Steaming Seitan: A Necessary Pre-Cooking Step?

Seitan is a popular vegan meat alternative made from wheat gluten. It is versatile and can be prepared in multiple ways: boiled, baked, deep-fried, pan-fried, sliced, crumbled, or shredded.

When making seitan, you can either use whole flour and wash it or use vital wheat gluten. The latter is a more convenient option as vital wheat gluten is readily available in stores.

There are different ways to cook seitan, including steaming, simmering, and baking. For beginners, steaming is the most fool-proof way to achieve great texture. This can be done with a simple pot of water on the stove and a steamer basket.

This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of whether you should steam seitan before cooking and will explore the different methods of cooking seitan, the benefits of each method, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to steam seitan for those who are interested in trying this method.

How to steam seitan

Steaming seitan is a great way to prepare this plant-based protein, as it helps retain moisture and enhances its natural flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam seitan:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3/4 cup of vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Method:

• Combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable broth or water, soy sauce, and olive oil.
• Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and firm.
• Shape the dough into your desired form, such as cutlets, sausages, or cubes.
• Prepare your steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil.
• Place the seitan pieces in the steamer basket, ensuring they have enough space for even steaming.
• Cover the steamer and let the seitan steam for about 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.
• Once steaming is complete, carefully remove the seitan from the steamer and allow it to cool.

Your steamed seitan is now ready to be used in various dishes! It can be sliced, diced, grilled, or added to sandwiches, stir-fries, and salads. Steaming seitan is a healthier alternative to frying methods, as it reduces the amount of added fats.

The benefits of steaming seitan

Steaming seitan is a great way to cook this vegan meat alternative, and it comes with several benefits. Here are some reasons why steaming is a recommended cooking method for seitan:

Firm and Chewy Texture:

Steaming seitan results in a firm and chewy texture that is reminiscent of meat. This makes it a great option for those looking for a meat-like experience in their vegan dishes. The steam cooks the seitan thoroughly without making it too soft or soggy.

Faster Cooking Time:

Steaming seitan typically takes less time than other cooking methods, such as simmering. It usually takes around 30 minutes to steam seitan, whereas simmering can take closer to an hour. This makes steaming a more convenient option when you're short on time.

Requires Less Water:

Steaming seitan is more water-efficient than simmering, as you only need a couple of inches of water in the bottom of the pot. Simmering, on the other hand, requires filling a large pot with water, which can be more time-consuming and wasteful.

Dense and Sear-Friendly:

Steamed seitan tends to be denser than simmered seitan and doesn't absorb as much water. This makes it ideal for searing or stir-frying, as it can handle higher temperatures without falling apart. It's a great option if you want to create a crispy crust on your seitan.

Easier to Control Temperature:

Steaming is a more gentle cooking method than simmering, and it's easier to control the temperature. With simmering, you have to be careful not to let the water boil, as it can cause the seitan to become puffy and lose its dense texture. Steaming eliminates this risk and gives you more consistent results.

Versatility:

Once steamed, seitan can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. You can slice it for sandwiches, cut it into strips for stir-fries, or chop it into chunks for soups and stews. It's a versatile cooking method that allows you to incorporate seitan into many different meals.

Cost-Effective:

Making your own seitan at home is more cost-effective than buying pre-made seitan from stores. By steaming seitan, you can prepare a large batch at once and store it for later use, saving you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, steaming seitan offers a range of benefits, including a desirable texture, faster cooking time, water efficiency, and versatility. It is a recommended cooking method for those looking to incorporate this vegan meat alternative into their meals in a convenient and cost-effective way.

How to prepare seitan for steaming

Seitan, also known as "wheat meat", is a popular vegan meat alternative. It is made from wheat gluten, the protein found in wheat.

To prepare seitan for steaming, follow these steps:

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix together vital wheat gluten with chickpea flour. You can also add some seasonings like nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Then, stir in water or vegetable broth to form a dough.
• Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. This helps develop strands of gluten, which gives seitan its meaty texture. The longer you knead, the chewier the seitan will be. For a more tender seitan, knead for a shorter time.
• Let it rest: Cover the dough and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to work with.
• Cut and shape: Cut the dough into 4 or more pieces, depending on the size and shape you desire. You can also pull the dough into small strips or chunks.
• Wrap the seitan (optional): Wrapping the seitan in foil before steaming will give it a denser, meatier texture as it won't expand as much. However, this step is optional.
• Prepare the steamer: Add a few inches of water to a large pot and set up a steamer basket. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a simmer.
• Steam the seitan: Place the seitan pieces into the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for about 15-30 minutes. For thicker pieces, you may need to steam for a longer time.

Once the seitan is steamed, you can use it in various recipes such as sandwiches, stir-fries, or salads. You can also pan-fry or bake the seitan for a crispy texture.

How to cook seitan after steaming

Seitan is a versatile vegan meat alternative that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook seitan after steaming:

• After steaming the seitan, let it cool down before handling.
• Once cooled, remove the seitan from the steamer basket and place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to chill the seitan overnight to enhance its texture and make it firmer and meatier.
• When ready to cook, remove the seitan from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature.
• Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. You can also use a dry pan if you prefer an oil-free option.
• Add the seitan to the hot pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You may also want to add some spices or sauces to the pan to enhance the flavor. For example, a combination of Thai sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil can be used to create a tasty sauce.
• Once the seitan is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy seitan that has a meaty texture and can be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, stir-fries, salads, and more.

How to store seitan

Storing seitan is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your food stays fresh and safe to eat. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to store seitan:

Storing Seitan in Broth:

If you plan to use seitan in stews or other wet dishes, storing it in its cooking broth is a great option. Simply allow the seitan and broth to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This method can keep seitan fresh for up to 10 days, and the seitan will continue to absorb the delicious broth flavours.

Storing Dry Seitan:

If you intend to use seitan in stir-fries or similar dry dishes, it's best to store it without the broth. Wrap the dry or baked seitan tightly in cling film or aluminium foil, ensuring minimal exposure to air. You can even double-wrap it for extra protection against odours and moisture loss. Seitan stored this way will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

Freezing Seitan:

Freezing is an excellent option if you want to store seitan for more than a week. Seitan freezes well, and you can freeze it with or without broth. Before freezing, allow the seitan to cool completely. Label the container so you know how long it's been in the freezer. Seitan can last up to 6 months in the freezer before its quality starts to deteriorate.

Defrosting and Reheating Seitan:

When defrosting seitan, it's best to do so slowly in the refrigerator. Dry seitan will defrost faster, usually within 2-3 hours, while seitan stored in broth may take longer. If you're in a hurry, you can use cold running water to speed up the process.

When reheating seitan, be mindful that it can dry out. For best results, add a small amount of water during reheating, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Food Safety:

Seitan should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, while not unsafe, seitan is susceptible to absorbing odours and freezer burn, which can affect its taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions