Chinese Seitan

Chinese Seitan, also known as "mock meat" or "wheat meat," is a popular plant-based protein option in Chinese cuisine. It is made from vital wheat gluten, which gives it a chewy and meat-like texture. Chinese Seitan can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings. Here's a recipe to guide you in making Chinese Seitan:

Ingredients:

For the Seitan:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Cooking Broth:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth or water, soy sauce, and tomato paste until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until it forms a dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and firm.
4. Divide the dough into small pieces or shape it into desired forms, such as strips, cubes, or patties.
5. In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, rice wine or dry sherry, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Bring the broth to a boil.
6. Once the broth is boiling, carefully add the seitan pieces to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the seitan simmer in the broth for about 1 hour, or until it becomes firm and fully cooked. The seitan will expand slightly during cooking.
7. Once the seitan is cooked, remove it from the broth and let it cool. You can use the seitan immediately or refrigerate it for later use.
8. Chinese Seitan can be used in various Chinese dishes. It can be stir-fried with vegetables, added to noodle soups, or used as a filling for dumplings or buns.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Seitan in your favorite Chinese recipes! The seitan provides a meaty texture and absorbs the flavors of the dish, making it a versatile and satisfying plant-based protein option.