Vegan “Chicken” Piccata (Seitan Piccata Recipe)

Seitan Piccata is a fragrant and delicate main dish, an alternative to classic chicken piccata, perfect for lunch or dinner with vegan guests.

In our recipe, seitan, a high-protein plant-based ingredient derived from gluten, is cut into thin slices, coated in cornstarch, and browned in a nonstick pan with a generous amount of melted rosemary-flavored margarine. After a few minutes, the juice and grated zest of an unwaxed lemon are added to the pan, and the mixture is cooked for a few more moments over very low heat. The result is a flavorful and fragrant dish, best drizzled with its sauce and served with a mixed salad, a portion of gratinated vegetables, or crispy baked potatoes.

How to Make Seitan Piccata

Step 1

Step 1

Cut the seitan into slices that are not too thick.

Cut the seitan into slices that are not too thick.

Step 2

Step 2

Coat them in cornstarch, making sure it adheres well on both sides.

Coat them in cornstarch, making sure it adheres well on both sides.

Step 3

Step 3

Melt the margarine in a non-stick pan and season with chopped rosemary.

Melt the margarine in a non-stick pan and season with chopped rosemary.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the floured seitan in the pan with the melted margarine.

Place the floured seitan in the pan with the melted margarine.

Step 5

Step 5

Meanwhile, collect the grated lemon zest in a small bowl and set aside.

Meanwhile, collect the grated lemon zest in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 6

Step 6

Squeeze the juice from the citrus fruit and filter it through a fine mesh strainer.

Squeeze the juice from the citrus fruit and filter it through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 7

Step 7

Let the seitan cook for about 5 minutes, turning it from time to time so that it browns evenly.

Let the seitan cook for about 5 minutes, turning it from time to time so that it browns evenly.

Step 8

Step 8

Flavor with the grated zest kept aside.

Flavor with the grated zest kept aside.

Step 9

Step 9

Arrange the seitan piccata on a serving dish along with a side salad, then drizzle them with the cooking juices. Enjoy!

Add salt to taste and let it flavor for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Step 10

Arrange the seitan piccata on a serving dish along with a side salad, then drizzle them with the cooking juices. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• To significantly reduce preparation time, you can buy ready-made seitan in well-stocked grocery stores, as we did, or you can arm yourself with a little patience and make it at home.
• To flour the seitan, we used cornstarch: a natural thickener that will make the cooking base particularly creamy and velvety but, alternatively, you can also opt for classic soft wheat flour.
• If you want to enrich the aromatic bouquet, you can add some lime and orange zest to the preparation, or you can give a fresh and pungent touch with a small piece of grated ginger root.

   

• You can use extra virgin olive oil instead of margarine for a lighter version, or you can opt for other aromatic herbs of your choice, such as thyme or sage.

Storage Instructions

This seitan piccata is best served piping hot and immediately after cooking. Alternatively, we recommend storing them in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days and then reheating them before serving.