Seitan
Seitan is a food made primarily from wheat gluten, the main protein in wheat, and is commonly used as a meat substitute.
Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten, prized for its chewy texture and ability to soak up flavours. It's a staple in vegan and East Asian cooking, but not suitable for anyone avoiding gluten.
What it is
Seitan is essentially wheat gluten — the protein left after starch is washed from wheat dough. It's seasoned, cooked (steamed, boiled, baked, or simmered), and shaped into slices, strips, cutlets, or sausages. The result is a dense, meat-like texture that takes on marinades and spices well.
Why it matters
For vegetarians and vegans, seitan offers a high-protein, plant-based alternative to meat. It's widely used in stir-fries, sandwiches, and stews, and has become common in Canadian grocery stores and restaurant menus as plant-based diets grow.
Key details
The name "seitan" is a modern Japanese coinage, though gluten-based meat analogues have older roots in Chinese cuisine (miànjīn). It's vegan-friendly but contains gluten, so it's off-limits for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
In short
- Made from wheat gluten, not soy or other plants.
- Chewy texture makes it a convincing meat analogue.
- Name is a 20th-century Japanese term.
- Not gluten-free — avoid if you have celiac disease.
Seitan is widely available in Canadian grocery stores, restaurants, and plant-based product lines, reflecting the growth of vegan and vegetarian diets in Canada.
Quick questions
What is seitan made from?
Is seitan vegan?
Does seitan contain gluten?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SeitanSupports: General description of seitan, alternative names, culinary use, and historical context.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/seitanSupports: Definition as a chewy, protein-rich food made of wheat gluten used as a meat substitute.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seitanSupports: Definition of seitan as flavored wheat gluten used as a meat analogue.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/seitanSupports: Definition as a high-protein food made from wheat used instead of meat.
- BBC Good Food — https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/seitan-glossarySupports: Preparation, historical use in Asian cuisine, and description as wheat gluten.
- Wheaty — https://www.wheaty.de/mission/seitan-tradition/Supports: Modern use of the term and its Japanese origin in the 20th century.