seitan

American  

[sey-tan] / ˈseɪ tæn /

noun

1. a chewy, neutral-flavored, protein-rich food made of wheat gluten, used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.

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Etymology

Origin of seitan

Coined by George Ohsawa, Japanese founder of macrobiotics (1893–1966) in 1961 and first recorded in English in 1965–1970; from Japanese; probably from sei- “raw, unprocessed” + tan(paku) “protein”

Example Sentences

Meals will include turkey or vegetarian seitan, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, gravy, veggies and the choice of apple or pumpkin pie.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Similarly, a hearty lasagna or chili can feature black beans, while lunchtime wraps might swap deli turkey for a soy product like seitan or baked extra firm tofu.

From National Geographic • Oct. 19, 2023

After sitting overnight, raising agents are added to the seitan before it is steamed then cut.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2022

When cooked, its texture resembles beef or pork, making it a popular meat-free substitute like tofu, Quorn and gluten-free seitan.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2022

Its approach is Italian, with dishes like portobello carpaccio, seitan “steak” marsala, and rigatoni with Impossible Bolognese.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2022