Homemade Seitan
Seitan is a food made from gluten protein that has been extracted from wheat flour. It has a springy texture, with protein strands similar to those in chicken running through it, making it a reasonable replacement for meat in vegan or vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (280 g) high-gluten wheat flour (such as bread flour)
- Water
Steps
- Add 2 cups water to the flour. Knead until combined and elastic. Keep hands wet to prevent sticking.
- Cover dough with water. Refrigerate 1 hour.
- Knead gently underwater until the water is cloudy. Replace with clear, cold water. Early on the dough dissolves easily, so squeeze cautiously against the bowl. Later, knead over the water and dip only to wash off starch; too much water washes out the gluten.
- Continue kneading and replacing water until it stays clear. A mass of gluten remains.
- Divide the gluten into loaf- or roll-shaped halves. Optionally add soy sauce (recommended), spices (Italian sausage or poultry seasoning for a chicken- or turkey-like taste) or nutritional yeast (recommended).
- Place gluten loaves in a pot. Cover with vegetable broth or dashi.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Simmer 1–1.5 hours.
- Remove from heat. Serve or use in place of meat.
Notes from the original
- To avoid the washing process you can also buy 100% gluten flour in some stores. This flour would require only enough water to form it into a solid mass.
- Seitan created using just gluten flour can be rubbery and has a very "gluteny" taste. Adding 1 part garbanzo bean flour to 4 parts gluten flour makes for a less chewy texture and a better flavor.
- Because of their high protein content, gluten "steaks" can be grilled and fried to good effect.
Source. Adapted from “Cookbook:Homemade Seitan” by Wikibooks contributors, revision of 2025-06-19, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Changes. Steps rewritten into short commands. Introduction shortened. Wiki formatting removed. This adapted recipe is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.






