Hail Seitan! The New Vegan Meat Alternative That Is Going Viral
28/06/2022
By Lee Nottle
The number of people in the UK switching over the plant-based diets has rapidly increased over the past few years and the rise in popularity of Veganuary every year highlights that many are wary of the effects that meat and dairy have on climate change, our health, and the welfare of animals. The vegan boom has been difficult to ignore with supermarket chains and restaurants massively increasing their meat-free offerings.
Although we may be spoiled for choice, these plant-based substitutions can sometimes be a little on the pricey side, and in response to this many have turned their attention to the almighty seitan. Made up from either traditionally washing the starch from flour or simply using vital wheat gluten flour, seitan is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of tasty dishes. It may surprise you but this recently popular vegan substitute has a long history and has been used as far back as the 6th century by Buddhists to make the transition to a vegetarian lifestyle easier.
Are there any downsides?
Seitan is mostly comprised of wheat-gluten and, as the name suggests, is not suitable for coeliacs, or those with gluten intolerances. So it is better to stick with substitutes such as tofu, tempeh or soya protein and avoid seitan if you are sensitive to gluten.
The versatility of seitan cannot be understated. Think of any meat substitute you would want to make and the likelihood is that you can make it with seitan. You do not need to look far to find recipes by others that have spent a great deal of time meticulously experimenting to create unbelievable substitutes that would fool even the most stubborn meat-eaters. Just a simple search on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will provide you with a treasure trove of seitan recipes, varying from deli-style vegan meats to seasonal showstoppers. To get you started, we will be sharing some of our favourite seitan recipes over the coming weeks. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled!
DIY Seitan: Making Your Own
While seitan can be readily found in many grocery stores and health food stores, making it from scratch allows for greater control over the ingredients and flavors. Here are some basic recipes for homemade seitan:
Seitan offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to meat, providing ample protein and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, seitan is a worthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Experiment with different flavors and recipes to discover the endless possibilities of this versatile vegan meat alternative.