Seitan
Homemade seitan made from vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, garlic and water. This plant-based meat alternative is kneaded into an elastic dough in the Thermomix TM7, then simmered until firm and flavoursome. With an impressive protein content and a chewy, meaty texture, it is ideal for slicing into stews, stir-fries or sandwiches.
About this recipe
Seitan Thermomix TM7 is the ultimate homemade plant-based meat alternative, and this recipe proves why the all-in-one kitchen machine is ideal for it. Vital wheat gluten is combined with nutritional yeast flakes, soy sauce, garlic and water into an elastic dough that, once kneaded and simmered, turns into a firm, chewy and savoury protein source with a remarkably meaty bite. Searching for seitan recipes online usually leads to laborious methods, yet the TM7 kneads the dough hands-free to exactly the right springy consistency, taking the guesswork out of the trickiest step. With more than twenty grams of protein per portion and barely any fat, seitan fits perfectly into a vegetarian or vegan weekly menu, whether you slice it into a stew, stir-fry it with vegetables or layer it in sandwiches. The garlic and soy sauce season the dough from within, so every slice tastes seasoned rather than plain. Making your own seitan also means you control the salt content and avoid the additives often found in shop-bought versions, all while the Thermomix does the heavy work.
Preparation tips
- Knead the vital wheat gluten dough only until it just becomes elastic; over-kneading makes the seitan tough and rubbery instead of pleasantly chewy. Let the dough rest briefly before simmering so the gluten network relaxes.
- Simmer the seitan gently in well-seasoned broth rather than boiling water. The soy sauce and garlic penetrate deeper during slow cooking, giving every slice a savoury flavour from within instead of a bland centre.
- Store cooked seitan in its cooling broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or slice and freeze portions. This makes it easy to add plant-based protein to stir-fries, stews and sandwiches during the week.
Recipe variations
- Smoky barbecue seitan: add a spoonful of smoked paprika and a dash of maple syrup to the dough, then grill the sliced seitan and brush it with barbecue sauce for a plant-based barbecue main course.
- Herb and tomato seitan: stir in dried Italian herbs and a spoonful of tomato paste with the nutritional yeast, giving the slices a Mediterranean character that works wonderfully in a vegan pasta sauce or on a pizza.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Weighing the vital wheat gluten directly in the mixing bowl guarantees the right dough consistency every single time. [Time Savings]
- The TM7 grinds the garlic clove finely in seconds, distributing savoury flavour evenly through the seitan dough. [Multi-Function]
- Kneading the wheat gluten mixture hands-free develops its elastic structure while you prepare the simmering broth. [Hands-Free]
- Steaming the shaped seitan gently keeps it tender and juicy rather than dense, for a satisfying meaty bite. [Multi-Function]
- Heating the soy sauce broth at a controlled low temperature prevents boiling, so the seitan cooks evenly without toughening. [Precision Control]
Ingredients
- garlic clove
- vital wheat gluten
- nutritional yeast flakes
- soy sauce
- water