How to Make Gluten – Sharon Palmer, Plant-Based Nutritionist

Wondering how to make seitan? Learn all about the process of making homemade seitan and the nutritional benefits of gluten in this guide.

Have you ever tried seitan – a wonderful, traditional, versatile plant-based staple? If so, it’s probably a regular item in your cart (certainly in mine). What is gluten? This common plant-based meat substitute is called gluten (pronounced “SAY-tan”) and is made from gluten, the main protein found in wheat flour. Gluten is made by washing away the wheat starch to expose the protein. This traditional food dates back to sixth century China and is widely eaten in the Buddhist tradition. It also appears in other traditional Asian cuisines, such as Japanese and Vietnamese. Gluten is often called “wheat meat” because it mimics the heartiness and chewy feel of meat but without the animal protein. Additionally, gluten is rich in protein and essential amino acids like lysine, making it versatile in a variety of dishes. If you’ve ever ordered vegan BBQ “ribs” or “ribz”, vegan gyros, or vegan Mongolian beef while dining out, chances are you’ve had a taste of gluten. Commercial seitan is also becoming more common in grocery stores (often in pre-flavored savory varieties), and you can find it in the refrigerated section along with other meat alternatives like tofu and tempeh.

You can make your own seitan to incorporate your own style, and you have more control over the ingredients. It’s not too difficult to make; all you need is vital wheat gluten (available online and in well-stocked supermarkets) and some ingredients for a delicious broth (i.e. spices, herbs, tomato paste) to cook the gluten in. This is the ultimate addition to your plant-based meal prep toolbox, making homemade seitan saves money and makes multiple servings for tons of leftovers. For example, dip gluten strips into a vegan cheese fondue, quickly stir-fry with vegetables, and enjoy the gluten cubes in vegetable pho. You can use your own versatile homemade seitan to make any meal idea a reality!