What To Know
- In a food processor or blender, combine the allspice berries, Scotch bonnet peppers, scallions, thyme leaves, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, coconut milk, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
- Place the seitan strips in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over them.
- Serve the jerk seitan with a side of dipping sauce, such as a mango chutney or a coconut cream sauce.
Seitan, a versatile plant-based meat alternative, is made from wheat gluten. Its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors make it an excellent choice for creating savory dishes. In this recipe, we’ll transform seitan into a mouthwatering Jamaican-inspired delight.
Ingredients:
For the Seitan:
- 1 pound vital wheat gluten
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
For the Jerk Marinade:
- 1/2 cup allspice berries
- 1/4 cup Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros)
- 1/4 cup scallions
- 1/4 cup thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup garlic
- 1/4 cup ginger
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Seitan
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten and vegetable broth.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes firm and elastic.
3. Wash the dough under cold water until the water runs clear, removing any excess starch.
4. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Jerk Marinade
1. Toast the allspice berries in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the allspice berries, Scotch bonnet peppers, scallions, thyme leaves, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, coconut milk, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
3. Process until the marinade forms a smooth paste.
Marinating the Seitan
1. Remove the seitan from the refrigerator and slice it into 1-inch thick strips.
2. Place the seitan strips in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over them.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Cooking the Jerk Seitan
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Remove the seitan strips from the marinade and shake off any excess.
4. Place the seitan strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jerk seitan with your favorite sides, such as:
- Coconut rice
- Grilled pineapple
- Jamaican callaloo
Benefits of Seitan
- High in protein: Seitan is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
- Low in fat: Seitan is naturally low in fat and cholesterol.
- Good source of fiber: Seitan is a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote satiety.
- Versatile: Seitan can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to sandwiches to soups.
Tips
- For a spicier jerk marinade, use more Scotch bonnet peppers or habaneros.
- If you don’t have allspice berries, you can substitute ground allspice.
- If you’re short on time, you can marinate the seitan for as little as 30 minutes.
- Serve the jerk seitan with a side of dipping sauce, such as a mango chutney or a coconut cream sauce.
What You Need to Learn
1. Can I use a different type of flour to make seitan?
Yes, you can use other types of flour, such as chickpea flour or almond flour, to make seitan. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
2. How long can I store jerk seitan?
Jerk seitan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze jerk seitan?
Yes, you can freeze jerk seitan for up to 2 months.
