Seitan is a chewy, protein-rich food made from wheat gluten that is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It originated in East Asia and is often referred to as "wheat meat." Key points:
- Composition: Seitan is essentially gluten, the main protein in wheat, sometimes seasoned or marinated to add flavor. It is not a dairy or soy product, though seasonings can include soy sauce, miso, or other flavorings. [Seitan](javascript:void(0))
- Names and origins: It is also known by names such as miànjīn (Chinese), fu (Japanese), milgogi (Korean), and simply gluten or wheat meat. The term "seitan" itself is of Japanese origin and became popular in the modern era. [Seitan](javascript:void(0))
- Culinary uses: Because of its texture, seitan can imitate various meats in dishes like stir-fries, stews, and deli-style sandwiches when prepared with appropriate marinades and cooking methods.
- Definitions in reference works: Dictionary entries describe seitan as a chewy, meat-like product made from gluten, widely used as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
- Nutritional note: Seitan is high in protein but lacks certain amino acids and is not suitable for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. It’s often incorporated into a balanced plant-based diet with a variety of protein sources.
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