-free life love gluten-free meat since it’s a great substitute for meat.
For those of you unacquainted with this ingredient though, here’s a quick introduction to seitan (also known as miàn jīn and milgogi), along with 35 of the best seitan recipes to make with it.
What Is Seitan?
Pronounced as “say-tan,” seitan is a food made of vital wheat gluten. It’s made by “washing” wheat flour of all the starch until all that is left is an elastic mass of gluten (the main protein of meat), which is then cooked and can be fried, steamed, baked or prepared multiple other ways.
Since the main ingredient is gluten, seitan is not gluten-free, and therefore not suitable for Celiacs or those with gluten allergies or intolerances.
Related: 24 Vegan Sheet Pan Recipes for the Simplest Plant-Based Dinners
A Great Substitute for Meat
However, for those who can eat gluten, seitan makes a very good meat substitute—thanks to its chewy meat-like texture. Plus depending on how it’s prepared, it can be a very close imitation of many different types of meats: like seitan chicken, beef, ham and even seitan ribs.
Related: 40 Plant-Based Tofu Recipes Even Meat Lovers Will Enjoy
Best Seitan Recipes
You’ll seriously be amazed at how seitan can look (and surprisingly taste) like meat, and how similar it is in texture to meat.
There are a whole plethora of ways to cook with seitan and seitan strips and some amazing ways to use it as a meat substitute. Try seitan ground beef, seitan fried chicken, vegan seitan jerky, vegan seitan pork roast, seitan steak, seitan sausages or stuffed seitan roast, the next time you’re looking for a vegan dinner option.
Here are 35 easy vegan seitan recipes so good you won’t miss the meat. Browse through them, make sure you pin your favorites and let’s get cooking!
iStock
Seitan chicken made fancy with bell peppers and a marinade.
Kate Lewis
With a slow cooker and this easy vegan slow cooker seitan recipe, you’ll get all the flavors of Thanksgiving with almost no work at all. Plus your budget won’t take a hit!
Pickled Plum
You won’t miss the meat in this savory, smoky and protein-loaded seitan and vegetable stir fry recipe. Healthy, delicious and on the table in 20 minutes!
40 Aprons
Seitan ground beef is the perfect, tender vegan substitute for ground beef. Works beautifully in recipes.
Veggie Society
Best vegan seitan fried chicken recipe from scratch with a crispy panko crust and juicy interior.
My Quiet Kitchen
This vegan teriyaki seitan jerky is easy to prepare, low in fat, and high in both protein and flavor! It does require some time and a little prep work, but it’s way more affordable than specialty jerky you find in stores and is so worth the effort.
My Quiet Kitchen
Buffalo and Thai peanut flavors join the vegan jerky party! High in plant protein and with an oil-free option, this homemade vegan jerky is a tasty and healthy snack.
My Quiet Kitchen
This simplified massaman curried seitan recipe has the distinct kick you want while being easy enough for a weeknight. Add a variety of vegetables, and serve atop your favorite rice. Ready in about 30 minutes!
Sweet Simple Vegan
Bring your sandwiches to the next level with these homemade vegan deli meat slices! They are packed with flavor, easy to put together and cheaper than the store-bought options available.
Elephantastic Vegan
No need to buy expensive veggie sausages anymore! These homemade vegan sausages are easy to make and delicious.
Easy-to-make bao bun sandwiches are stuffed with Hoisin seitan “chicken” along with lots of herbs and pickles!
Sunny Side Hanne
These BBQ vegan seitan ribs with sticky tamarind BBQ sauce will please even the most committed meat eater! Toothsome, mouthwatering and protein-rich, these vegan ribs are simply delectable.
Another Music in a Different Kitchen
Make stuffed seitan roast with savory mushroom-cranberry dressing wrapped in herbed poultry-flavored seitan roll the centerpiece of your holiday table.
My Dainty Soul Curry
Enjoy this Cajun-spiced spicy baked vegan popcorn seitan when you crave something yummy and crispy.
Plant Power Couple
Flavorful and meaty vegan corned beef made with seitan in the slow cooker!
Ugly Vegan Kitchen
This seitan stew is about to become your favorite vegan beef stew. It doesn’t take long to cook on the stove. And it’s perfect for fall, winter or any time you’re in the mood for a warm, hearty, easy seitan beef stew!
The Stingy Vegan
These vegan meatballs are made with from-scratch seitan using vital wheat gluten. They’re quick and easy to prepare and are baked for a super-healthy and versatile vegan meatball!
Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas
This jerk seitan chicken is perfect for a vegan BBQ. The seitan gives a meaty texture and the deliciously spicy, zingy jerk marinade provides an explosion of flavor. This vegan jerk chicken is a must-try!
My Quiet Kitchen
Surprisingly easy to prepare yet perfect for special occasions, this Vegan Seitan Bourguignon comes together in one pot and features carrots and pearl onions, fresh thyme and a hearty red wine sauce.
The Cheeky Chickpea
Delicious juicy meaty Tofurky style seitan roast recipe for your plant-based holiday meal or slice as deli meat for ham sandwiches! So easy!
Swoontastic
This is the ultimate vegan juicy, succulent, savory, herb-crusted seitan roast recipe.
Fooduzzi
Chewy, simple vegan seitan nuggets made in the Instant Pot! You’ll love this quick and easy plant-based protein-packed recipe!
My Plantiful Cooking
Featuring crispy pan-fried seitan chunks cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce, this vegan teriyaki chicken is better than takeout! Quick to make and ready in 15 minutes, teriyaki seitan makes a great weeknight dinner.
Rabbits and Wolves
These vegan garlic ranch seitan wings are the perfect party food.
The Cheeky Chickpea
Juicy, marinated Seitan steak with a perfect meaty chew! Delicious and easy vegetarian meat recipe!
James Strange
This gout-friendly Mongolian seitan is delicious and makes a great alternative for those who love Mongolian chicken or beef.
The Cheeky Chickpea
This is the best vegan seitan turkey—moist and flavorful with the perfect chew. Serve for your holiday main course with gravy or sliced as deli meat for your favorite veggie sandwich.
This seitan gyros recipe makes the perfect vegan gyro meat alternative. It’s packed with flavor and offers a chewy, meat-like texture that isn’t dry or tough!
Daughters of Seitan
These vegan seitan sausages are smoky, subtly sweet and super meaty. Serve these vegan sausages on a bun with your favorite toppings, cut them up to use in a dish, or eat them on their own. Approved by vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters!
Daughters of Seitan
With a neutral savory flavor, these meaty seitan shreds are the perfect addition to any recipe that calls for shredded chicken—add to casseroles, pasta dishes, soups, sandwiches and more!
Fly Me to the Buffet
If you love vegan fusion cuisine, make this yummy seitan satay with spicy peanut sauce.
Plantifully Based
Are you ready to have your mind blown by plant-based meat? Because these spicy vegan “chicken” nuggets are about to do it.
The Curious Chickpea
Peppercorn and sun-dried tomato seitan deli meat is perfect for making thin slices for sandwiches and cheese plates, or it can be chopped, shredded and cooked for any recipe!
My Eclectic Bites
Learn how to make delicious seitan bulgogi with homemade seitan! Vegan-friendly Korean BBQ at last!
The Curious Chickpea
The juicy seared seitan carne asada is thinly sliced then piled into warm corn tortillas and topped with pico de gallo, vegan queso fresco and minced cilantro to serve.
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