Seitan means a plant-based food made from wheat gluten. It is often used as a meat substitute because it has a chewy texture and can take on different flavors well.
People use seitan in everyday cooking when they want a vegetarian or vegan option instead of meat. You may see it in stir-fries, sandwiches, wraps, curries, or grilled dishes.
Meaning & Usage
Seitan is made by washing wheat dough to remove the starch, leaving mostly gluten behind. That is why it is dense and chewy, and why many people use it in recipes that normally use chicken, beef, or pork.
Examples
For example, someone might order a seitan sandwich, add seitan to noodles, or cook seitan with sauce and vegetables for a quick meal.
Is seitan the same as tofu?
No. Seitan is made from wheat gluten, while tofu is made from soybeans. They are both used as meat alternatives, but they have different textures and ingredients.
Is seitan vegan?
Yes, seitan is usually vegan because it is made from wheat gluten and does not contain animal products.
Does seitan taste like meat?
It can taste similar to meat when seasoned well, but on its own it has a mild flavor and mostly a chewy texture.
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