These smoky seitan kebabs are chewy, satisfying, and loaded with bold, savory flavor. Drizzle them with a creamy peanut sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or anytime you’re craving something fun, smoky, and delicious!
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the vital wheat gluten, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and nutritional yeast in a large bowl and stir to combine.
In another bowl, place the liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and ½ cup of water. Stir to combine.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently as you pour, until it vaguely resembles ground beef. Knead the dough in the bowl for 2 minutes. It shouldn’t stick to your hands at all.
Once you have a loose ball, break it into 18 small chunks. Press 3 chunks together to form one larger piece, then flatten it out. That’ll be one kebab. Repeat this until you have 6 kebabs.
Place the kebabs on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them out and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. Turn the oven to broil.
Wet your skewers with water, and skewer each kebab. Place them back on the baking sheet and return to the oven, broiling each side for 2 minutes. Remove and serve topped with fresh herbs, with the peanut sauce and lime wedges alongside.
Peanut Sauce
Combine the peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, maple syrup, and Sriracha (optional), in a small bowl. Stir until well-combined.
Notes
Storage Smarts: Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, or freeze them for up to three months. Pro tip: wrap them in cling wrap or foil before freezing to keep them moist and ready for action when you’re craving that smoky goodness.
Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat your kebabs, pop them in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven helps bring back that slightly crispy, smoky vibe. Drizzle on a little extra peanut sauce afterward to make them feel freshly made!
Get That Perfect Knead: When kneading the seitan dough, aim for a texture similar to ground beef—it should be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra vital wheat gluten until it comes together just right. This step is key to achieving those chewy, satisfying kebabs!
Give It a Quick Breather: After shaping your kebabs, let them rest for a few minutes before baking. This short pause gives the flavors time to mingle and helps create an even better texture. Think of it as the kebabs’ moment to shine before hitting the oven.
Keep an Eye While Broiling: Broiling is where the magic happens—but also where things can go from smoky to scorched in a flash. Watch closely and flip after about 2 minutes per side, just enough for those beautifully charred edges to appear.
Go Wild with Marinades: While these kebabs are incredible as-is, you can level things up with your favorite marinade. Think tangy BBQ, spicy chili lime, or even teriyaki—whatever you’re in the mood for, these skewers will soak it up like champs.