20 Vital Wheat Gluten Recipes for a Happier, Healthier You!
- Empire Exports
- May 22, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 24, 2023
Curious about vital wheat gluten but unsure how to use it? This comprehensive guide provides answers to questions about its nature, usage, and purchasing options. Additionally, it features 20 top-notch vegan recipes incorporating wheat gluten, ranging from savory seitan to delectable breads with a fluffy texture!
WHAT EXACTLY IS VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN?
Gluten (Vital Wheat Gluten Flour) is the natural protein found in wheat. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. Vital Wheat Gluten Flour can also be used to make a vegetarian meat substitute known as seitan.
Bob's Red Mill Vital Wheat Gluten is made from the protein found in the endosperm of the wheat berry, containing 75% to 80% protein. When combined with water it becomes highly elastic and has a taffy-like texture. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough, helps retain the gas and steam from baking, and gives more volume to the baked bread. It can be especially helpful for baking breads made with whole grain flours and coarse cereals. Vital wheat gluten is often used by commercial bakeries to produce light textured breads, and can easily put the home bread baker on a par with the professionals.
Vital wheat gluten is also a staple ingredient for meat and meat substitutes. It acts as a binder for meatballs, meatloaf, veggie burgers and tofu alike. Vital wheat gluten is the main ingredient in the popular meat substitute, seitan. To make seitan, mix vital wheat gluten with spices and then add water to make a dough. When the gluten dough is steamed, baked, boiled, or otherwise cooked, it becomes chewy with a very meat-like texture. See our package for an easy and delicious Basic Seitan recipe, as well as directions for a classic and hearty Honey Oatmeal Bread.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO UTILIZE VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN?
Gluten flour finds its primary applications in three key ways: first and foremost, it is utilized in baking to enhance the texture and elasticity of dough; secondly, it serves as a binder in various culinary creations; and finally, it plays a crucial role in the preparation of seitan and other meat alternatives, offering a satisfying meat-like texture and taste.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BEFORE WE GET STARTED...
Is it the same as gluten flour?
Absolutely! Vital wheat gluten and gluten flour are two terms that refer to the same product. They both denote a flour that boasts an exceptionally high gluten content, with minimal starch and fat. You can use these terms interchangeably.
How long does it last and can it go rancid?
Good news! An unopened bag of vital wheat gluten has an impressively long shelf life of 7-10 years, as long as it is stored in a well-ventilated, dry environment. Once you open the bag, make sure to transfer the contents into an airtight container and aim to use it within a year. Alternatively, you can extend its shelf life by an additional 6 months by storing it in the freezer.
You'll be glad to know that wheat gluten contains very little fat, and the chances of it going rancid are extremely low. Fat content plays a significant role in the likelihood of an ingredient turning rancid, so vital wheat gluten is quite stable in that regard.
How can it help in bread making?
When it comes to bread making, vital wheat gluten is a true game-changer. Gluten plays a vital role in providing structure to bread and other baked goods. Since vital wheat gluten is predominantly composed of gluten, incorporating it into your recipes can greatly enhance the elasticity and chewiness of the bread. This is particularly beneficial when working with low protein flours like rye and whole wheat flour.
How much should I add when baking?
As a general rule of thumb, you'll typically need just 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten for every 2 cups of flour. However, it's important to note that the exact amount may vary depending on the specific flour being used and its protein content.
NOW HERE ARE THE RECIPES YOU'LL DEFINITELY LOVE:
(Click on the TITLE or IMAGE to view the full recipe)
Just 20 minutes to make, and only 7 ingredients, this is by far the quickest and easiest seitan recipe ever!! This vegan chicken alternative is simple to whip up and perfect to add to any meal. Crispy crunchy on the outside, and tender chewy in the middle. The perfect meaty texture to amp up any vegan meal! If you are new to making seitan this is the perfect recipe for beginners to try.
One of the main reasons we avoid wheat bread on keto is because of the grains – but what people don’t know is that the protein in wheat – aka gluten – is entirely keto friendly and very low carb! If you’re lucky enough to be able to get your hands on some, you can make this keto bread with vital wheat gluten!
These delicious vegan Chinese BBQ pork buns are made with seitan and king oyster mushrooms to replace the lean and fatty parts of the bbq pork normally found in steamed bbq pork buns found at Chinese dim sum restaurants. In Cantonese, these steamed buns are called 叉燒包 (pronounced char siu bao or char siew bao). It’s wonderful to use bamboo steamers with this recipe for an authentic flavour but you can also make do with other steaming sets, or improvise with other methods.
These vegan sausages are so delicious (and easy) that they may well become weekly favorites in your house just as they are in ours. Enjoy them alongside some vegan mashed potatoes (bangers and mash) or on hotdog rolls with mustard, ketchup and fried onions for some awesome vegan hot dogs.
Vegan fried chicken drumsticks are served on a bamboo skewer. If southern comfort food is calling you, look no further. It’s a savory, hearty main course that is sure to impress and delight.
A simple, easy, rustic and hearty Vegan Roast that's sliceable, ultra-tender and full of flavour. Just perfect for serving with copious amounts of gravy, roast potatoes and all the trimmings. Leftovers are great in sandwiches too!
With the rich flavour of smoked paprika and garlic, this spicy vegan Chorizo is perfect for slicing, topping pizzas and adding some heat to all your favourite Spanish recipes.
Texas BBQ Sausage Seitan Sandwich is spicy delicious! Besides vegetables and steamed seitan there are six herbs and spices added to the mix. Serve on a big bun and take a big bite.
These vegan meatballs are made with from-scratch seitan using vital wheat gluten. They’re quick and easy to prepare and are baked for a super-healthy and versatile vegan meatball!
This easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak recipe is ridiculously delicious and makes a fun lunch or dinner to share -- or not! Packed with melty, gooey vegan cheese, a realistic but healthy homemade meat substitute, and some yummy veggies, this is a truly satisfying seitan sandwich recipe.
A quick and easy soft Homemade Pav - dinner rolls made with whole wheat flour. The softest 100% whole wheat dinner rolls you've ever had. The homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy and perfectly golden brown in color! These are so much healthier than the traditional store purchased dinner rolls. Win-win situation here!
These super meaty and flavorful TVP burgers are high protein, vegan and filling. They only requires 7 simple ingredients and 15 minutes of active cooking time. Freezer-friendly too, thus making this recipe perfect for meal prep.
The bread recipe is filled with herbs and spices, brushed with an aquafaba "egg" wash for a golden crust, and sprinkled with a blend of seeds before baking. Besides using them for soup (or if you don't get around to making soup), this bread is great for garlic bread, savory toast, sandwiches, and bruschetta.
These are the BEST vegan meatballs you’ll ever eat. They’re made with a meaty blend of TVP + vital wheat gluten and are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and FULL of spicy Italian flavor. Unlike other vegan meatball recipes, these Gardein meatball copycats DO NOT fall apart or turn to mush in your mouth. Cook them in marinara sauce and serve as a plant-based spaghetti and meatballs or make a vegan meatball sandwich with dairy-free mozzarella!
This Whole Wheat English Muffin Bread has all the flavor and goodness of the English Muffins but is much easier to bake. It is a perfect bread for breakfast.
Vegan Pho, a super comforting Vietnamese food, nutritious and full of protein. Perfect for a cozy day, this dish is tasty, healthy and delicious!
Crispy seitan and flash fried broccoli are doused in a sticky, flavorful orange sauce. It’s just like your favorite Chinese take out recipe, but with added veggies, healthier, and completely vegan! Gluten free adaptation included.
These vegan quinoa patties are the perfect answer to a no bean veggie burger recipe that still delivers on the protein! These baked quinoa patties are easy to prepare with only 7 simple ingredients and perfect for meal prep. I’m betting they become a staple in your home when you realize the many different ways to use them.
Whether if you are a newbie or pro to seitan, definitely give this healthy stir-fry a try ! This dish features tender seitan pieces and crunchy veggies cooked in a rich savory sauce. Plus, it can be made under 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and healthy meal to have.
This is the second adaptation of the recipe originally inspired by Heavenly Fan’s vegan, high-gluten bread.
These recipes are perfect for our healthy bundles below:
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