Name: Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (8-oz) package seitan, torn into 2″ pieces or sliced into 1/4″ slices; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp. vegan butter or extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional); 1/2 lemon, washed, cut into thin rounds and quartered; 2 tbsp. capers, drained; Freshly chopped parsley, for serving; Bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes, to serve

Introduction

This Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata is a delightful vegan twist on a classic Italian favorite. It features tender seitan pieces cooked in a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce, perfect for pairing with pasta, bread, or mashed potatoes. Quick to prepare, it’s a fresh and flavorful dish that will impress any plant-based lover.

A white shallow bowl contains a creamy dish with two main layers; the base layer shows light golden-brown cooked strips of meat mixed with soft translucent onion slices and small green capers, all covered in a smooth light beige sauce. On top, several thin bright yellow lemon wedges and fresh green parsley leaves evenly spread across the dish add color contrast. To the left inside the bowl, a silver fork rests partially on the food. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (8-oz) package seitan, torn into 2″ pieces or sliced into 1/4″ slices

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. vegan butter or extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

1/2 lemon, washed, cut into thin rounds, and quartered

2 tbsp. capers, drained

Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Place the seitan pieces in a large bowl and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the all-purpose flour and toss until seitan is completely coated.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seitan and cook, stirring or flipping occasionally, until golden brown on most sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. It’s fine if some dry flour remains on the seitan. Transfer the seitan onto a plate and return the skillet to medium heat.

Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter or oil to the skillet, then add the shallot and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with your spoon. Stir in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme sprigs. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the lemon pieces, capers, seared seitan, and the remaining 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a thin gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the seitan or substitute with a gluten-free meat alternative.

Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma, but if unavailable, dried thyme or oregano will also work well.

To deepen flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of lemon juice in addition to the white wine.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream at the end.

FAQs

Can I use tofu instead of seitan for this recipe?

Yes, firm or extra-firm tofu can be used as a substitute. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, slice or tear into pieces, and follow the same cooking steps. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.

What can I serve with seitan piccata?

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon-caper sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad also complement it nicely.