If you’re looking to indulge in a rich, flavorful dish that’s entirely plant-based, this best vegan seitan marsala recipe is here to delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. Seitan, often known as wheat meat, provides a wonderfully chewy and hearty texture that perfectly mimics traditional chicken marsala.
Combined with a luscious mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, this dish brings all the comforting and savory notes of the classic Italian favorite without any animal products.
This recipe is not only satisfying and delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this seitan marsala will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of garlic sautéed greens for a complete, hearty meal. Ready to create a vegan masterpiece?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan seitan marsala recipe offers a perfect balance of robust flavors and tender texture, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional chicken version. The seitan soaks up the savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce beautifully, providing a mouthwatering umami experience.
Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a nutritious option for plant-based eaters.
Another great reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the mushroom mix or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
The sauce is naturally gluten-rich but can be tailored to gluten-free diets by substituting seitan for other proteins like tofu or tempeh. Finally, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners because it feels indulgent yet is easy enough to make any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound seitan, sliced into cutlets or strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine (choose a dry variety)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for extra depth
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the seitan: Slice the seitan into ½ inch thick cutlets or strips. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Heat the skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the seitan pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they release their moisture and become tender, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make the marsala sauce base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Follow with the vegetable broth and soy sauce (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season and thicken: Add the vegan butter, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces slightly.
- Return seitan to the pan: Place the browned seitan cutlets back into the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and cook for another 3-4 minutes to heat through and soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Enjoy your vegan seitan marsala with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of tamari or soy sauce to the mushroom sauce. It deepens the umami and complements the Marsala wine perfectly.”
- Mushroom Mix: Combine cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more complex flavor and texture.
- Seitan Texture: If you prefer a firmer texture, briefly pan-fry the seitan before adding to the sauce for a crispier edge.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use marinated tofu or tempeh instead of seitan and substitute the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried for a brighter herbal note.
- Richness: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or vegan cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 4 g |
Sodium | 480 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan seitan marsala pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Creamy mashed potatoes: The sauce soaks perfectly into soft mashed potatoes, creating a comforting plate.
- Garlic sautéed spinach or kale: Adds a fresh, green balance to the rich marsala sauce.
- Buttery polenta: For a smooth and hearty base that complements the mushrooms and seitan.
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice: A simple, fragrant choice that lets the marsala sauce shine.
For more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or try the Collard Green Casserole Recipes for a hearty side dish. And if you want a sweet finish to your meal, the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe is a perfect vegan dessert.
Conclusion
This vegan seitan marsala recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a compassionate twist. The meaty texture of seitan combined with the rich, wine-infused mushroom sauce offers a deeply satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.
It’s an excellent choice for those transitioning to plant-based eating or anyone seeking something new to add to their dinner rotation.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels. Plus, the versatility in mushrooms and herbs means you can tailor it to your taste preferences.
Serve it alongside your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Seitan Marsala Recipe
Description: A rich and savory vegan take on classic chicken marsala using homemade seitan. Perfectly tender seitan simmered in a flavorful mushroom and marsala wine sauce.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine vegetable broth and soy sauce, then stir into dry ingredients to form dough.
- Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until elastic; shape into a log.
- Steam seitan log for 30 minutes, then slice into cutlets.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan; brown seitan slices on both sides, then set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and sauté mushrooms until soft.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir to coat.
- Slowly add Marsala wine and vegetable broth, stirring until sauce thickens.
- Return seitan to pan and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 20 g
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