Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata Recipe
Introduction
This Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata is a vibrant vegan twist on the classic Italian dish. Bursting with bright lemon flavor and a tangy caper sauce, it makes a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) package seitan, torn into 2″ pieces or sliced into 1/4″ slices
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. vegan butter or extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, washed, cut into thin rounds and quartered
- 2 tbsp. capers, drained
- Freshly chopped parsley, for serving
- Bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the seitan pieces in a large bowl and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the flour and toss until the seitan is completely coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seitan and cook, stirring or flipping occasionally, until golden brown on most sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Some dry flour on the seitan is fine. Transfer the seitan to a plate and keep the skillet on medium heat.
- Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet, then add the shallot and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with your spoon.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup of vegetable broth and the fresh thyme sprigs, if using. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the lemon pieces, capers, seared seitan, and the remaining ½ cup of vegetable broth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a thin gravy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute wheat-free seitan or use firm tofu instead.
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce before serving.
- Omit the wine and substitute with extra vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Roasted garlic can be used instead of fresh for a sweeter, mellow garlic taste.
Storage
Store leftover seitan piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the seitan. The sauce will thicken on standing; add a splash of vegetable broth when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seitan and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to keep the seitan from getting soggy.
What can I serve with seitan piccata?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful lemon-caper sauce.
