100% Vegan steak recipe

100% Vegan steak recipe is a medium Western recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by HowToBasic on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $10.56 total, $5.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Vital Wheat Gluten (Main protein base for the steak)
  • 2 tablespoons Beet Juice (Provides a natural reddish color)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Adds umami and saltiness; use low‑sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For moisture in the dough and later searing)
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Broth (Keeps the seitan moist)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Gives a smoky, steak‑like flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast (Optional umami boost)

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In the mixing bowl, whisk together beet juice, soy sauce, olive oil, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully blended.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Gluten and Form Dough

    Sprinkle the vital wheat gluten over the wet mixture. Stir with the whisk until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Knead the Seitan

    Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until it becomes elastic and firm.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Shape and Rest

    Shape the dough into two 1‑inch‑thick rectangles (about 4×2 inches). Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to set the texture.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Preheat Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and let it heat for about 5 minutes until a drop of water sizzles.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  6. Sear the Vegan Steaks

    Unwrap the steaks, pat them dry with a paper towel, and add a thin layer of olive oil to the skillet. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Rest Before Serving

    Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
8g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Soy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

100% Vegan steak recipe

Recipe by HowToBasic

A 100% vegan steak that looks, tastes, and cooks like a real beef steak. Made from vital wheat gluten and flavored with beet juice, soy sauce, and smoked paprika, this plant‑based steak is perfect for vegans and flexitarians who crave a hearty, meaty experience.

MediumWesternServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
46m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.56
Total cost
$5.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading the seitan dough to develop gluten structure.
  • Resting the shaped steak to set its texture before cooking.
  • Proper searing at high heat to achieve a caramelized crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when working with hot oil; do not let it splash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan steak in Western cuisine?

A

Vegan steak emerged alongside the plant‑based movement in the early 2000s as a way for vegans and flexitarians to enjoy the texture and flavor of traditional beef without animal products. It reflects a growing demand for sustainable, cruelty‑free alternatives to classic meat dishes.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of vegan steak in American cuisine?

A

In the United States, vegan steak is often made from seitan, soy, or pea protein. Regional twists include adding BBQ rubs in the South, using mushroom‑based blends in the Pacific Northwest, or incorporating smoked paprika for a Tex‑Mex flair.

cultural
Q

How is vegan steak traditionally served in Western restaurants?

A

Restaurants typically serve vegan steak sliced thin, accompanied by classic steak sides such as roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a rich mushroom gravy. It is often presented on a wooden board with a drizzle of vegan butter or steak sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is vegan steak commonly associated with in modern vegan culture?

A

Vegan steak is popular at holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as at barbecues and birthday celebrations where guests expect a hearty main dish without meat.

cultural
Q

What makes vegan steak special or unique in the broader plant‑based cuisine?

A

Vegan steak mimics the chewiness and umami depth of beef using vital wheat gluten, while the beet juice provides a realistic reddish hue. Its ability to be seared to a caramelized crust sets it apart from softer tofu or tempeh dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan steak at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the seitan (which makes it tough), not allowing the shaped steak to rest (resulting in a crumbly texture), and searing on a pan that isn’t hot enough, which prevents a proper crust.

technical
Q

Why does this vegan steak recipe use beet juice for color instead of artificial food coloring?

A

Beet juice provides a natural, slightly earthy red tone that mimics raw beef, keeping the recipe clean‑label and appealing to health‑conscious eaters who avoid synthetic dyes.

technical
Q

Can I make vegan steak ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can wrap the raw steaks in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to two months. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the vegan steak is done cooking?

A

The steak should have a deep brown, slightly crisp exterior with a pink‑red interior that resembles rare‑to‑medium‑rare beef. When sliced, it should be firm yet yielding, not mushy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel HowToBasic specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel HowToBasic is known for its chaotic, comedic cooking videos that often involve exaggerated messes and surprise twists while still delivering a recognizable recipe concept.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel HowToBasic's approach to vegan cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

HowToBasic mixes humor with cooking, using over‑the‑top visual gags and a fast‑paced, no‑talk style, whereas most vegan cooking channels focus on clear instruction and calm presentation. This makes the vegan steak video entertaining yet still functional.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Black Bean Chocolate Protein Bars & Chickpea Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Vegan, High Protein)
104

Black Bean Chocolate Protein Bars & Chickpea Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Vegan, High Protein)

Two easy, high-protein vegan protein bar recipes using a can of black beans or chickpeas as the base. One is a rich chocolate bar, the other is a peanut butter bar. Both are baked, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep or hurricane prep!

1 hr 10 minServes 16$17
American
Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa
692

Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa

A hearty, plant-based soul food feast featuring homemade vegan oxtails (using jackfruit and yuca root 'bones'), savory collard greens with cabbage and turnips, creamy vegan mac and cheese, and a side of lentils and quinoa. Includes a rich tomato-based sauce and optional fried plantains.

3 hrs 10 minServes 4$220
Soul Food / Vegan
Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa
88

Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa

A hearty, plant-based soul food feast featuring homemade vegan oxtails (using jackfruit and yuca root 'bones'), savory collard greens with cabbage and turnips, creamy vegan mac and cheese, and a side of lentils and quinoa. Includes a rich tomato-based sauce and optional fried plantains.

3 hrs 10 minServes 4$57
Soul Food / Vegan
Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs
2.6k

Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs

A luxurious British steak and ale pie featuring bone‑in short ribs and tender beef cheek, braised low and slow in Guinness stout and red wine, finished with a rich gravy and a buttery short‑crust pastry. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

12 hrs 31 minServes 6$203
British
I Soaked Steaks in the World’s Curry for 100 Days!
4

I Soaked Steaks in the World’s Curry for 100 Days!

A Malaysian‑inspired experiment by Guga Foods: a rich, aromatic beef randon paste used to soak a premium picaya (coulotte) steak for days, then grilled to a perfect char. Served with juicy BBQ‑rubbed chicken cubes, buttery mashed potatoes, and a bright chim churi herb sauce.

50 hrs 13 minServes 4$82
Malaysian
Seit ich dieses vegane Steak kenne, will meine Familie kein Fleisch mehr!
0

Seit ich dieses vegane Steak kenne, will meine Familie kein Fleisch mehr!

Hearty brown lentil and oat patties flavored with tomato paste, soy sauce, and spices, served with a savory vegetable‑bean sauce. Perfect for a nutritious vegetarian main course that’s easy to make and full of protein and fiber.

1 hr 6 minServes 4$5
German