8 Best Seitan Substitutes

Seitan is a protein-rich meal derived from gluten wheat that is used in the preparation of vegetarian recipes. Seitan, like meat, has a chewy feel, making it an excellent vegan-based meat alternative. Seitan is similar to tofu in that it absorbs the taste of other foods, making it an excellent dish in a variety of dishes.

Seitan may be used to make stir-fries, tacos, and burritos, and it is available in a variety of forms, both dry and seasoned. Seitan is widely available at local grocery shops, particularly Asian markets.

Unfortunately, seitan is not widely accessible around the globe, therefore you will often need to replace tempeh, lentils, tofu, jackfruit, vegan meat, mushroom, beans, and legums for seitan-based recipes.

Let’s have a look at these options and see how they might be used to substitute seitan in your recipes!

Best Seitan Substitutes

1. Tofu

Tofu is an excellent alternative for meats, fish, hog, beef, and even seafood meals. Tofu is derived from soybeans and contains a lot of calcium and protein.

Tofu, like seitan, is a mainstay in Asian meals, and the first thing that springs to mind when people hear the word tofu is vegetarian.

Tofu has a terrible reputation for being mushy, spongy, and tasteless, but this is not always the case, and it may also be made as firm and chewy as meat.

To do this, just put your tofu in the refrigerator and then press it, or obtain really hard tofu and press it as well, which will make it as soft and chewy as flesh.

Tofu is an ideal alternative because, like seitan, it absorbs the taste of other foods or spices. Tofu may be used as a replacement in soups, stews, and marinades.

2. Tempeh

Tempeh is an excellent seitan alternative. It is derived from soybeans and has a nuttier taste than tofu. It also has a harder texture than tofu.

Tempeh is particularly healthy since it has a large quantity of calcium, fiber, and vitamins. Another benefit of tempeh is that it does not need to be pressed and may be used in sliced, diced, or chopped forms.

Because tempeh may be harsh at times, try steaming it before adding it to your meals. Tempeh has a fantastic texture that is akin to fish and beef chiles.

3. Textured Vegetable Protein

Textured vegetable protein is a simple to use replacement that is also inexpensive to purchase.

The TVP is available in granules and pieces and is ideal for ground beef meals, cutlets, meatloaves, and burgers. You should not be concerned if you come across this alternative as texturized soy protein.

4. Vegan Meat

Vegan meat is similar to a gluten-free seitan. Along with the vegan turkey, vegan sausage, and vegan turkey, some individuals produced the vegan meat.

This meal, which has a texture comparable to actual meat, is made up of a variety of components. And it may be flavored in a variety of ways.

Vegan meat is also very adaptable, since it may be rolled, sliced, chopped, and formed into pieces and cutlets. As a result, if you wish to make a meat-like meal, you need use vegan meat.

5. Jackfruit

You may be thinking how a fruit can be a decent vegan equivalent, but you’d be surprised at how tropical and maty this substitution is.

The jackfruit is fairly chewy on its own, but if you prefer a chewier texture, roast it on a baking pan for around 15 minutes.

Even though the jackfruit has a delicious pineapple flavor, it is more of a blank canvas on which you may add any spice you like.

6. Mushroom

Mushrooms, particularly cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms, are excellent choices for a sweet, salty, and chewy umami flavor.

Mushrooms are not only delicious; they are also incredibly healthful and satisfying, and they can be used in place of meat in a variety of dishes.

7. Lentils

Lentils have always been a stand-in alternative for seitan in many recipes since the beginning of veganism since they are healthful and can also replace seitan in many dishes that require anything meaty.

Lentils, which come in a range of hues such as black, red, green, and brown, also make excellent marinade alternatives.

Lentils are also incredibly economical, cook fast, and have a fantastic taste; a tiny bit of this recipe may go a long way.

Lentils may be found in delectable meals such as double-decker lentil tacos, lentil meatballs, lentil tacos, and south Indian lentil stews.

8. Beans And Legumes

Beans and legumes, like lentils, are full, affordable, and delicious. There are several types to pick from, including black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas.

Beans create robust stews that taste meaty even without the meat.

These are some of the best seitan alternatives, but that doesn’t imply there aren’t any others. Other fantastic alternatives are eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, coconut, and beets.

Even though cauliflower is overrated, it has a deep and meaty flavor, as does eggplant. Beets are great in salads, but they may also be used in savory meals with meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seitan a Good Meat Substitute?

It is, indeed. Seitan is also a highly nutritious meat alternative due to its high protein content and low fat content. Apart from that, it is rich in minerals such as selenium and iron. If you desire, you may manufacture your own seitan at home using just a few components such as wheat gluten, water, and flavorings.

Does Seitan Taste Like Chicken?

Seitan, like portobello mushrooms, tastes like chicken. The seitan’s inherent taste is moderate and tasty, but it can always be flavored with additional flavors from other recipes. It is believed to taste like the original chicken wings when hot and spicy.

What Is Vegan Meat Called?

Vegan meat is also known as faux, fake, mock, meat, plant protein, or analogs. These labels are used to indicate food that has animal-meat-like features in both taste and appearance, not only vegan meat.

Why Is My Seitan Rubbery?

This occurs most often while the seitan is still hot or boiling. It becomes mushy, jiggly, and spongy, similar to beef jello. You shouldn’t be concerned since that is how all seitan is; just slowly boil your seitan to guarantee that you get the appropriate texture at the end.

Can You Eat Seitan Raw?

Please do not consume seitan raw since this meat-like textured item must be stiffened, braised, and then properly cooked before it can be consumed. Raw seitan has an unpleasant flavor and texture; it tastes more like raw beef.

Conclusion

Meat lovers, it seems, may enjoy healthful and meaty dishes without actually eating meat.

And if you’re concerned about people wondering why you’re vegan but still want meat, you can simply explain you’re being satiated and compassionate at the same time, which is a win-win situation.