Seitan is a high-protein food made from wheat gluten, which is the main protein found in wheat. It’s also known as wheat meat, wheat gluten, or sometimes just gluten. Seitan is a popular meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans due to its texture and ability to absorb flavors, making it versatile for various dishes.
The process of making seitan involves washing wheat flour dough to remove starch, leaving only the protein-rich gluten behind. This gluten is then cooked, seasoned, and can be sliced, diced, or formed into various shapes, such as cutlets or strips, resembling the look and chewiness of meat.
It’s a good source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, but it’s not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance since it’s entirely composed of gluten. Seitan is often used in Asian cuisine and has become more prevalent in Western vegetarian and vegan cooking as well.
