How to Make Instant Pot Seitan – Simple and Delicious
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If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your own seitan, using an Instant Pot is a great way to achieve a meaty texture with fewer ingredients. This Instant Pot Seitan is perfectly cooked and great for slicing, stir-frying, or using in your favorite dishes.
Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make this easy Instant Pot Seitan Roast!
Before I lost 125 pounds, I thought eating skinless, boneless chicken was healthy. You have to get your protein, right? Now that I enjoy a plant-based diet and know better, I’ve replaced chicken with seitan and I think this is one of the best seitan recipes ever!
Before I show you how to make this Instant Pot seitan recipe, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
What is Seitan?
Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is a high-protein meat substitute made from vital wheat gluten flour. This plant based chicken recipe is a fantastic vegetarian substitute for animal products.
The texture of meat in seitan comes from kneading and cooking it properly, and using an electric pressure cooker helps achieve a denser, meatier texture. I think you’ll find it to be the best vegan chicken recipe.
Why This Instant Pot Seitan Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Everything can be found online or at a regular grocery store.
- Uncomplicated Recipe: Just mix, knead, and pressure cook!
- Perfect Recipe for Beginners: This method makes it easy to make this plant-based meat, even if it’s your first time.
Whether you’re making seitan chicken, seitan steaks, a seitan turkey roast, or teriyaki seitan, this Instant Pot method is the only way to get a delicious, homemade meat substitute without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the best Instant Pot Seitan, you’ll need:
Dry Mix:
- Vital wheat gluten
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Seasoning for Mixed Vegetables
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Wet Mix:
- Vegetable broth or water
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Olive oil
Simmering Broth:
- Vegetable broth or water
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Garlic cloves
- Bay leaf
* See the recipe card below for a detailed list of ingredients and measurements.
This basic seitan recipe is perfect in:
These Sheet Pan Dinners as a chicken substitute.
This Copycat Panera Salad – simply place small pieces of seitan on top of your salads to add delicious protein.
How to make Instant Pot Seitan
RECIPE RUNDOWN
- Step 1 – Prepare the seitan dough
- Step 2 – Cook the seitan
- Step 3 – Optional – second cook for a different texture
- Step 4 – Slice or shred and enjoy!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 – Prepare the seitan dough
Dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, mixed vegetable seasoning, salt, and black pepper. A bag of vital wheat gluten can be found in the health food section of your grocery store or here.
wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the water (or broth), soy sauce, and olive oil.
mix
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until a ball of dough forms. Knead the seitan dough for about 2-3 minutes to develop a firm dough. Shape the dough into a seitan log. It’s a good idea to let it rest for 5 minutes. Wrap the seitan dough in parchment paper and then aluminum foil.
Step 2 – Cook Seitan
- Instant Pot Method: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add the simmering broth ingredients—vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Arrange the wrapped seitan on the trivet.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Steaming Method: Find the Steaming Method for Vegan Chicken Seitan here.
Step 3 – Optional Second Cook
- For a firmer, chewy texture, lightly brush the already steamed seitan pieces with a little extra soy sauce or a bit of oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until golden brown, or grill them for a smoky finish.
Step 4 – Slice or Shred and enjoy!
- Let the seitan cool completely before slicing or shredding. Use it in your favorite recipes in place of meat—toss it into a stir-fry or fajitas, pile it on a sandwich with fresh veggies, or serve it atop a salad or your favorite casserole.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Rubbery Texture? Knead the dough less for a softer texture.
- Seitan Taste Too Bland? Increase soy sauce or add a dry rub.
- Too Soft? Let it rest longer after pressure cooking.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this seitan instead of chicken in your favorite recipes. Here are a few ways I enjoy it:
- Ground Beef Alternative: Pulse in a food processor and use in this Skinny Taco Soup or this Mexican Casserole.
- Seitan Nuggets: Bread and air fry for a crispy finish.
- Seitan Roast: Brush with BBQ sauce over this plant based chicken recipe and serve it with this Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole.
- Stir Fry: Sauté with some olive oil and soy sauce.
FAQs About Seitan
What Are the Health Benefits of Seitan?
Seitan has several health benefits, especially for those following a plant-based diet:
- High in Protein – Seitan is packed with protein, making it a great meat substitute for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Fat – Unlike animal-based proteins, seitan is naturally low in fat, making it a heart-healthy option.
- Versatile & Nutrient-Dense – Many seitan recipes include nutritional yeast, chickpea flour, or vegetable broth, which add essential amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals.
- Low in Carbs –This seitan turkey roast is lower in carbohydrates than other plant-based proteins like beans or lentils, making it great for low-carb diets.
- Easily Absorbs Flavors – Its mild taste allows it to take on different seasonings, making it a flexible ingredient in various dishes.
However, because it’s made from vital wheat gluten, it’s not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
You can use seitan in these Instant Pot Fajitas for a delicious weeknight meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store seitan properly and keep it fresh, follow these steps:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container or zip lock bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat by pan-frying on medium heat or microwaving for a quick meal.
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How to Make Instant Pot Seitan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp vegetable seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt or salt substitute
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Simmering Broth
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, vegetable seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the water (or broth), soy sauce, and olive oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes elastic.
- Shape and Wrap: Shape the dough into a loaf and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then wrap the seitan dough in parchment paper and then aluminum foil.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add the simmering broth ingredients—vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Arrange the seitan loaf on the trivet.Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Let the seitan cool completely before slicing or shredding. Use in your favorite recipes as a substitute for meat.
Video
Notes
Tips for Making Instant Pot Seitan
- For a pull-apart texture, knead less and let the seitan hold its shape naturally. I prefer kneading by hand, but a stand mixer works too.
- Try different cooking methods: this steaming method gives a meaty texture and the air fryer makes it crispy.
- For the second cook, sauté or bake your seitan pieces with seasonings.
- To make it a complete protein, add 1 cup white beans (cannellini or butter beans) and adjust to 2 cups vital wheat gluten with 3/4 cup water or broth.
How to Store Seitan
To store seitan properly and keep it fresh, follow these steps:- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat by pan-frying on medium heat or microwaving for a quick meal.
Thawing & Reheating
To use frozen seitan, thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in warm water. Reheat by steaming, sautéing, or baking to restore its texture.Serving Suggestions
You can serve this seitan instead of chicken in your favorite recipes. Here are a few ways I enjoy it:-
- Mandarin Salad – It’s great on top of this crisp, refreshing salad with an Asian-inspired vinaigrette bursting with ginger and soy sauce flavors.
- Baked Potato – It’s a simple and delicious meal with a potato or a sweet potato.
- Butternut Squash Casserole Vegetarian – Add it to this incredible salad for a delicious bit of protein.
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
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About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Instant Pot Seitan and found it delicious!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
