Craving something hearty, crispy, saucy, and entirely plant-based? Let’s make a Seitan Parmesan Sandwich — a satisfying, savory sandwich that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. This recipe keeps things straightforward, so even on a busy weeknight, you can whip up something special.
Ingredients:
For the Simmering Liquid:
- Water (enough to fill your pot halfway)
- 1–2 tsp dried thyme https://amzn.to/4jhfN9V
- 1–2 tsp dried basil https://amzn.to/4iCOve7
- 2 generous pinches of salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp no-salt seasoning blend (I like the Kirkland one) https://amzn.to/4iW764u
For the Seitan:
- ½ cup vital wheat gluten https://amzn.to/4iP9ZUK
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour https://amzn.to/424Xbmy
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (white wine vinegar works too) https://amzn.to/4ldFDgP
- 1 tsp garlic powder https://amzn.to/4c3AyU8
- 1 tsp onion powder https://amzn.to/4iPoQ1s
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast https://amzn.to/4iALtXP
- ½ cup broth (any kind works) https://youtu.be/qJ2SCB7Yye4?si=JiTVIjOONCvLUU8K
Anthony’s Vital Wheat Gluten, 4 lb, Vegan, Non GMO, Keto Friendly, Low Carb https://amzn.to/4iP9ZUK
For the Marinara Sauce:
- ¼ red onion, diced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 can no-salt added tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you have it!)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- Optional: ½ tsp sugar (to balance bitterness)
For Assembly:
- High-heat oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
- 2 slices plant-based cheese (I used Chao) https://amzn.to/4kVlSu7
- 1 hoagie roll
- Extra marinara sauce
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Simmering Liquid
Grab a stainless steel pot and fill it about halfway with water. Toss in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the no-salt seasoning if you like a little extra flavor. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat while you prep the seitan.
Step 2: Make the Seitan
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Vital wheat gluten
- Chickpea flour
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Thyme
- Nutritional yeast
Stir together, then add broth and mix until it forms a dough. Dump it onto a cutting board and knead for a minute or two—just enough to start seeing those stretchy fibers form.
Shape the dough into a filet, roughly bun-sized (a little bigger is fine—it shrinks slightly when simmered). Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Seitan
Heat your cast iron pan over medium-high and add a good amount of oil. Once the oil hits around 350°F, carefully place the seitan filet in. Sear each side for 3–5 minutes until you’ve got a nice, dark golden crust. Press it down as it cooks to prevent it from puffing up too much.
Step 4: Simmer the Seitan
Transfer your seared seitan into the simmering liquid. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want the pot to run dry.
Step 5: Whip Up a Quick Marinara
While the seitan simmers, toss your diced red onion into a dry pan over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. If they start to stick, splash in a little water to deglaze.
Once softened, pour in your canned tomato sauce. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, and basil. Let it simmer gently on low heat. Taste and, if it’s a bit bitter (canned tomatoes sometimes do that), stir in about ½ tsp of sugar. Done!
Step 6: Crisp & Melt
Once the seitan’s done simmering, drain it and return it to the hot pan with fresh oil. Fry both sides again for a couple of minutes to get that crispy exterior.
Top with slices of plant-based cheese, cover the pan with a lid, and let the steam melt the cheese beautifully.
Step 7: Assemble!
Slice your hoagie roll in half (trust me, this sandwich is hefty). Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom half, lay your cheesy, crispy seitan filet on top, and drizzle more sauce to taste.
Crown it with the top bun, and that’s it — a big, bold Seitan Parmesan Sandwich ready to devour.
Final Thoughts:
This sandwich is pure comfort. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, all wrapped in saucy, cheesy goodness. If you’re a fan of traditional parm sandwiches, this plant-based version might just steal your heart.
Let me know if you give it a try!
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Tools We Use
Spatula https://amzn.to/4bYJt9e
Dough Scraper https://amzn.to/4hDpyhi
Cast Iron Skillet https://amzn.to/4hG7enI
Fun Merch! https://briancity-steadingcom-shop.fourthwall.com/
