How to Make Seitan or Plant-Based Vegan 'Wheat Meat'

Seitan or “wheat meat” is made from wheat gluten, the protein that makes wheat flour stick together and makes bread spongy. Seitan is often used to make mock meats and is frequently used in vegetarian Chinese cuisine. It’s also used in Tofurkey products along with tofu to help it stick together. I was a little apprehensive about making my own seitan as I had never made it before, but it turns out to be VERY easy. To make seitan quickly, it is faster to just buy vital wheat gluten “flour” (which is essentially just wheat protein with all of the starch removed). You can still make seitan using regular flour, but you have to soak it overnight and wash away all the starch and you don’t end up with as much gluten left compared to the flour you started with. And just a note if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, please don’t make this recipe! I don’t have any problem consuming wheat or gluten containing products, so I use them occasionally as part of a low fat plant-based diet.