Seitan Strips with Mustard Dip are the ultimate plant-based finger food—crispy on the outside, meaty on the inside, and paired with a zesty mustard sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a snack for game day, or a satisfying dinner option, these strips offer all the crunch and flavor without the meat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with plant-based protein thanks to hearty seitan
- Golden and crispy with a savory, meat-like texture
- Served with a bold mustard dip that’s tangy and just a little sweet
- Great for dipping, stacking in sandwiches, or serving with sides
- Crowd-pleasing, even for non-vegans
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Seitan Strips
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Oil, for frying or baking
For the Mustard Dip
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Make the seitan dough
In a mixing bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices. In another bowl, whisk together broth and soy sauce. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a dough forms. Knead for 2–3 minutes until firm and elastic. - Shape and simmer the seitan
Divide the dough into 6–8 strips. Simmer gently in vegetable broth for 30–40 minutes. Let cool and pat dry. - Crisp the seitan
Pan-fry strips in a bit of oil until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. For a baked version, brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. - Make the mustard dip
Mix mustard, vegan mayo, maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne in a small bowl. Season to taste and refrigerate until ready to use. - Serve
Plate seitan strips with the mustard dip on the side. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add crunch: Bread the strips in seasoned panko before baking or frying
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the seitan dough
- Sweet twist: Add a splash of maple syrup to the seitan marinade for a sweet-savory flavor
- Buffalo-style: Toss crispy strips in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch instead
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover strips in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freezing: Freeze cooled seitan strips in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through and crisp again
FAQs
What is seitan made from?
Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten and has a dense, chewy texture that’s similar to meat.
Can I bake the seitan instead of frying?
Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping once.
Is seitan gluten-free?
No, it’s made entirely from wheat gluten and isn’t suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this dip spicier?
Absolutely. Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
What else can I serve with this?
Try a side of roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Can I marinate the seitan before frying?
Yes! Marinate cooled, simmered seitan in soy sauce, garlic, and spices for more depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and cook the seitan ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s a good substitute for vegan mayo?
Use cashew cream, plant-based yogurt, or silken tofu blended smooth.
How do I keep the strips crispy?
Serve immediately after cooking, or reheat in the oven for the crispiest texture.
Can I use store-bought seitan?
Yes! Just slice into strips and cook as directed—great for saving time.
Conclusion
Seitan Strips with Mustard Dip deliver bold, comforting flavor with a plant-based twist. Crispy, chewy, and satisfying, they’re a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken strips—especially when paired with that tangy mustard dip. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
Print
Seitan Strips with Mustard Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy seitan strips are golden on the outside and tender on the inside — perfect for dipping! Paired with a creamy, tangy mustard dip, they make a hearty plant-based snack, party appetizer, or easy weeknight meal. Quick to whip up and packed with flavor, even meat-lovers will enjoy these!
Ingredients
For the Seitan Strips:
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8 oz seitan, sliced into thin strips
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup plant-based milk
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Oil for pan-frying or air frying
For the Mustard Dip:
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1/4 cup vegan mayo
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp whole grain mustard
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1 tsp maple syrup or agave
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prep the dip:
In a small bowl, mix together vegan mayo, both mustards, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside or chill until ready to serve. -
Coat the seitan:
Place flour in one bowl, plant milk in a second, and breadcrumbs mixed with spices in a third. Dredge seitan strips in flour, then dip in milk, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. -
Cook the strips:
To pan-fry: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook seitan strips 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
To air fry: Spray coated strips with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. -
Serve:
Serve hot with the mustard dip on the side.
Notes
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Add cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
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Great served with fries, salad, or tucked into wraps.
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You can make the mustard dip ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.