Seitan Pepper Steak

Seitan Pepper Steak Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Seitan pepper steak is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for those looking for a meat-free alternative to traditional steak. This recipe combines the chewy texture of seitan with the bold flavors of peppers, onions, and mushrooms to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

History

Seitan pepper steak is a popular dish in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, often served as a hearty and filling main course. Seitan, also known as wheat gluten or wheat meat, has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries as a meat substitute. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional pepper steak dishes, but with a plant-based twist.

Ingredients

1.33 oz (38 g) (1 package) dried, sliced shiitake mushrooms (or 1 to 1.5 cup regular mushrooms)
2 cup water
3 tbsp tamari
2 cup flaked seitan
1 cup diced onions
0.5 cup diced red bell peppers
2 tbsp sesame oil (use appropriate replacement for sautéing)
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chopped basil
0.5 cup diced green bell peppers
0.25 cup sherry
2 cup water
3 tbsp barley miso or other dark miso
2 tbsp tomato paste (tomato is never just 'optional')
1 tbsp tamari
0.25 cup arrowroot, dissolved in 0.25 cup water

How to prepare

If using shiitake mushrooms, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak until soft (about 30 minutes).
Then place the soaked mushrooms in a pot with 2 cups of water (using the soaking liquid) and 3 tbsp of tamari.
Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, and set aside.
Sauté the seitan, mushrooms, onions, and red bell peppers in the oil (or water) along with the garlic and basil.
When the vegetables are tender (half cooked), add the green bell peppers, sherry, and 1.75 cups of water.
Mix the miso and 0.25 cup of water, along with the tomato paste and a tablespoon of tamari, if desired.
Add to the sautéed vegetables.
Add the dissolved arrowroot and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the seitan pepper steak with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Variations

Add sliced mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for additional vegetables.
Substitute tofu or tempeh for the seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Use different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the dried mushrooms in hot water helps to rehydrate them and infuse the dish with a rich, earthy flavor.

- Sautéing the seitan and vegetables in sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic element to the dish. For a lighter option, you can use water or vegetable broth instead.

- Dissolving the miso in water before adding it to the dish helps to evenly distribute the umami flavor throughout the sauce.

- Stirring constantly while simmering the sauce with the dissolved arrowroot helps to thicken the sauce and create a luscious texture.

Serving Suggestions

Seitan pepper steak can be served over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete and filling meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the seitan and vegetables helps to develop their flavors and create a caramelized exterior.

- Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and savory gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of tamari.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the sherry.

- Use cornstarch or flour instead of arrowroot for thickening the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The seitan pepper steak can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the seitan pepper steak in a shallow bowl or on a platter for a rustic and inviting presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair seitan pepper steak with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

- Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the seitan pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 70%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains wheat (seitan)

Summary

Seitan pepper steak is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Seitan pepper steak is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a hearty and delicious meal. With a rich and savory sauce, tender seitan, and colorful vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Seitan Pepper Steak. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves crunching beneath my feet as I made my way through the bustling farmer's market. I had always been drawn to the vibrant colors and enticing smells of the market, and on that particular day, something caught my eye.

I found myself standing in front of a small, unassuming booth tucked away in the corner. The sign read "Vegan Delights" and I was intrigued. I had heard of seitan before, a plant-based protein made from wheat gluten, but I had never tried it myself. The woman behind the booth was busy cooking up a storm, the sizzle of vegetables and the aroma of spices filling the air.

I watched as she deftly sliced and sautéed, her hands moving with a grace that only comes from years of practice. I couldn't help but be drawn in by the passion and skill she exhibited as she worked her culinary magic. I struck up a conversation with her, asking about her recipes and techniques. She was more than happy to share her knowledge with me, and before I knew it, I was taking notes furiously as she explained how to make her signature Seitan Pepper Steak.

The recipe was a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the meaty chewiness of seitan with the crunch of bell peppers and onions. The key, she said, was in the marinade – a fragrant blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. I could practically taste the dish as she described it to me, the savory umami flavors dancing on my tongue.

I left the market that day with a bag full of fresh produce and a newfound sense of inspiration. I couldn't wait to get home and try my hand at making the Seitan Pepper Steak for myself. As I chopped and diced, sautéed and simmered, I felt a sense of joy and fulfillment wash over me. Cooking has always been a form of therapy for me, a way to express myself and connect with others through the universal language of food.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up with care, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of sesame oil. I took a bite, savoring the complex flavors and textures that melded together in perfect harmony. It was a revelation, a dish that spoke to my soul and reminded me of the power of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Over the years, I have made the Seitan Pepper Steak countless times, tweaking and refining the recipe to suit my own tastes. Each time I cook it, I am transported back to that fateful day at the farmer's market, where I first discovered the magic of plant-based cooking. I am grateful to the kind woman who shared her recipe with me, and I hope that I can pass on the joy and satisfaction of cooking to others in the same way.

As I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Cooking has been a constant companion throughout my life, a source of comfort and joy that has sustained me through good times and bad. And though I may be getting older and my hands may not be as steady as they once were, I know that the love and passion I have for cooking will never diminish.

So here's to the Seitan Pepper Steak, a dish that has become a staple in my culinary repertoire and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. May it continue to inspire and delight for generations to come, just as it has for me.