Vegan Seitan Steak

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1 cup cooked lentils (Canned lentils were used.)
• 6 tbsp water (For the seitan mixture.)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (For the seitan mixture.)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp liquid smoke
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup water (For the marinade.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (For the marinade.)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (For the marinade.)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave (Use maple syrup or agave.)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the vital wheat gluten, cooked lentils, 6 tablespoons water, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until well mixed, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Alternatively, mash the lentils with a fork or potato masher, then mix them with the other seitan ingredients in a large bowl.

2. 2

   Turn the mixture onto a clean work surface and knead for a few minutes, just until it comes together into a tight ball. It may be crumbly at first; avoid over-kneading, which makes the steaks tougher.

3. 3

   Cut the dough ball into 4 sections. Use a rolling pin to roll each section into a steak about 1/2 inch thick, working the tough, stretchy dough into the desired shapes.

4. 4

   Fill a large pot with several inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil.

5. 5

   Place the steaks in the steamer basket, overlapping if needed, and cover with a lid. Steam for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature is at least 160°F (71°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The steaks will double in size as they cook.

6. 6

   In a large zip-top bag or airtight container, mix the 1/4 cup water, olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and maple syrup or agave to make the marinade. The oil will not fully combine; that is fine.

7. 7

   Remove the steaks from the steamer and coat them in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to several days.

8. 8

   When ready to serve, heat a frying pan, grill pan, or barbecue. Once hot, fry or grill the steaks for a couple of minutes on each side, until grill marks form. Brush with leftover marinade while cooking to keep them juicy, then brush again just before serving. Serve whole or sliced, as desired.

Notes

The source gives the marinade a minimum marinating time of 30 minutes and says it can be kept in the refrigerator for several days. It does not specify an exact grilling or pan-frying duration beyond a couple of minutes per side.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegan
• dairy-free
• plant-based
• grilled
• pan-fried
• high-protein