Seitan (wheat meat) (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of seitan? ›

How Often to Eat Seitan. As Churchill pointed out, it's about finding the perfect balance when incorporating seitan into your diet. “Eat it sparingly,” he says. “It's not necessarily a once a day thing, and if you think you need a plant-based option I'd actually suggest tofu over seitan.”

Seitan is unlike tofu and tempeh, because it isn't made from soy. It's sometimes called “wheat meat,” because seitan is made from wheat.

While seitan is a versatile plant-based protein, people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or gluten allergy should avoid it. Premade seitan can also be high in sodium, so it's important to read the nutrition label if you monitor your sodium intake.

If you are sensitive to gluten, have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet, steer clear of seitan. Those with a wheat allergy should also avoid it. Seitan allergy symptoms can include swelling, itching, abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhea.

However, while seitan is an excellent plant-based protein alternative, tofu is a complete protein (seitan lacks the amino acid lysine). Unseasoned tofu is typically lower in sodium than store-bought seitan, which can be processed with salt, sugar or other flavors added.

Because of its meaty texture, seitan can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and stir-fries to stews and soups. The best part is that making seitan at home is easy, and it's much cheaper than buying pre-made or store-bought seitan.

A 100g serving of seitan has about 141 calories and 25 grams of protein, making it comparable to the amount of protein in chicken or beef. Because the starches are removed from the wheat when seitan is made, it has very little fat and carbs.

Your seitan should keep in the fridge in an air tight container for about 10 days.

Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease: Seitan is derived from wheat gluten, which contains gluten, a protein that can cause adverse reactions in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Symptoms can include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

What to eat with seitan to make complete protein? ›

So, seitan is not only a great protein source but also has a good amino acid profile. If you're wondering what else you can add to seitan to make up for its lack of lysine, it's easy – lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds.

In the world of plant-based protein, seitan (pronounced SAY-tan) is a name you need to know. It's as high in protein as steak, plus it's readily available at grocery mainstays like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Target.

Symptoms may include bloating, gas, indigestion, and stomach pain. Moderation and proper portion control can help to reduce digestive discomfort when eating seitan. Sodium Content: Some commercially prepared seitan products may be high in sodium, particularly if they are seasoned or marinated.

While seitan is a great alternative to traditional meat-based meals, it lacks certain essential amino acids. This being, you'll want to combine it with other protein sources to make sure your meal is providing you with a source of complete protein.

Red meat, fried foods, and baked goods are notorious for raising levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the sticky kind that builds up in artery walls. Here are 4 foods you'll want to avoid if you have high cholesterol: 1. Red meat.