Seitan is a common vegetarian meat alternative, which has been long used in cuisine from many countries in Asia, including China and Japan. Also known as ‘mock duck’ its commonly used in Buddhist cooking. It is also a good tofu alternative for vegetarians who are allergic to soy.
Seitan is made by rinsing away the starch in vital wheat gluten to create a high-protein gluten product. It has little taste and is mostly used for its meat-like texture, best cooked with umami flavours like soy or tamari sauce to give it a savoury flavour.
Nutritionally, it contains about the same levels of protein as animal meat and is high in minerals, including selenium, iron and phosphorus.
It is a highly-processed food and when purchased pre-made, may contain high levels of sodium. Some studies have linked gluten to gut problems and may increase food sensitivities in certain people.