Herb-Crusted Seitan with Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a savory, plant-based dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The crispy herb coating on the seitan pairs perfectly with tender, garlicky spinach, creating a satisfying and elegant meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious vegan or vegetarian main course that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-packed: Seitan is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish a satisfying option.
• Flavorful and hearty: The herb crust adds a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Nutrient-rich: Spinach provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: A wholesome meal without animal products.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Herb-Crusted Seitan

• Seitan (store-bought or homemade)
• All-purpose flour or chickpea flour (for coating)
• Unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying or baking)

For the Garlic Sautéed Spinach

• Fresh spinach
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Herb-Crusted Seitan

1. Set up breading stations:
   • Place flour in one shallow dish.
   • Pour plant-based milk into a second dish.
   • Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
2. Coat the seitan: Dredge each piece of seitan in the flour, dip it in the milk, and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick.
3. Cook the seitan:
   • Pan-fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded seitan for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
   • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded seitan on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prepare the Garlic Sautéed Spinach

1. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Season: Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the herb-crusted seitan alongside the garlic sautéed spinach. Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the seitan with tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Extra Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill, rosemary, or basil in the herb crust.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the spinach for a heartier side dish.
• Sauce Option: Drizzle the seitan with a vegan creamy mustard or lemon-tahini sauce for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover seitan and spinach separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat seitan in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Reheat spinach in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

What is seitan made of?

Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, which is the protein in wheat. It has a chewy texture and is an excellent meat substitute.

Can I make my own seitan for this recipe?

Yes! You can make homemade seitan by mixing vital wheat gluten with seasonings and water, then steaming or boiling it.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Seitan contains gluten, so it’s not gluten-free. Use tofu or tempeh for a gluten-free alternative.

Can I bake instead of frying the seitan?

Yes, baking is a healthier option, and it still yields a crispy crust.

What can I substitute for spinach?

You can use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula as an alternative to spinach.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, bake the seitan instead of frying, and sauté the spinach with vegetable broth instead of oil.

What side dishes go well with this recipe?

Serve with roasted potatoes, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the seitan, and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking.

Can I freeze the breaded seitan?

Yes, freeze the breaded (uncooked) seitan in a single layer. When ready to cook, fry or bake directly from frozen.

How do I keep the seitan crispy?

Serve immediately after cooking. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Herb-Crusted Seitan with Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy, herb-infused seitan pairs wonderfully with the fresh, garlicky spinach, making it a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a delicious meatless option, this recipe is sure to impress!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Herb-Crusted Seitan with Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a delicious plant-based dinner that’s packed with flavor and protein. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and impressively flavorful.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large seitan roast (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Spinach:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Seitan:
      Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the seitan roast with olive oil and soy sauce, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper. Rub the spices in evenly.
   2. Bake the Seitan:
      Place the seitan on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until slightly crispy on the edges.
   3. Sauté the Spinach:
      In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add spinach, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and cook until wilted.
   4. Slice and Serve:
      Slice the seitan roast and plate it over the sautéed spinach. Garnish with sea salt flakes and serve with lemon wedges.

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Notes

• Prepare the Seitan:
  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the seitan roast with olive oil and soy sauce, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper. Rub the spices in evenly.
• Bake the Seitan:
  Place the seitan on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until slightly crispy on the edges.
• Sauté the Spinach:
  In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add spinach, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and cook until wilted.
• Slice and Serve:
  Slice the seitan roast and plate it over the sautéed spinach. Garnish with sea salt flakes and serve with lemon wedges.