Crispy Cornmeal-Coated Seitan for Crunchy Satisfaction

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €9.65 · €2.41/serving

• 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flourEst. price €0.08–€0.20
• 11/2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning (such as Spike or Mrs. Dash)Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• 1/4 teaspoon saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as neededEst. price €0.20–€0.50
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, optionalEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-groundEst. price €0.06–€0.18
• Two 8-ounce packages seitan stir-fry strips or 1 pound fresh seitan, cut into thin stripsEst. price €9.00–€14.00

Steps

1. 1

   In a large heatproof mixing bowl, mix together the cornmeal and 3/4 cup of boiling water. Allow it to sit for 1 minute before stirring. Next, add the flour, optional yeast, seasoning, and salt to the mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined.

2. 2

   Place the seitan in a mixing bowl and gently mix until all the seitan pieces are evenly coated.

3. 3

   Begin by heating the oil in a wide nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seitan in the skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer or cook them in batches if needed. Sauté the seitan on all sides until a golden brown and crusty cornmeal coating forms. Once done, serve immediately.

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• Cultural note

  Seitan, a key ingredient in this dish, has its origins in East Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cooking. The technique of coating seitan in cornmeal before cooking may have been influenced by Southern American culinary traditions, resulting in a fusion of flavors and textures in this recipe.

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be enjoyed year-round as the key ingredients like seitan, cornmeal, and olive oil are typically available in stores at any time. However, incorporating fresh herbs or vegetables as sides can enhance the seasonal appeal based on what's locally in season.

• Health note

  This Crispy Cornmeal-Coated Seitan dish is a good source of plant-based protein with 25g per serving, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans. It is also rich in fiber (3g) and provides essential vitamins like B12, important for those following a plant-based diet. Be mindful of the sodium content…