Vegan Seitan Meatballs
These hearty vegan seitan meatballs are made from vital wheat gluten, seasoned with classic Italian herbs, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect as a main course with pasta or in a sub sandwich.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 498 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
meatballs
- 1.5 cupvital wheat gluten
- 0.25 cupnutritional yeast
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tsponion powder
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspdried basil
- 0.5 tspblack pepper
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 1 cupvegetable broth
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tbspolive oil
sauce
- 680 gmarinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
Equipment
whisk · spoon · large bowl · medium bowl · large pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- 2
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, and olive oil.
About 1 min
- 3
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
About 2 min
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become elastic and firm.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Do not over-knead, as this can make the seitan tough.
- 5
Divide the dough into 16-20 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Try to make the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- 6
Pour the marinara sauce into a large pot or deep skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the sauce is warm before adding the meatballs to prevent them from sticking.
- 7
Carefully add the seitan meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: A longer simmer will result in a more tender and flavorful meatball.
- 9
Remove from heat and serve hot with your favorite pasta or in a sandwich.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 498.3kcal
- Protein
- 79.1g
- Carbs
- 34.4g
- Fat
- 6.4g
- Fibre
- 7.6g
- Sugar
- 8.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover seitan meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesappetizer
Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip)
This vibrant Tirokafteri is a fiery Greek feta dip, boasting a creamy texture with a zesty kick from red wine vinegar and a delightful heat from serrano and roasted red peppers. It's an effortlessly elegant appetizer, perfect for sharing, that comes together quickly to deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors.
40 min 291 kcalappetizer
Camembert Rôti with Honey and Thyme
This simple yet elegant appetizer features a whole wheel of Camembert cheese baked until wonderfully gooey and warm. Drizzled with honey and fresh thyme, it's perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
20 min 355 kcalbreakfast
Misal Pav
Experience the vibrant flavors of Maharashtra with this authentic Misal Pav. A spicy, aromatic sprouted moth bean curry (usal) is bathed in a rich, thin gravy (rassa), then crowned with crunchy farsan, fresh onion, and a squeeze of lemon. Served with soft pav bread, this dish is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying meal.
1 hr 25 mindinner
Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives
This aromatic Moroccan tagine features tender chicken braised with a rich blend of spices, tangy preserved lemons, and briny olives. It's a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that's perfect for a special dinner or meal prepping.
1 hr 20 min 549 kcalappetizer
Cretan Apaki (Smoked Pork)
Apaki is a traditional Cretan cured and smoked pork dish, often served as a meze. This recipe uses a quick marinating and smoking process to infuse the pork with aromatic herbs and a subtle smoky flavor. It's perfect as an appetizer or part of a charcuterie board.
2 hr 40 min 288 kcalappetizer
Japuta en Adobo
This traditional Spanish appetizer features small pieces of fish marinated in a flavorful blend of vinegar, garlic, and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy fresh fish, perfect for tapas or a light meal with crusty bread. The marinade infuses the fish with a tangy, aromatic taste.
1 hr 30 minmain course
Bisi Bele Bhaat
Bisi Bele Bhaat is a hearty and flavorful South Indian dish, combining rice, lentils, and a medley of vegetables. It's seasoned with a special spice blend, offering a comforting and wholesome meal.
1 hr 5 min 346 kcal