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4.9 from 198 votes

Teriyaki Seitan Jerky

Savory, delicious, and satisfying, this low-fat, high-protein vegan jerky is made in the oven.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 25 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 155 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

For the seitan:
  • 2 ¼ cups vital wheat gluten (280 g) Use a scale for the most accurate measurement; otherwise, whisk vital wheat gluten before gently scooping it up with a measuring cup. Level off excess with the flat edge of a knife.
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, zested or finely minced
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, zested or finely minced
For the teriyaki sauce:
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • black pepper, to taste optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line two baking sheets with foil. Place racks on top, if using, or cover the foil with a layer of parchment paper.
  2. Put the vital wheat gluten in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Put the remaining seitan ingredients (water, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil and ginger) in a blender and blend until smooth. 
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the wheat gluten, stirring to combine. Move the dough to a flat surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Cut the dough ball into 3 or 4 pieces and freeze for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.
  6. After the dough has chilled, slice it thinly, dip each piece into the sauce, and place on the rack/pan. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.*If jerky is directly on a parchment-lined pan, flip every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure even drying.
  7. Bake the seitan for 1 ½ hours to 1 hour 45 minutes (as mentioned in the post, this is affected by several factors; it may even take closer to 2 hours). Check doneness a few times during the second half of cooking (see notes). 

Notes

  • Because the jerky cooks at such a low temperature, the cook time is somewhat forgiving. Depending on the thickness of your slices, as well as the exact moisture content of the seitan (this is why the method used to measure the vital wheat gluten is very important), you may need to experiment a bit to find your favorite level of chewiness. It's better to err on the side of slightly underdone than over.
  • When the thickest pieces no longer show signs of that gelatinous, raw seitan texture, you'll know they're done. They may still be a bit soft while the thinnest pieces seem almost crisp. 
  • Thin pieces of jerky might seem too crisp right out of the oven but will take on a more uniform chewiness once stored in an airtight container.
  • Store jerky at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for up to a week (possibly more if very dry).

Nutrition Information

Calories 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 1g (2%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 855mg (36%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 155

% Daily Value*

Calories 155kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 1g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 855mg 36%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.