Description
Vegan Seitan Roast with Gravy is the ultimate plant-based alternative to a traditional holiday roast. Made with seitan, this dish boasts a savory, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with a rich, flavorful homemade gravy. The roast is seasoned with aromatic herbs, garlic, and soy sauce, then baked to perfection for a satisfying main course that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this recipe offers a hearty, gluten-free, and protein-packed option to enjoy alongside your favorite sides.


Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients for Seitan Roast:
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Ingredients for Gravy:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
For the Seitan Roast:
- Prepare the Seitan Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, and tomato paste.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and firm. If it’s too dry, add a little more vegetable broth.
- Shape the Roast:
- Roll the dough into a log shape or form it into a loaf depending on your preference. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper, securing the ends to form a sealed package.
- Cook the Roast:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the wrapped seitan roast on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to allow the seitan to firm up and get slightly browned.
For the Gravy:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and nutritional yeast (if using), whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Slice the Seitan Roast:
- Once the seitan roast is ready, slice it into thick pieces and serve with the homemade gravy poured over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.