Seitan Tandoori Recipe – Greek Yogurt & Spice Marinated Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Seitan Tandoori Recipe – Greek Yogurt & Spice Marinated Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re craving that smoky, flavorful tandoori taste but are looking for a plant-based option, you’re in the right place. I stumbled upon this seitan tandoori recipe a while back, and it’s become a total weeknight favorite. It’s surprisingly easy to make, packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of India without the meat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Seitan Tandoori isn’t just delicious; it’s a winner for so many reasons. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein, totally customizable to your spice preference, and the Greek yogurt marinade makes the seitan incredibly tender. Plus, the aroma while it’s cooking? Seriously incredible. You’ll be hooked after the first bite, I promise!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• 1 batch Prepared Seitan (from 1 cup vital wheat gluten)
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 2 tsp Tandoori Masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tbsp Ginger, minced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• Green Chilies, minced to taste
• 1 tsp Oil
• Lemon/Lime Juice to taste
• 1 Tbsp Oil
• ½ large Onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Green Chilies, chopped finely to taste
• 2 tsp Tandoori Masala
• 10 sprigs Cilantro, chopped
• Fresh Lime/Lemon Juice to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Vital Wheat Gluten for Seitan: This is the base of our “meat.” Don’t be intimidated! It creates a wonderfully chewy texture. You can find it at most health food stores or online.
• Greek Yogurt Marinade: The star of the show! Greek yogurt tenderizes the seitan beautifully and adds a lovely tang. Full-fat yogurt works best for richness, but low-fat will do in a pinch.
• Tandoori Masala Blend: This spice blend is key to that authentic tandoori flavor. You can find pre-made blends at Indian grocery stores, or make your own (there are tons of recipes online!).
• Regional Spice Variations: Tandoori masala blends vary by region in India. Feel free to experiment with different brands or add a pinch of garam masala, cumin, or coriander to customize the flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, in a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 2 tsp tandoori masala, salt, minced ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Add 1 tsp of oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Give it a good mix – you want everything nicely combined.
2. Now, gently squeeze any excess liquid from your prepared seitan pieces. This helps it absorb all that delicious marinade. Add the seitan to the bowl and coat it evenly. Make sure every piece is covered!
3. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Trust me on this one!
4. When you’re ready to cook, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and finely chopped green chilies and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. Add the marinated seitan to the skillet (don’t worry about pouring in any leftover marinade – we’ll use that in a bit!). Sprinkle with another 2 tsp of tandoori masala and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the seitan is nicely caramelized and slightly browned.
6. Finally, pour in any reserved marinade from the bowl and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a final squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skip the marinating time! It really makes a difference in the tenderness and flavor.
• If you don’t have a skillet, a grill pan works beautifully for getting those nice char marks.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and spice levels to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt. It will give a slightly different flavor, but still delicious!
• Gluten-Free Considerations: This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free due to the seitan. If you need a gluten-free option, try using firm or extra-firm tofu instead.
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like it hot, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of green chilies or omit them altogether.
• Festival Adaptations: This makes a fantastic appetizer for festivals like Diwali or Holi! Serve it with mint chutney and a side of sliced onions. My family loves it during celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

This Seitan Tandoori is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With a side of fluffy basmati rice and dal (lentils).
• Wrapped in warm naan bread with a dollop of yogurt and chutney.
• As part of a larger Indian thali (platter) with various curries and sides.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover Seitan Tandoori in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. What is seitan and is it a good meat substitute for Tandoori?

Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten and has a chewy, meat-like texture. It’s a fantastic meat substitute for Tandoori because it absorbs flavors really well and holds its shape during cooking.

2. Can I marinate the seitan for longer than overnight?

Yes, you can! Marinating for up to 24 hours will result in even more flavorful and tender seitan.

3. What is the best way to prepare seitan from vital wheat gluten for this recipe?

There are many recipes online for making seitan from scratch. Look for one that results in a firm, chewy texture.

4. Can I use a different type of yogurt in this marinade?

While Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness and tang, you can use plain yogurt. Just be aware that the marinade might be a bit thinner.

5. What side dishes pair well with Seitan Tandoori?

Basmati rice, dal, naan bread, raita (yogurt dip), and a fresh salad are all excellent choices.

6. How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Adjust the amount of green chilies and tandoori masala to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Enjoy making this delicious Seitan Tandoori! I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!