Garlic-Soy Seared Seitan

Garlic soy seared seitan is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the savory richness of garlic and soy sauce with the satisfying texture of seitan. The smoky depth from the smoked paprika and the subtle sweetness from maple syrup or agave balance the dish perfectly. This dish is ideal for grain bowls or as a protein-rich addition to your meals. The cornstarch slurry gives the sauce a glossy finish, making each bite of seitan perfectly coated in flavor.

Fun fact: Seitan, often referred to as "wheat meat," is a high-protein meat alternative made from gluten, making it a popular choice for plant-based diets.

Learn more about seitan at Wikipedia

Ingredients

8 oz seitan, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup or agave
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

Instructions

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add seitan pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the sauce mixture over the seitan, stirring to coat.
Add cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and glazes the seitan.