Vegan Steak with Caramelized Onions

Satisfy your cravings for a hearty, plant-based entrée with this Vegan Steak with Caramelized Onions recipe—a true game-changer for vegans and meat-eaters alike! Crafted from high-protein ingredients like vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour, these seitan-based "steaks" are perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder for a savory, umami-packed flavor. Simmered to tender perfection and lightly seared for a golden crust, they’re topped with deeply caramelized onions cooked in plant-based butter for a sweet, silky finish. This recipe is a must-try if you're looking for a satisfying, meat-free alternative that’s perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Pair it with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a completely indulgent experience. Easy to make, high in protein, and bursting with flavor—this vegan steak will be the star of your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Vital wheat gluten
• 0.25 cup Chickpea flour
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
• 0.75 cup Vegetable broth (for the seitan dough)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 unit Large yellow onion (sliced thinly)
• 1 tablespoon Plant-based butter
• 4 cups Water (for simmering)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: soy sauce or tamari and vegetable broth.

Step 3

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes to develop the gluten. The dough should be firm but pliable.

Step 4

Shape the dough into 4 oval or rectangular 'steaks.' Set aside.

Step 5

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer (not boiling). Place the 'steaks' in the water, cover, and let them simmer for 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

While the steaks are simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to brown, about 15 minutes.

Step 7

Add the plant-based butter to the onions and continue cooking until they are deeply caramelized, about 10 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 8

Once the steaks are done simmering, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 9

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cooked steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 10

Serve the vegan steaks topped with the caramelized onions. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1636.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1458.2

Total Fat 45.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2660.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 11.5g
Protein 186.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 408.2mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 1208.4mg	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: 28.3%

Protein: 51.1%

Carbs: 20.6%