High-Protein Homemade Seitan (Easy Vegan Meat Recipe)
- The Vegan Force
- Jan 27
- 1 min read
If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb vegan meat alternative, homemade seitan is one of the best options you can make. It’s chewy, savory, incredibly versatile, and packed with plant-based protein — perfect for meal prep, fitness, and balanced vegan eating.
This easy seitan recipe uses vital wheat gluten and comes together quickly, with minimal prep and big flavor.
Why Seitan is Great for a Vegan Diet
Seitan is especially helpful if you want:
High protein without soy or legumes
Lower carbs than beans or tofu
A meaty texture for bowls, stir-fries, wraps, or sandwiches
A budget-friendly, homemade protein source
It’s also naturally low in fat, low in sugar, and cholesterol-free.
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How to Use Seitan
Stir-fries
Sandwiches & wraps
Vegan “chicken” strips
Tacos & burritos
Meal prep protein
Pan-fried or grilled slices
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Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice before freezing for convenience)
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Final Thoughts
This is one of the easiest homemade protein staples you can make. Once you try it, you’ll never need store-bought seitan again — and you can customize it endlessly.
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Notes
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1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together vegetable broth, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Form the Dough
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until a dough forms — about 30 seconds.
4. Knead Lightly
Knead gently for 1–2 minutes.
Tip: Over-kneading makes seitan tough.
5. Shape the Seitan
Form into a log or flatten slightly depending on your preferred shape.
6. Wrap Loosely
Wrap in foil, leaving room for expansion.
7. Cook
Steam for 40 minutes
OR simmer gently in broth for 45 minutes
(Steaming gives the best texture.)
8. Cool & Slice
Let cool for 10–15 minutes, then slice or tear.
Instructions
1 cup vital wheat gluten
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional but recommended)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
Dry Ingredients
¾ cup vegetable broth (or water + ½ bouillon cube)
1 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 Tbsp olive oil
Wet Ingredients
Easiest Basic Seitan (Vital Wheat Gluten) — High-Protein & Beginner Friendly
The Vegan Force
If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade seitan but felt intimidated, this is the simplest recipe to start with. It uses vital wheat gluten, comes together in minutes, and creates a chewy, meaty, high-protein plant-based protein that’s perfect for meal prep.
Servings :
Makes: ~3–4 servings
Calories:
Per Serving 3–4 oz (85–115g) cooked seitan
Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Chill Time
0
Total Time
1 to 1 1/2 hours
I will make the seitan this weekend. I am thinking to add jerk seasoning from the Amish market.