When we put Seitan Pastrami on the menu last week, we got a lot of raised eyebrows. The two biggest questions were: “Wait, is this real pastrami?” and “What on earth is seitan anyway?”

First off, let’s clear the air: no cows were harmed, and no dark rituals were performed in the making of this sandwich. While it sounds a little mischievous when you say it out loud, seitan (pronounced say-tan) is actually a heavenly, plant-based superhero.

It’s Older Than Your Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandma

Some people think vegan meat was invented in a high-tech lab by scientists in white coats just a few years ago. Plot twist: seitan has been around for over 1,500 years!

It was first created in ancient China during the Song Dynasty by Buddhist monks who wanted a hearty, satisfying alternative to meat. So, when you eat seitan, you are not chasing a trend—you are enjoying a culinary tradition with a massive historical track record.

The Ultimate “Clean” Ingredient List

We’ve all heard the myth: “Vegan meat is just a bunch of weird, fake chemistry-lab chemicals!” So, let’s bust that “too many ingredients” myth right now.

At its core, seitan is incredibly simple. It is made from vital wheat gluten, which is just the natural protein found in wheat. To make it, wheat flour is hydrated and washed until all the starch dissolves, leaving behind pure, elastic protein dough. While you can add whatever delicious spices, herbs, and broths you want to give it flavor, the base itself is about as simple and unprocessed as it gets. No weird fillers, no artificial binders—just pure wheat protein and your favorite seasonings.

A Total Nutritional Powerhouse

If you are looking for a protein powerhouse, seitan absolutely blows traditional meat out of the water. Here is what makes seitan a nutritional superstar:

• All Protein, No Fillers: It is almost entirely made of protein, making it one of the most protein-dense foods on the planet.
• Completely Fat-Free: Because the starch and fats are washed away during the making process, the base dough is naturally fat-free.
• Zero Cholesterol: Like all plant-based foods, it contains absolutely no cholesterol, making it fantastic for your heart.

How to Enjoy Seitan

Because it has a naturally chewy, savory texture that perfectly mimics chicken, beef, or pork, you can use seitan for just about anything. You can slice it into stir-fries, toss it in barbecue sauce, grill it on skewers, or batter and fry it for the ultimate vegan comfort food.

So, next time someone asks you what seitan is, you can tell them it’s an ancient, high-protein, delicious mystery solved.