Not-Chik’n Seitan with Orange Sauce

Seitan (pronounced “say-tan”) is a vegan meat substitute made entirely out of hydrated gluten, the main protein found in wheat. It’s very nutritious, high in protein and minerals, low in fat.

It’s prepared by combining wheat gluten with water and kneading into a stiff dough. It can then be boiled or steamed, then baked or fried. It’s often marinated or cooked with a sauce to give it additional flavor.

This version has flavor from the garlic and onion powders, the no-chicken seasoning, and smoked paprika. I like to steam it, then combine with a sauce.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Print Recipe

Not-Chik’n Seitan & Orange Sauce

Course: Main Course, Sauces and dressings
Cuisine: Vegan
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

Seitan

  • 1 ½ cup wheat gluten
  • 1 15-oz package silken tofu
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon no-chik'n seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Orange Sauce

  • ½-¾ cup orange juice about 3 oranges
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

Seitan

  • Start a pot of boiling water and insert a slightly oiled steamer.
  • Put all ingredients in food processor and process until well mixed and doughy.
  • Cut dough into pieces, 6 to 8, or 16 to 20 nuggets.
  • Steam 30 minutes, flipping half-way.
  • Another way to cook them is to drop into boiling seasoned water for 20 minutes, then bake at 425° for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I cook the nuggets this way.

Orange Sauce

  • Mix together all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch and water.
  • Then whisk together the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl before adding to the other ingredients. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the seitan to the sauce. Let simmer 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats the seitan.

Notes

Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice and a green vegetable like broccoli or green beans or assorted stir-fry vegetables.

Thai Noodle Bowl with Edamame

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Print Recipe

Thai Noodle Bowl with Edamame, Lime, and Spiralized Zucchini

Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Thai, Vegan
Servings: 2

Ingredients

Bowls

  • 1 cup edamame shelled
  • 1 zucchini spiralized
  • 6 ounces noodles rice, pad thai, soba, ramen, etc

Sauce

  • ½ avocado
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • cup plant-based yogurt plain
  • 1 tablespoons Thai red chili garlic sauce
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice from 1/2 lime

Toppings

  • ¼ bell pepper thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup carrot shredded
  • ¼ cup peanuts chopped
  • ¼ cup green onions

Instructions

  • Combine the avocado, tomatoes, maple syrup, and yogurt in a food processor, blending until mixed. Add the Asian red chili sauce, cumin, and lime juice and blend until a creamy thick consistency is formed.
  • Cook the noodles as directed on the package. Rinse in cold water.
  • Cook the edamame as directed on the package, drain and rinse in cool water. Usually, they are boiled for 3-4 minutes then drained.
  • Spiralize the zucchini.
  • Place the noodles, zucchini, and edamame in a bowl, and mix. Pour about half a cup of sauce over them, and toss.
  • Divide evenly among bowls. Top with bell pepper, carrot, peanuts, and green onions. Drizzle a little more sauce on top. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Eggplant “Parmesan”

One of my favorite sandwiches, eggplant parm is also great with pasta and some marinara sauce. It’s quick–just slice, dunk, and bake! I’ve included the ingredients for the parm-like topping too.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Print Recipe

Eggplant “Parmesan”

Makes a great sandwich or addition to spaghetti.
Course: Main Course, Sandwich, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Vegan
Servings: 0

Ingredients

Eggplant Parm

  • 1 eggplant
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan recipe below
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Vegan Parmesan

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • pinch cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano

Instructions

Eggplant

  • Preheat the over to 400° F. Prepare a baking sheet –lightly oiled, or silicone mat, or parchment paper.
  • Slice the eggplant, about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Mix the flour, milk, and cornstarch together in one bowl.
  • Mix the panko, parm, basil, oregano, and salt in a second bowl.
  • Dunk each slice of eggplant in the flour/milk bowl, then the breadcrumbs bowl, and place it on the baking sheet.
  • Bake 25 minutes.

Vegan Parm

  • Place all ingredients in a food processor and blitz until it's a fine meal with some nutty bits.
  • Transfer to a jar. Refrigerate to keep fresh.

Notes

For a sandwich, place 2-3 slices on a crusty roll, drizzle with warmed marinara sauce and sprinkle with extra parm. I like to add a little shredded cabbage for crunch but that’s just me!