Name: Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (8-oz) package seitan, torn into 2″ pieces or sliced into 1/4″ slices; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp. vegan butter or extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional); 1/2 lemon, washed, cut into thin rounds and quartered; 2 tbsp. capers, drained; Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish; Bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Ingredients

1 (8-oz) package seitan, torn into 2″ pieces or sliced into 1/4″ slices

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. vegan butter or extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

1/2 lemon, washed, cut into thin rounds, and quartered

2 tbsp. capers, drained

Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Place the seitan pieces in a large bowl and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the flour and toss until the seitan is completely coated.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seitan and cook, stirring or flipping occasionally, until golden brown on most sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. It’s okay if some dry flour remains. Transfer the seitan to a plate and return the skillet to medium heat.

Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet. Add the sliced shallot and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your spoon.

Step 4: Add 1 cup of vegetable broth and the thyme sprigs (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Stir in the lemon pieces, capers, seared seitan, and the remaining ½ cup of vegetable broth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the sauce thickens to a thin gravy consistency.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute seitan with thick slices of grilled king oyster mushrooms or tofu and use gluten-free flour.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of vegan cream or coconut milk after removing the thyme sprigs.

Fresh thyme adds lovely aroma, but if unavailable, dried thyme or Italian seasoning works well.

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor, or substitute with extra broth and 1 tsp white wine vinegar.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of plant-based protein instead of seitan?

Yes, thick slices of firm tofu or grilled mushrooms can be used as alternatives, though the texture will vary slightly.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Traditional seitan contains gluten, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can make a gluten-free version by swapping seitan for gluten-free protein options and using gluten-free flour for dusting.