Today, let's go on an exciting journey to explore the world of vegan food. In this post, we'll talk about the challenges many people face when trying to cook perfect plant-based meals. We'll also learn the secrets to becoming great at vegan cooking. So, get ready to take notes as we find out how to unlock the hidden treasures of plant-based cooking.

I hope this post helps you understand vegan cooking better and encourages you to face the challenges ahead. Begin your cooking adventure with bravery and curiosity, and you'll enjoy delicious and satisfying vegan meals.

Personally, I use mushrooms like Shiitake and tofu when I cook for a plant-based day. When I was younger, my grandmother would buy from a Vegetarian hawker food stall, Vegetarian Bee Hoon which consists of 'Seitan' as the meat substitute. Seitan (pronounced 'say-tahn') is a popular plant-based protein made from wheat gluten. It is also known as wheat meat, wheat protein, or wheat gluten. Seitan is made by washing wheat flour dough with water to remove the starch, leaving behind the elastic, high-protein gluten.

Seitan has a dense, chewy texture, making it a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan diets. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, sandwiches, salads, and stews, to replace meat like chicken, beef, or pork. It readily absorbs flavours from sauces and seasonings, allowing it to be very versatile in recipes.

Seitan is high in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for those following plant-based diets. However, it is not suitable for people with gluten intolerance, wheat allergy, or celiac disease, as it is made entirely of wheat gluten. I have met people when we were living in Estonia/Tallinn who can only consume gluten free foods. In fact, a lot of people living in northern Europe opt for Gluten-Free (GF) food.

There are several alternatives to seitan for those who cannot consume gluten or prefer different plant-based protein sources. Some popular seitan substitutes include:

1. Tofu: Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from soybeans and is a versatile, high-protein option. It comes in various textures, such as silken, soft, firm, or extra-firm, making it suitable for a range of dishes. Tofu can be marinated, grilled, stir-fried, or scrambled to mimic various meat textures.

2. Tempeh: Tempeh is another soy-based product, made by fermenting cooked soybeans. It has a firm texture and a nutty flavour, making it a suitable replacement for seitan in many recipes. Tempeh can be sliced, crumbled, or cubed and used in stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads.

3. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Chickpeas are a versatile legume high in protein and fiber. They can be used whole, mashed, or ground into flour to create various meat substitutes, such as veggie burgers or falafel.

4. Lentils: Lentils are another high-protein legume that can replace seitan in many recipes. They can be cooked and mashed to create veggie burger patties, used as a base for veggie meatballs or loafs, or added to soups and stews for added protein and texture.

5. Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): TVP is a dehydrated soy product that, when rehydrated, has a texture similar to ground meat. It can be used as a replacement for ground beef or other minced meat in recipes such as tacos, chili, or pasta sauces.

6. Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that, when unripe, has a stringy, meat-like texture that can mimic pulled pork or shredded chicken. It can be used in a variety of savoury dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, or stews.

7. Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms, particularly portobello or shiitake mushrooms, can serve as a meat substitute due to their chewy texture and umami flavour. They can be grilled, sautéed, or roasted and used in dishes like burgers, fajitas, or stir-fries.

These alternatives offer various flavours and textures, allowing you to find the perfect seitan substitute for your specific dietary needs and preferences.