What Is Seitan? A Complete Guide to This High‑Protein Vegan Favourite
If you frequent restaurants and cafés that care about animals, human health, and the planet, you’ve probably seen “seitan” on menus – in everything from burgers and nuggets to roasts and kebabs. If you’ve ever wondered what is seitan, and how do you even pronounce it, you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down simply, explore why it’s so popular, and show you how to cook – or buy – it yourself.
(And btw, it’s pronounced say‑tan.)
What Is Seitan Made Of?
Seitan is a high‑protein plant‑based food made from wheat gluten, the protein found in wheat.
Although it may seem new to some in the UK, seitan has been enjoyed by other cultures for centuries. It originated in China as early as the sixth century and was later refined in Japan, where it became known as “seitan” – from sei (“made of”) and tanpaku (“protein”).
Because of its rich, savoury flavour and hearty texture, seitan is often used to upgrade recipes that call for meat.
Seitan Protein and Nutrition
One of the main reasons people seek out seitan protein is its seriously impressive nutritional profile.
Seitan is:
- High in protein – often cited at up to around 75g per 100g of vital wheat gluten
- Naturally cholesterol‑free
- A source of fibre, unlike animal flesh and secretions
Because of this, seitan is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more plant‑based protein to their meals. It’s particularly good for new vegans, as it does a great job of replicating the taste of meat.
Why Seitan Is So Popular
Seitan, which still relatively unknown when compared to other plant-based proteins like tofu and beans, is rapidly growing in popularity for several key reasons:
1. Incredible Taste and Texture
Seitan has a firm, “meaty” bite that works brilliantly in dishes like steaks, sausages, and kebabs.
2. Versatility
It absorbs flavour exceptionally well, meaning it can be seasoned to suit almost any cuisine – from smoky BBQ to spicy curries.
3. Easy to Cook
Seitan can be:
- Fried
- Grilled
- Baked
- Steamed
- Simmered in sauces
It’s a true kitchen all‑rounder.
How Is Seitan Made?
Seitan is made by combining vital wheat gluten with water to form a dough, which is then kneaded and cooked.
There are two common methods:
- Modern method: Mix vital wheat gluten with liquid and seasoning, then steam or simmer
- Traditional method: Wash wheat flour dough to remove starch, leaving behind the gluten
The result is a dense, protein‑rich food that can be sliced, shredded, or shaped.
Simple Seitan Recipe (Beginner‑Friendly)
If you fancy making seitan at home, it’s more straightforward than you might think. But where can you buy vital wheat gluten? We’ve got you.
Holland and Barrett stores sell it, and you can also find it at Tesco, Amazon, and some independent online retailers.
If you’ve got your wheat gluten, all you’ll need are a select few cupboard staples like garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and vegetable stock, depending on the recipe .
Check out our recipe for seitan roast stuffed with mushrooms and mixed nuts for your next Sunday dinner.
Where to Buy Seitan in the UK
If you’d rather skip the prep, there are a growing number of ready-made options available. Perhaps the most accessible of these is Tofoo’s seitan, which comes in two flavours: chicken and ham. These can be found in Tesco, Ocado, Waitrose, Asda, and Sainsbury’s.
Seitan can also be found in health food shops, such as:
- Holland & Barrett
- Planet Organic
- Independent wholefood stores
Alternatively, you can shop for your seitan online, from places like:
- Vegan online retailers (such as The Vegan Kind and alternative supermarkets)
- Direct from plant‑based brands
You’ll often find seitan sold as:
- Strips or chunks
- Deli slices
- Ready‑seasoned “chicken‑style” or “beef‑style” pieces
- Roasts or kebab‑style products
Why Choose Seitan?
Seitan offers a delicious way to enjoy satisfying, protein‑rich meals without harming animals. It allows you to recreate familiar dishes in a compassionate way – whether that’s a hearty roast, a comforting curry, or a quick midweek stir‑fry.
Ready to Try Seitan?
Now that you know what seitan is, why not give it a go?
Pick up a ready‑made option from your local shop or try the simple seitan recipe above. Once you start experimenting, you’ll quickly see why this centuries‑old ingredient has become a modern vegan favourite.
Plant Proteins Are the Future – Drop Animal Products from Your Diet Today!
Whether you love seitan, tofu, tempeh, edamame, beans, pulses, or all of the above, there are plenty of amazing and versatile plant-based proteins that prove that eating animals is not only cruel, but completely unnecessary.
If today’s the day you’re going to cut all animal products from your life and go vegan, order our free Vegan Starter Kit to help you on your way.
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