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    Home > Recipes > Main Dishes

    Best Vegan Steak (Tender and Juicy)

    Published: Aug 23, 2022 · Modified: Jun 9, 2023 by Iosune · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Video Print Recipe
    Slices of vegan steak on a white plate, with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
    Vegan steak served on a white plate, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

    Get ready for the Best Vegan Steak ever! These seitan steaks are incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. High in protein, they're a hit even among non-vegans. Perfect for summer barbecue season!

    Vegan steak on a white plate with fresh thyme on top.

    Impress your guests with this plant-based meat alternative that looks like the real thing and also has a delicious meat-like texture. Grilled to perfection, it's a must-have for your summer barbecues.

    Whether you're a vegan or simply looking to explore meatless options, this vegan steak will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!

    Looking for mouthwatering vegan grilling options? Check out my irresistible Tofu Steak, Vegan Hot Dogs, and Vegan Burgers, and get ready to savor plant-based deliciousness!

    Jump to:
    • 🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🧾 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Variations
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • ❓Recipe FAQs
    • 🌱 Other delicious dishes to serve with this steak
    • 📖 Recipe

    🌟 Why you'll love this recipe

    1. Texturally Satisfying. It has a delightful texture that closely mimics the real thing. It's perfectly grilled, creating a satisfying bite and enjoyable chew.
    2. Juicy and Tender. It is incredibly moist and tender, delivering a succulent experience with each bite.
    3. Flavorful and Savory. The seasonings and marinade used in this recipe enhance the flavor of the steak, resulting in a delicious and savory taste.
    4. Versatile. This steak can be enjoyed on its own as a main course, sliced up for sandwiches, or added to salads and bowls for added protein and flavor.
    5. Plant-Powered Goodness. This nutritious and plant-based alternative is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for your meals.

    🧾 Ingredient notes

    For the vegan steaks:

    Ingredients needed to make vegan steak.

    For the marinade:

    Ingredientes needed for the marinade.

    Chickpeas - My personal favorite, but feel free to explore other legume options like kidney or pinto beans.

    Soy sauce - Try coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

    Liquid smoke - Optional but delicious, adding a touch of liquid smoke gives this recipe a tasty smoky twist.

    Maple syrup - Easily swap it with other liquid sweeteners like agave, coconut, or rice syrup, or even use granulated, brown, or cane sugar as alternatives.

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    📋 Variations

    Here are 5 delightful variations to make your vegan steak even more delicious:

    • Spicy Kick. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery twist.
    • Mediterranean Flair. Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme to the marinade.
    • Teriyaki Twist. Swap the soy sauce in the marinade for teriyaki sauce, and add a touch of ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
    • Smoky BBQ. Enhance the smoky flavor by adding a smoky BBQ sauce to the marinade or brushing it on during grilling.
    • Fiery Cajun. Add a kick to your steak with a flavorful Cajun Seasoning rub, adding a burst of bold flavors and a hint of heat.

    🔪 Instructions

    Vegan steak ingredients, excluding vital wheat gluten, combined in a food processor.

    Step 1: Combine all the vegan steak ingredients, except for the vital wheat gluten, in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth.

    All the vegan steak ingredients combined in a large bowl.

    Step 2: Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the vital wheat gluten. Mix thoroughly until well combined. No need to knead the dough, just ensure everything is evenly mixed.

    All the vegan steak ingredients combined to form a dough ball.

    Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball. Don't worry about it being perfect, as it won't affect the flavor or texture of your vegan steak.

    The dough ball flattened and cut into 4 pieces.

    Step 4: Transfer the dough ball to a cutting board and gently flatten it out, then cut it into 4 pieces.

    The 4 pieces wrapped loosely in aluminum foil.

    Step 5: Wrap them loosely in aluminum foil, as they will expand while cooking. Steam for 20-30 minutes. Let the pieces cool down for a few minutes so you don’t burn your hands.

    The marinade ingredients mixed in a small bowl.

    Step 6: Meanwhile, combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl, and mix until thoroughly combined.

    The vegan steaks soaking in the marinade.

    Step 7: Soak the vegan steaks in the marinade for a couple of minutes, ensuring they are well-coated and allowing them to absorb the flavors.

    The vegan steaks cooked in a frying pan.

    Step 8: Heat some extra virgin olive oil or Vegan Butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the vegan steaks until they are golden brown on both sides.

    💭 Expert tips

    1. Frying in a regular pan is quicker. Grilling for grill marks wasn't worth it. They become beautifully charred and caramelized within minutes on a regular pan.
    2. Knead the seitan-like pizza dough. But don't overdo it. Knead just until it turns firm and snaps back when stretched. Avoid excessive kneading for a tender texture.
    3. Don't overcook. It can make them dry and tough. Follow the recommended cooking time for perfect results.
    4. Let them rest. After cooking, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome.
    5. Follow the proportions. Follow the ingredient measurements closely for the right texture and flavor. Avoid drastic changes in amounts.

    ❓Recipe FAQs

    How long can vegan steak last?

    It can typically last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

    Can I freeze vegan steak?

    Of course! Freeze the vegan steak in the marinade sauce before frying them up. Thaw them in the refrigerator and proceed with the usual frying process.

    If they absorb more of the marinade sauce during thawing, resulting in less brushing while frying, simply prepare some extra sauce.

    Can I make it gluten-free?

    This recipe is not gluten-free and cannot be adapted to be gluten-free.

    Vital wheat gluten is a key ingredient that gives the recipe its texture. If you follow a gluten-free diet, I recommend trying my Tofu Steak or Cauliflower Steak recipes instead.

    What is seitan?

    Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute made from hydrated and cooked vital wheat gluten flour.

    It's derived from gluten, which is a mixture of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten provides elasticity to dough and helps bind it together.

    Seitan is available on its own or as an ingredient in various premade plant-based meat products like burgers, hot dogs, and deli slices.

    While seitan is made from pure gluten, there is limited evidence to suggest that gluten negatively affects gut health in individuals who are not sensitive to gluten.

    What to serve with vegan steak?

    Consider pairing it with delicious sides like Vegan Mac and Cheese, Vegan Coleslaw, Roasted Broccoli, Vegan Refried Beans, or Smashed Potatoes.

    These options provide a range of flavors and textures to complement your meal. Get creative and enjoy the variety!

    Vegan steak sliced on a white plate with fresh thyme on top.

    🌱 Other delicious dishes to serve with this steak

    • Top view of a bowl of vegan mashed potatoes topped with vegan butter, chives, and black pepper.
      The BEST Vegan Mashed Potatoes
    • Plated Vegan Caesar Salad and fork.
      The Best Vegan Caesar Salad (15 Minutes)
    • Roasted Asparagus
      Roasted Asparagus
    • Close-up photo of some slices of vegan garlic bread
      Vegan Garlic Bread

    ⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Please consider giving it a 5-star rating and comment below!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan steak presented on a white plate, garnished with fresh thyme.

    Best Vegan Steak (Tender and Juicy)

    Get ready for the Best Vegan Steak ever! These seitan steaks are incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. High in protein, they're a hit even among non-vegans.
    5 from 4 votes
    PRINT PIN RATE
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 steaks
    Author: Iosune


    Ingredients 

    US Customary - Metric

    For the vegan steak:

    • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup vegetable stock
    • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 and ¾ cups vital wheat gluten

    For the marinade:

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ⅛ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Combine all the vegan steak ingredients, except for the vital wheat gluten, in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth.
    • Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the vital wheat gluten. Mix thoroughly until well combined. No need to knead the dough, just ensure everything is evenly mixed.
    • Shape the dough into a ball. Don't worry about it being perfect, as it won't affect the flavor or texture of your vegan steak.
    • Transfer the dough ball to a cutting board and gently flatten it out, then cut it into 4 pieces.
    • Wrap them loosely in aluminum foil, as they will expand while cooking. Steam for 20-30 minutes. Let the pieces cool down for a few minutes so you don’t burn your hands.
    • Meanwhile, combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl, and mix until thoroughly combined.
    • Soak the vegan steaks in the marinade for a couple of minutes, ensuring they are well-coated and allowing them to absorb the flavors.
    • Heat some extra virgin olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the vegan steaks until they are golden brown on both sides.

    Video

    Notes

    • Don’t want to use aluminum foil or don’t have a steamer? Just simmer it partially covered for 1 hour in some vegetable stock.
    • Frying in a regular pan is quicker. Grilling for grill marks wasn't worth it. They become beautifully charred and caramelized within minutes on a regular pan.
    • Knead the seitan-like pizza dough. But don't overdo it. Knead for about 2 minutes until it turns firm and snaps back when stretched. Avoid excessive kneading for a tender texture.
    • Don't overcook. It can make them dry and tough. Follow the recommended cooking time for perfect results.
    • Let them rest. After cooking, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome.
    • Follow the proportions. Follow the ingredient measurements closely for the right texture and flavor. Avoid drastic changes in amounts.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1steak | Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1383mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 683IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda says

      August 23, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      Per the nutritional value, a very unhealthy recipe for only 1/4 cup. Good recipe to
      give vegans a heart attack. Vegan and vegetarian children would eat this but what
      would their future be like?— if there is one. Maybe be cognizant of your recipes in
      the future.

      Reply
    2. JJM says

      August 09, 2021 at 6:17 am

      5 stars
      This was and is the MOST INCREDIBLE seitan I have ever made. Hubby LOVED it—and although I detest liquid smoke, cut down the amount to 5 drops in seitan and 4 drops in marinade; made the seitan so flavorful without that awful aftertaste!

      An EXCELLENT recipe that will remain a favorite and use for special occasions. Using my cast iron grill pan gave it authentic grill marks too!

      Many thanks for a great recipe—a true keeper.

      Reply
      • Iosune Robles says

        August 09, 2021 at 11:29 am

        Hi! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply
    3. Caren says

      July 06, 2021 at 11:44 am

      This looks great. I really wanted to see the video but the link doesn't work. Can you please provide it?
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Iosune Robles says

        July 07, 2021 at 11:14 am

        Hi! Why can't you see the video? Have you tried browsing this post in incognito mode?

        Reply
        • Caren says

          July 07, 2021 at 11:24 am

          The video appeared in incognito mode.
          Thanks!

    4. Annelies says

      July 05, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      HI Iosune,
      I must say that I haven't come across a seitan recipe that beats yours! I make your vegan chicken so often, and I just made these steaks for dinner - absolutely delicious! We are a large family, so I always double your recipes, and there are never any leftovers. Everyone loves what I cook from your site.
      Thank you for all your culinary inspiration! Annelies

      Reply
      • Iosune Robles says

        July 07, 2021 at 11:11 am

        Hi! Thanks for your kind comment Annelies 🙂 I'm so glad you all like our recipes!

        Reply
    5. Marya says

      July 04, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      Hi, this looks so delicious, but I cannot eat gluten, do you know a substitute? I would love to make it. Marya.

      Reply
      • Iosune Robles says

        July 05, 2021 at 9:27 am

        Hi Marya! I haven't tried it myself, sorry!

        Reply
      • Rich G. says

        September 20, 2022 at 10:30 pm

        I have been making the recipe with whole spelt flour that has a small amount of gluten that is easier to digest. It has turned out great. You could try tapioca flour that is gluten free, or a blend of the two. We buy our spelt on line from Berlin Bakery in Berlin Ohio. We are not connected with them, only a customer for decades and they have great products. Good luck, Rich G

        Reply
    6. Ramya says

      July 04, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      Will be making this soon perfect for my after office meals will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya

      Reply
      • Iosune Robles says

        July 05, 2021 at 9:24 am

        Hi Ramya! Hope you liked it 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Iosune! Welcome to Simple Vegan Blog. Here you’ll find nutritious and delicious vegan recipes that will help you stay healthy and happy.

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