Dark Meat Seitan

Transform your plant-based cooking with this rich and flavorful Dark Meat Seitan recipe, a vegan protein powerhouse that's perfect for hearty meals. Made with a base of vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour, this homemade seitan is seasoned with smoky paprika, garlic, and onion powder, giving it a robust, savory taste with just the right depth. A touch of soy sauce and optional tahini add umami richness, while simmering in a bay leaf-infused vegetable broth ensures tender, juicy results. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile seitan can be shredded, sliced, or served as-is in your favorite dishes—from stir-fries and stews to sandwiches and grain bowls. Perfect for meal prep and packed with protein, this dark meat seitan is a delicious, plant-based alternative that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Vital wheat gluten
• 0.5 cups Chickpea flour
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 3 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoons Tahini (optional, for richness)
• 1 teaspoons Maple syrup (optional, for balance)
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 0.5 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for broth coloring)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 2

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix 1 cup of vegetable broth, soy sauce, tahini (if using), and maple syrup (if using). Stir until well combined.

Step 3

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. A dough will begin to form.

Step 4

Knead the dough with your hands for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Avoid over-kneading, as it can make the seitan too tough.

Step 5

Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller chunks, depending on your preference for the final texture.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring the remaining 2 cups of vegetable broth, bay leaves, and optional paprika to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Step 7

Carefully place the seitan loaf or chunks into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 60 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the seitan from the broth and let it cool for 10 minutes. It can be sliced, shredded, or stored as desired.

Step 9

Use the dark meat seitan in stir-fries, stews, sandwiches, or any dish where a savory, rich protein is needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1173.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1945.5

Total Fat 25.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3000.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.1g	0%
Total Sugars 20.6g
Protein 291.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 713.4mg	0%
Iron 27.7mg	0%
Potassium 2651.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.7%

Protein: 59.2%

Carbs: 29.1%