Vegan Seitan Burger

 

Juicy, chewy, and meaty homemade vegan burger patties made with beets, lentils, and vital wheat gluten. Holds up perfectly on the grill! Make ahead and freeze for easy meals.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins (steam) + 5 mins (grill) | Total Time: ~1 hr + overnight chill Servings: 6 patties

---

Ingredients

• 1 medium raw beetroot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 400g cooked green or brown lentils (canned, drained)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp water or lentil liquid from can
• 200g vital wheat gluten

To serve:

• 6 burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and vegan condiments

---

Instructions

1. Add beetroot, lentils, soy sauce, peanut butter, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, pepper, and water to a food processor. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Add half the vital wheat gluten and pulse to combine. Add remaining half and pulse until a crumbly dough forms. Do not over-process.
3. Transfer dough to a clean surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds until it holds together and bands of gluten are visible. Do not over-knead.
4. Divide dough into 6 equal portions and shape into burger patties, pressing them slightly flatter than desired (they puff up during steaming).
5. Steam patties in a single layer over boiling water for 25 minutes. Work in batches to avoid stacking.
6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally overnight) for best texture.
7. Heat a grill or frying pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side until well browned. Serve in buns with toppings.

---

Notes

• Vital wheat gluten is essential — there is no substitute. Cannot be made gluten-free.
• Do not over-knead the dough or burgers will become tough and rubbery.
• Freeze steamed patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
• The beet adds earthiness and moisture without a dominant beet flavour.
• Vital wheat gluten is very sticky — use old rags for clean-up.

Hungry for more? 🌱 

Get 200+ done-for-you vegan recipes in 

The Complete Plant Based Recipe Cookbook