Seitan is a soy-based food that is used as an alternative to meat in vegan dishes. Besides the fact that it is a staple for vegetarians, a lot remains to be known about this food. Where does it come from? Is it nutritious? How is it prepared? This write-up seeks to answer any questions that you might have about seitan.

What is Seitan?

Seitan is also referred to as wheat gluten. Ideally, this unique type of ”meat” is made using gluten, a protein found in wheat. Ideally, seitan is made removing amount start in wheat flour, leaving behind some strands of gluten. Seitan mimics the texture of animal meat in many ways.

When it comes to the taste, it is worth noting that plain seitan tastes different from animal-based meats. However, it has a natural ability to absorb sauces and spices. Spicing up seitan with some meat flavor makes it replicate the taste of animal-based meat.

What is Seitan’sSeitan’s Nutritional Value?

Even though seitan is extracted from wheat, it is high in proteins and low in carbs. A three-ounce serving of seitan contains at least 15 grams of protein, which is somewhat equivalent to the amount contained in an equal portion of beef or chicken. However, you should warry of pre-canned varieties, which might have relatively high concentrations of salt and fat. Overall, seitan offers the following nutritional benefits:

• High in proteins
• Low in calories
• Contains iron, potassium, and vitamin B
• Cholesterol-free

How Do You Prepare Seitan

Seitan is prepared by mixing whole-wheat flour and water. The resulting dough is then washed with running water until the water becomes clear. Ideally, clear water often gives the impression that the soluble starch within the wheat has been removed, leaving insoluble gluten behind.

Next, you need to cook the dough. If you are preparing instant pot seitan, it will help if you used the tips shared by Corrie cooks to achieve a texture that evokes that of meat.

Suitability of Seitan in Preparing Different Dishes?

Seitan can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, depending on the recipe that you will be using. For starters, seitan works perfectly with a variety of dishes, including seitan puffs, vegan chorizo, BBQ strips, and Chinese pancakes. In other cases, it can also be used as a filler material for sandwiches and tacos.