fbpx
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Romy London
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Pasta
  • Quick & Easy
  • Cakes & Bakes
  • Desserts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Grilled balsamic peaches with coconut yogurt and raspberry coulis on a dessert plate.
      Grilled Balsamic Peaches
    • Seitan and tempeh next to each other in comparison.
      Seitan Vs Tempeh
    • Creamy Butter Beans Alla Vodka on a plate with a spoon.
      Butter Beans Alla Vodka
    • Creamy cutter bean curry in a bowl with rice and naan bread.
      Creamy Butter Bean Curry
    • A bowl of chickpea and sweet potato curry on the dinner table, with rice, pickled onions, naan bread and fresh lime on top.
      Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry
    • Baked butter beans in a dish on the dinner table, surrounded by ingredients.
      Caprese Butter Beans
    • A bowl of vegan nduja pasta.
      Vegan Nduja Pasta
    • A plate of black pepper stir fry with crispy pumfu tofu and veggies.
      Pumfu Pumpkin Seed Tofu
    • A bulb of garlic that has gone bad.
      How To Tell If Garlic Is Bad
    • Two jars of flaxseed pudding on the breakfast table
      Flaxseed Pudding
    • A skillet filled with creamy chickpea curry with tofu on top.
      Vegan Butter Chickpea Curry
    • Collage showing vegan recipes for Valentine's Day.
      Vegan Valentine's Day Recipes
    Home » Recipes » Recipe Index

    Vegan Kebab

    Published: Jan 31, 2020 · Modified: May 6, 2025 by Romy · This post may contain affiliate links · 45 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The stuff that (vegan) dreams are made of - Vegan Kebab Meat! This Vegan Doner Kebab is the ultimate way to satisfy those takeout cravings right at home.

    This recipe brings together the bold, aromatic flavors of a classic doner kebab while keeping it 100% plant-based. Whether you're a long-time fan of seitan or just discovering this versatile ingredient, you'll love how this vegan kebab meat captures the perfect mix of texture and taste.

    This vegan kebab meat recipe is simply perfect for a delicious vegan doner kebab, stuffed with your favorite kebab toppings and also divine baked with vegan cheese or simply on its own.

    A homemade vegan Doner kebab is served filled with Seitan kebab meat, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and red onion in a pitta.
    Jump to:
    • 🌱 Ingredients & Notes
    • 🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
    • 🍽️ How To Serve
    • ❄️ Storing & Re-Heating
    • 💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
    • ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🔗 More Seitan Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    This seitan kebab is made with vital wheat gluten and seasoned with a proper authentic spice blend that gives it that unmistakable doner flavor. Think aromatic cumin, fragrant herbs and punchy garlic - it's absolutely packed with flavor!

    The texture is spot on too - it's firm yet tender, perfectly sliceable, and crisps up beautifully when pan-fried, making it ideal for wraps, salads, or loaded fries.

    What I love most about this vegan doner kebab recipe is just how versatile it is. You can stuff it into a warm flatbread with fresh veggies and a generous drizzle of vegan tzatziki, or pile it onto a colorful salad. Best of all, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and always have some ready to go when those kebab cravings hit.

    I promise, once you try making your own vegan doner at home, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with takeaway!

    ❤️ What's Great About This Recipe:

    • 🌱 100% Vegan: This Vegan Kebab recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for anyone craving a plant-based twist on a classic doner kebab.
    • 🕒 Quick & Easy: With a simple step-by-step process, you’ll have your kebab meat ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
    • 🔥 Authentic Flavor: The aromatic spice blend (think cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika) gives you that bold, doner-style taste.
    • 💪 Great Texture: The seitan is tender, firm, and sliceable, making it ideal for kebab chunks or shavings.
    • 🍽️ Versatile: Serve it in pita bread, over rice, in a salad, or even on loaded fries. It’s delicious in any form!
    • ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze it, and enjoy homemade kebab meat anytime.
    • 🛠️ Simple Ingredients: Requires easy-to-find staples like vital wheat gluten, spices, and olive oil - no fancy ingredients needed.
    • 🍢 Customizable: Adjust the spice mix to your taste or experiment with regional flavor twists like Turkish or German-style kebabs.
    • 🌟 Perfect for Sharing: Great for family meals, dinner parties, or serving as part of a kebab platter at your next gathering.
    • 🍔 Plant-Based Comfort Food: Whether in a wrap or on its own, this vegan doner kebab meat is a satisfying and hearty meal option.
    • 🧑‍🍳 Fun to Make: Kneading, shaping, and slicing the seitan adds a hands-on, creative touch to your cooking.

    🌱 Ingredients & Notes

    In this recipe, I've created the seitan from vital wheat gluten, but it's the herbs and seasoning mix that gives the kebab meat the delicious flavor that you all know from kebab!

    Herbs and Seasonings for Vegan Doner Kebab

    To create the perfect flavor in this vegan seitan kebab, there are a variety of herbs and spices involved. Same as with non-vegan kebab meat, the flavour is all in the spices!

    These are the herbs & spices I've used in this recipe:

    • fine sea salt
    • ground black pepper
    • garlic powder
    • ground cumin
    • onion powder
    • chilli powder
    • dried oregano
    • dried thyme
    • dried parsley
    • nutritional yeast flakes

    For the full measurements, head to the recipe card below.

    Possible Substitutions

    • Vital Wheat Gluten - If you don't have vital wheat gluten, you can make Seitan from scratch using regular flour. However, the process is very different, and you'll need to wash the dough to remove the starch. Refer to my Vegan Chicken Recipe for a detailed guide to making Seitan from washed flour. Blend in the herbs, spices and seasonings from this kebab recipe after washing the flour and rest the Seitan afterward. Then continue with steaming, pan-frying and shaving as per the instructions below.
    • Tamari Soy Sauce - Swap tamari for double the amount of dark soy sauce or coconut aminos.
    • Nutritional Yeast Flakes - If you're out of nutritional yeast flakes, consider using vegan bouillon powder or a combination of spices like paprika and garlic powder for added flavor.
    • Seasonings - Customize the seasoning mix to your preferences. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Make sure you try my Vegan Gyros version as well!
    • Cooking Oil - Use any high-heat cooking oil you prefer for pan-frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.

    🔪 Equipment

    • Cast-Iron skillet - I love to use a cast-iron skillet, it simply gives the kebab crispy edges and the best flavor.
    • Spatula or wooden spoon - To mix the Seitan dough. It's best to mix all ingredients by hand (& spoon) for the best, firm and meaty texture.
    • 2 mixing bowls - Use separate bowls to first mix wet ingredients and dry ingredients before combining them. This ensures for even distribution of flavors throughout the Seitan kebab.
    • Extra-strong kitchen foil - aka tin foil, aluminum foil or aluminium (if you're not from the US!). Use the foil to firmly and tightly wrap the Seitan - It will keep the Seitan in shape and give it a denser texture whilst it steams and expands in the oven. Roughly 2 metres of extra strong kitchen foil should be sufficient.
    • Muslin cloth - To prevent Seitan and kitchen foil touching during the cooking process, you can firmly wrap the Seitan in a layer of clean muslin cloth first. I've seen other recipes recommend wrapping it in parchment paper, but I personally wouldn't recommend this as it tends to undercook the Seitan dough and create a spongy texture.
    Vegan seitan kebab filling is sitting on an open pitta bread alongside sliced onions, tomatoes, salad and a slice of lemon.

    🔥 Traditional Doner Preparation Methods for Seitan

    Traditional doner kebabs are known for their unique texture and flavor profile. Here's how to adapt those techniques specifically for your homemade seitan doner:

    • Layering technique: Instead of forming a single log, try creating thin layers of seitan dough stacked on top of each other before wrapping. This mimics the stacked meat layers of authentic doner and creates those distinctive textural variations when sliced.
    • Rotisserie-style cooking: If you have a home rotisserie, you can shape your seitan log to fit and cook it rotating over heat. Alternatively, regularly rotating your seitan log during baking helps achieve even cooking and a more authentic texture.
    • Fat distribution: Authentic doners have fat distributed throughout. For vegan versions, incorporate small pieces of coconut oil or vegan butter into your seitan dough to create pockets of moisture and richness.

    🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

    Part 1 - Seitan Preparation & Steaming

    Step 1: Combining the ingredients

    Firstly in creating the Seitan dough, you will need to combine all the dry ingredients and all the wet ingredients separately, then slowly mix them together afterwards. By doing it this way you will ensure even distribution of all ingredients and avoid any lumps in the kebab meat later.

    Step 2: Kneading the Seitan dough

    Once the Seitan dough is combined, it's important to gently knead it with your hands for about 5 minutes until well combined and smooth. The gluten should become soft and spongy during this process. Do not overmix as it will change the texture of the Seitan. Five minutes is more than enough - I like to do this on my kitchen counter with a little vital wheat gluten sprinkled over the top to avoid it sticking to the counter.

    Step 3: Shape the kebab meat

    After kneading, you need to gently form a log shape and wrap the Seitan dough in multiple layers of extra-strong kitchen foil (aluminum foil). Wrap it tightly! This is very important as the seitan will otherwise rip the foil and explode in your oven. This not only ruins the seitan texture but also creates a mess. I usually wrap it tightly in about 5 layers of foil to be on the safe side.

    Step 4: Steam/Bake the Seitan

    Transfer the Seitan to your preheated oven and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30 minutes. Add an ovenproof dish filled with water to the bottom of your oven at the same time.

    This will create the right moisture in the oven and make the perfect environment for your Seitan dough. Steam-baking the Seitan this way will make it firm and juicy without making it spongy and it's the perfect cooking method for your vegan kebab meat.

    Step 5: Cool Down

    After steam baking, let the Seitan cool down entirely in the foil. During this time the texture of your vegan kebab meat will settle. Please don't skip this step!

    Once cooled down, you can continue with the recipe to create the perfect fried kebab chunks.

    Alternatively, you can keep the Seitan kebab in the fridge for up to 3 days or keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months, before creating kebab chunks for your vegan doner kebab.

    A Vegan Doner Kebab made of vegan seitan meat, tomatoes, herbs and red onion in a toasted pitta is served on a plate.

    Part 2 - Pan-frying and shaving the vegan kebab meat

    The pan-fry and shaving of the Seitan log creates the typical doner kebab chunks that you all know. For this process, I like to use a cast-iron skillet as it creates the perfect smoky and crispy layer on the vegan kebab.

    Step 1: Pan Frying

    Simply heat some oil in a cast-iron skillet and place the entire kebab log into it once both the skillet and oil are hot.

    The secret is to consistently brush a little oil over the kebab log on the skillet, as well as tamari soy sauce. This will create a salty, slightly caramelized, crunchy layer for the kebab meat. Carefully turn the log regularly until all sides are gently crispy fried.

    Step 2: Shaving

    Remove the Seitan log from the skillet and carefully 'shave' off the outer layer with a sharp knife to create thin strips. I like to stick a fork into one end of the log log to keep it in place whilst shaving off my kebab shreds.

    Return the log to the pan afterwards and repeat the pan-frying process until the entire log is shaved into kebab chunks.

    🍽️ How To Serve

    There are many delicious ways to serve this Vegan Kebab Meat and it's honestly delicious just on its own as well. Here are some tasty ideas to try:

    • Classic Vegan Doner Kebab - Serve the seitan kebab meat wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh, crunchy vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Drizzle with your favorite vegan yogurt-based sauce or tahini dressing and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
    • Vegan Kebab Bowl - Layer cooked grains like quinoa or rice as the base, add the seitan kebab meat on top and include a variety of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Drizzle with a flavorful sauce like hummus, tahini, or a vegan tzatziki.
    • Kebab Salad - Toss the Seitan kebab meat with a variety of fresh greens, such as mixed lettuce, spinach, or arugula. Add colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onions. Sprinkle with olives, pickled peppers, or capers and drizzle with a vinaigrette or your favorite vegan dressing.
    • Kebab Loded Fries - Serve the kebab meat over a plate of crispy French fries, top with vegan cheese or cheese sauce and add diced onions, jalapeños and pickles. Finish with a drizzle of vegan mayo or barbecue sauce.
    • Vegan Kebab Tacos - Fill soft or hard taco shells with Seitan kebab meat. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and vegan cheese. Drizzle with a spicy vegan sauce or salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.
    • Vegan Kebab Sandwich - Create a hearty sandwich by placing the Seitan kebab meat on your favorite bread or roll, alongside classic sandwich fillings like lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo. Add pickles, avocado slices, or roasted red peppers and serve with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries.
    • Kebab Platter - Present the Seitan kebab meat on a platter for a party or family gathering! Accompany it with an assortment of sides, such as stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and falafel and offer a selection of delicious sauces and condiments for dipping and drizzling.

    ❄️ Storing & Re-Heating

    You can store any leftovers of the fully cooked vegan kebab shreds in the refrigerator for you to three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, then place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

    How to freeze

    If you want to store the seitan kebab for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to three months. Wrap the kebab tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap it again with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag and don't forget to label it with the date.

    How to reheat

    You can reheat the refrigerated Seitan kebab in the oven or by panfrying. If the kebab is frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

    To reheat in the oven, first preheat to 350°F (175°C) and layer the kebab onto a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and heat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. To keep the kebab juicy during reheating, you can brush it with a little oil, vegetable broth or a marinade of your choice.

    You can also use a microwave to reheat small portions of the kebab, however, I wouldn't recommend this method as it makes the kebab spongy and less crispy.

    A homemade vegan Doner kebab with Seitan kebab meat, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and red onion is placed in a pitta on a dark table surrounded by ingredients.

    📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!

    💡 Expert Tips and Tricks

    • Marinating Time - For even more flavor, marinate the Seitan kebab meat in your preferred spices and sauces for a few hours or overnight before cooking. By marinating you can also add a delicious twist to the kebab! For example, for a mediterranean flavor, use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and oregano in your marinade or for an Asian fusion, marinate the Seitan with soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil.
    • Grill Option - Instead of pan-frying, you can also grill the kebab meat for a smoky, barbeque-like flavor. Brush with oil and grill until charred and cooked through.
    • Spice Level - Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder in the seasoning mix.
    • Make Ahead - Prepare the Seitan kebab meat in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer shelf life. This allows for quick and convenient meal prep.
    • Use Seitan Slices - Instead of shaving the entire kebab log, slice it into thin rounds to create Seitan kebab slices. These can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads.

    🌍 Authentic Doner Spice Blends

    The secret to authentic seitan doner flavor lies in these regional spice variations:

    • Turkish-style doner spice mix: Combine 2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch of ground cloves to your existing spice blend.
    • German-style Döner Würzung: Popular in Berlin-style döner, add 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder, 1 teaspoon sumac, and ½ teaspoon ajwain seeds to your spice mix for a distinctive flavor.
    • Marinade enhancement: For deeper flavor, marinate your seitan log overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your chosen spice blend before cooking.

    ✂️ Achieving Perfect Doner Texture with Seitan

    The ideal seitan doner should be firm yet tender with a slight chew:

    • Protein balance: Add 2-3 tablespoons of chickpea flour to your seitan mix to prevent it from becoming too rubbery while maintaining structural integrity.
    • Strategic steaming: Steam your seitan log for the first 20 minutes, then finish in a dry oven to create a firmer outer texture while keeping the inside moist.
    • Resting period: After cooking, let your seitan doner rest wrapped in its foil for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) in the refrigerator. This resting time allows the proteins to set and flavors to develop, resulting in the perfect sliceable texture.
    • Shaving technique: When creating your doner shavings, use a sharp knife at a slight angle rather than straight down to create thinner, more authentic slices that will crisp up beautifully when pan-fried.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    How long can I store the Seitan kebab, and can it be frozen?

    You can refrigerate the Seitan kebab for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Ensure it's tightly wrapped and labeled with the date.

    What are some serving suggestions for the Seitan kebab?

    You can serve the kebab in wraps, bowls, salads, loaded fries, tacos, sandwiches, or as a part of a Mediterranean or Asian-inspired dish. Get creative with your sides and sauces!

    Can I marinate the Seitan for extra flavor?

    Absolutely! Marinating the Seitan with your preferred spices and sauces for a few hours or overnight can enhance its flavor.

    How do I reheat the Seitan kebab leftovers?

    To reheat refrigerated kebab, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. Frozen kebab should be thawed first, then reheated using the same oven method.

    Can I grill the Seitan kebab instead of pan-frying it?

    Yes, grilling is a fantastic option! Brush the kebab with oil and grill until charred and cooked through for a smoky flavor.

    Can I make the Seitan kebab in advance for meal prep?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the kebab in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer-term meal prep.

    What exactly is a vegan doner kebab?

    A vegan doner kebab is a plant-based version of the traditional Turkish doner kebab. Instead of using meat, it's made with seitan (vital wheat gluten) that's seasoned with authentic spices to replicate the taste and texture of conventional doner meat. It's typically served in pita bread with salad, sauces, and other toppings.

    Is seitan doner meat healthy?

    Seitan doner meat can be a healthy protein option as it's lower in fat than traditional meat doners and contains no cholesterol. It's high in protein (about 75% protein by weight) and various B vitamins from the nutritional yeast. However, it's not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease as it's made from wheat gluten.

    Can I make vegan kebab meat without vital wheat gluten?

    Yes, you can make vegan kebab meat using the washed flour method instead of vital wheat gluten. This involves washing regular flour to remove the starch and isolate the gluten. While more time-consuming, it's a great alternative if you can't find vital wheat gluten. You can follow my technique in the Vegan Chicken Recipe linked above, but use the kebab seasonings from this recipe.

    How long does homemade vegan doner kebab meat last?

    Once cooked, your homemade vegan doner kebab meat will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can defrost only what you need.

    How do I get that authentic doner kebab texture?

    The key to authentic doner kebab texture is in the preparation and cooking method. Kneading the seitan for exactly 5 minutes creates the right firmness. Wrapping it tightly in foil maintains its shape while steaming gives it moisture. For that characteristic texture, it's crucial to let it cool completely before slicing it thinly and pan-frying until crispy on the edges.

    What are the best toppings for a vegan doner kebab?

    Traditional vegan doner kebab toppings include shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, cucumber, and red cabbage. For sauces, vegan garlic sauce (toum) and vegan tzatziki work wonderfully. I also love adding pickled chillies for some heat and pickled red cabbage for extra tang. Serve it all in a warm pita or flatbread for the authentic experience!

    Can I cook vegan doner kebab meat differently?

    While the steam-then-pan-fry method gives the most authentic results, you can also bake your seitan doner entirely in the oven or use an air fryer for the final crisping stage. If you're lucky enough to have a home rotisserie, you can even shape your seitan log to fit and cook it rotating over heat for the most authentic experience.

    Why is my seitan doner kebab meat rubbery?

    If your seitan doner is too rubbery, you've likely overmixed or overworked the dough. Remember to knead it gently for only about 5 minutes. Adding chickpea flour to the mix can also help prevent rubbery texture. Another common mistake is wrapping the seitan too loosely in foil - it needs to be very firmly wrapped to prevent it from expanding too much during cooking.

    🔗 More Seitan Recipes

    If you love cooking and experimenting with Seitan, you will surely also enjoy my Vegan Steak Recipe, Vegan Chicken, Vegan Gyro Meat, Seitan Kabobs or my BBQ Grilled Seitan!

    For a festive special featuring Seitan, definitely try my Seitan Wellington and this amazing Whole Vegan Turkey Roast!

    • close up of a 3 vegan chicken fillets on the grill
      Vegan Grilled Chicken
    • Sticky BBQ Tofu Recipe
      Sticky BBQ Tofu
    • Pineapple Curry BBQ Sauce in a small bowl next to grilled skewers
      Pineapple BBQ Sauce
    • vegan kofta on the grill
      Vegan Kofta

    📖 Recipe Card

    Vegan Seitan Doner Kebab Shreds on a large tray

    Vegan Kebab Meat (Seitan Doner Kebab)

    Romy
    The stuff that (vegan) dreams are made of - Vegan Kebab Meat! Perfect for a delicious vegan doner kebab, as part of a Kebab platter or simply on its own. Made with Seitan from Vital Wheat Gluten and aromatic herbs and spices.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour hr
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 2 hours hrs
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, British, German, Turkish
    Servings 6 portions
    Calories 246 kcal

    Equipment

    • 2 large mixing bowl(s)
    • extra-strong kitchen foil
    • 1 ovenproof dish with water
    • 1 cast iron skillet
    • 1 kitchen brush
    • 1 sharp knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 280 g vital wheat gluten
    • 2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 4 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 4 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 4 teaspoon dried parsley
    • 4 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 400 ml water
    • 2 tablespoon tamari soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon liquid smoke

    For pan frying:

    • extra virgin olive oil
    • tamari soy sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine all the wet ingredients. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry and mix using a spatula. Knead on the countertop using your hands - sprinkle a little vital wheat gluten on the countertop to avoid it sticking. Alternatively, you can combine the dry and wet ingredients in a Magimix with a dough hook.
    • Knead for about 5 minutes or until combined and the dough is feeling stretchy and even. Gently form a log shape.
    • Tightly wrap the Seitan log in multiple layers of Extra Strong Kitchen Foil. Place it in the oven with a tray of water underneath. Cook for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
    • Let the log cool down entirely without removing it from the foil. Once entirely cooled down, you can remove it from the oil.
    • Place the Seitan in a cast iron pan, continue brushing the log with oil and pour over small amounts of tamari soy sauce. Turn the log into the pan until the outside is crispy all around. Remove from the pan, shave off outer layer with a sharp knife, then set back into pan and repeat until the entire log is shaved off.
    • Serve as a doner kebab or on its own. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Freezing - the kebab can also be frozen - either after the baking process for later frying OR after the pan-fry. Ideally freeze in portion sizes for easier handling!
    • Serving - I love to serve this Kebab meat in a homemade flatbread, with lettuce, tomato and vegan tzatziki sauce or yogurt.
    • Marinate for Extra Flavor - Consider marinating the seitan kebab with your preferred spices and sauces for added taste.
    • Spice Customization - Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder in the seasoning mix.
    • Make-Ahead Convenience - Prepare the kebab in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer shelf life.
    • Grilling Alternative - Grill the kebab for a smoky, barbeque-like flavor by brushing with oil and grilling until charred and cooked through.
    • Spices and Seasonings - Customize the seasoning mix to your taste by experimenting with different herbs and spices.
    • Reheating Methods - For reheating, use an oven for refrigerated or thawed kebab. Alternatively, pan-fry for a slightly crispy texture. While you can use a microwave for reheating small portions, it may result in a less crispy texture and I wouldn't recommend it.
       
       
    Keyword doner kebab, fast food, german doner kebab, seitan, seitan kebab, vegan kebab

    Looking for more vegan dinner inspiration? Check out these delicious vegan mains!

     © 2024 Romy London / Romina Callwitz | All images, videos, wordings and content are copyright protected and belong to Romina Callwitz. Please do not use any of my content without prior permission. If you wish to re-publish any (part of my) content, please get in touch via email. Thanks for your support!

    *Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links and sponsored links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can find more information in my Privacy Policy.

    More Recipe Index

    • A plate filled with satay pasta and a fork on the side.
      Vegan Satay Pasta
    • Vegan Avocado lime crema in a bowl with two slices of lime on the edge.
      Avocado Lime Crema
    • Creamy tofu sour cream in an open jar.
      Tofu Sour Cream
    • Vegan custard donuts on a parchment paper.
      Vegan Custard Donuts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      💭 Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Steve

      November 18, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Hi,
      I'm hoping to make this recipe but am unclear about "Place it in oven with a tray of water underneath." Do you mean place it in a tray of water to boil it or place on a shelf above the water tray to steam it?

      Thanks,
      Steve

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        November 19, 2020 at 9:26 am

        Hi Steve! It's a water tray underneath - it's just there to create the right amount of moisture inside the oven, so that your Seitan doesn't become too dry in the process. Hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions 🙂

        Reply
        • Ruszt

          June 27, 2024 at 10:47 am

          5 stars
          Love this and make it regularly for my vegetarian kids and I. My only substitution is I add smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke as most of this stuff is carcenogenic. Also, I have started making the day before as it matures nicely in the fridge overnight.

          Reply
    2. scott southam

      January 27, 2021 at 1:38 am

      “Add the wet ingredients into the wet” sorry which way is best? Wet into dry or
      Visa versa?

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        January 27, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Thanks so much for flagging it, Scott! That's a typo, it's meant to read 'add the wet ingredients into the dry' - just fixed it in the text 🙂

        Reply
    3. Thomas Hayes

      February 22, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      This was my first attemp at seitan and was expecting to massively fail as I'm a shit cook. Followed the recipe to the letter and I totally nailed it 😁. Over the moon with the results, actually first time in three years I feel satisfied. Its the meatiest thing I've ever eaten, wow thank you Romy x

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        February 23, 2021 at 9:59 am

        Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Thomas - It makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! Here's to many more Seitan successes! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Laker

      February 24, 2021 at 7:26 pm

      This is amazing! One question what's the best way to reheat this?

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        February 25, 2021 at 2:15 pm

        So glad you like it! I usually reheat mine in a pan or the oven - but only for a few minutes, so it doesn't become to dry or tough. I'm certain you could also use a microwave, though I haven't tried that myself (I actually don't own one 😅). Let me know how you get on - it's also delicious cold 🙂

        Reply
        • Tim

          May 16, 2021 at 11:45 am

          It reheats really nicely in the microwave, keeps it nice and moist. Awesome recipe, thanks for sharing. I’ve been trying to make authentic doner meat since I turned veggie three years ago - this is it!!

          Reply
          • romylondonuk

            May 16, 2021 at 7:37 pm

            Great to hear it's working so well in the microwave too! And thank you so much for your lovely comment - it makes me so happy to hear when people enjoy this recipe just as much 🙂

            Reply
            • Tim

              July 11, 2021 at 12:07 pm

              I batch made some more and froze it. I’ve been reheating it in the steamer and it’s even better!! I could eat this every day..!! Thanks again!

            • romylondonuk

              July 12, 2021 at 10:09 am

              Thank you so much for the lovely review, Tim! So happy to hear you're enjoying this one so much 🙂

    5. Julie Bonney-Thorpe

      May 08, 2021 at 10:47 pm

      I can’t believe this recipe hasn’t gone viral!! It’s bloody brilliant!!! Can’t get enough of it!! 🔥

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        May 10, 2021 at 11:17 am

        AW thanks so much for your lovely comment, Julie! So glad to hear you're enjoying this one so much ❤️

        Reply
    6. Peter

      May 28, 2021 at 10:06 am

      Hello! I’m making this tonight, I’m just wondered if it’s ok to make the dough mixture early then steam/cook later in the evening? If so should I put it in the fridge or leave it out? I’ve got a few other things on the go so would save time, but don’t want to spoil the Saitan! Thanks

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        May 28, 2021 at 4:16 pm

        Hi Peter! Yes, you can totally rest the Seitan dough! Make sure to place it in a lightly oiled bowl and covered it, then place it in the fridge - that's best for a few hours 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    7. Rob Spears

      September 23, 2021 at 8:37 pm

      This recipe is amazing!!
      It's simple and the doner 'meat' is gorgeous!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        September 27, 2021 at 8:43 am

        Thanks for the kind words, Rob! So glad to hear you're enjoying this one 🙂

        Reply
      • Ha

        July 22, 2023 at 6:13 am

        Worst recipe! 400ml of water to 280g flour does not work! Mixture was like liquid

        Reply
    8. Aislinn

      October 24, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      Planning to make this for a mezze feast with friends this weekend, looks delicious! Just one question: I've always used vegetable stock rather than water for other seitan recipes, do you think that would work for this one or is it better to stick with unadulterated water?

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        October 27, 2021 at 10:32 am

        Hi Aislinn! I hope you'll enjoy this one for your mezze 🙂 I have not made this recipe with stock before, so I can't really say how that would turn out exactly, but my thought behind using water was that the kebab is fried in tamari at the end to give it that salty, crispy, caramelized finish - and I felt that using stock would make it too salty overall, so I would stick to this method. But of course feel free to experiment if you're up for that 🙂 Either way, hope it turns out great!

        Reply
    9. Sibel Kamer

      January 19, 2022 at 6:32 am

      Would you have the nutritional info available?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        January 24, 2022 at 10:17 am

        Hi Sibel! Sure, I've added it to the bottom of the recipe card 🙂 Hope you find it useful! Please bear in mind it's only for reference and might differ if you're using different products than I did - but it gives a good idea of the overall recipe 🙂 If you leave out the pan fry at the end (which is amazing for flavour & texture though!) the sodium and fat are considerably lower btw.

        Reply
        • Holly Spence

          February 21, 2022 at 4:57 pm

          Absolutely love this recipe, I make it weekly for our Friday night kebabs. I was just wondering how long you would recommend it could be kept in the fridge for if it was wrapped in foil? X

          Reply
          • romylondonuk

            February 24, 2022 at 10:54 am

            Hi Holly, so glad you enjoy this recipe! For food safety I would recommend to not keep it any longer than seven days in the fridge, though I admit I have kept it longer myself - better to be safe though! You could also store the kebab in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results I freeze the shreds right after cutting them off the log and then briefly pen fry them in a little oil and tamari before serving to get those crisp and caramelised edges 🙂

            Reply
    10. SarahJG

      February 23, 2022 at 6:15 pm

      This recipe looks amazing, I can't wait to make it! I follow a low carb lifestyle and the carb count for 1/6th of the recipe looks astonishingly high for a recipe without added sugar! Can you tell me which recipe calculator you used for this please? I'm reluctant to make this until I've checked the carbohydrate content is accurate. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        February 24, 2022 at 10:27 am

        Hi Sarah! I use Nutrifox for calculating all my nutritional information. It's for reference only, if you require accurate nutrition information I recommend you use a calculator to match the exact brands/products that you are using 🙂

        Reply
    11. Leesia

      March 03, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      Made this three times now can't get enough of it! Absolutely gorgeous vegan kebab! Thankyou a billion times! My favorite meal!🤤😁😁

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        March 05, 2022 at 5:18 pm

        Hey Leesia, so happy to hear that! Glad you're enjoying the recipe so much 🙂

        Reply
    12. Emoven

      March 29, 2022 at 11:54 am

      Thank you so much for this recipe it really is a God send, doner was my favourite before becoming vegan and this vegan version is much better than the real thing. Absolutely amazing thank you.

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        April 08, 2022 at 9:37 am

        Thank you so much for your kind review! ❤️

        Reply
      • Jen

        December 10, 2022 at 7:01 pm

        Wow, this recipe is amazing! I've missed kebab meat and chips and this was perfect.

        Reply
    13. Mike

      June 21, 2022 at 7:22 am

      Out of curiosity, have you tried braising this rather than roasting it with the water in a pan in the oven? Just curious if you found this better compared with a braise. Thanks!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        June 22, 2022 at 9:58 am

        Hey Mike! Thanks for the comment - I haven't actually tried braising it, but I find that when braising Seitan, it soaks up a lot more of the liquid, making it softer - and in this case, too soft for the pan-fry & shaving. Feel free to test it out though! Braising is definitely great for other seitan recipes that require a softer and juicier texture 🙂

        Reply
    14. Sara

      June 24, 2022 at 2:05 am

      This was my first attempt at seitan and it was a massive success. My husband is Turkish and was amazed how much this tasted like the real thing. He even made me take pictures and send it to his brothers in Istanbul. I was hoping for leftovers but my husband has already claimed what’s left as his and my 7 year old kept coming back for more. So good!!!! Thank you for creating a recipe that allowed us to preserve our food culture while remaining cruelty free!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        June 25, 2022 at 9:44 am

        Thank you so much for this lovely review, Sara! It has honestly made my day and it makes me so happy to hear people enjoy the recipe ❤️ Here's to many more meatfree kebab dinners! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Jake

      April 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      My partner's favorite vegan meat ever!! My partner never enjoyed vegan meats, but this blew them away. Thank you for all the joy and flavor this brings 🙂

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        April 25, 2023 at 10:24 am

        Thanks so much for the lovely review, Jake! So glad to hear you're enjoying the recipe! If you love experimenting with Seitan, I've got a Gyro recipe on the blog too - it's a similar technique but uses different seasonings 🙂

        Reply
        • Jake

          May 14, 2023 at 3:51 am

          We love experimenting with seitan so much! We'll definitely try it out, thank you. We'll have a bigger kitchen sink soon so we can wash flour to our hearts' content, too! The gyros look so good.

          Reply
          • romylondonuk

            May 15, 2023 at 10:26 am

            That's awesome! Hope there's many happy Seitan adventures ahead of you 😊

            Reply
    16. Lesley Dowden

      May 27, 2023 at 10:39 pm

      Just made it. Fab. Great texture, great flavour. Will also make awesome sandwiches or roast "beef" for Sunday lunch

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        May 29, 2023 at 10:15 am

        Thanks so much for the lovely review, Lesley! So glad to hear you enjoyed it - hope the sandwiches were a hit! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Abigail Coules

      October 15, 2023 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      Wow this recipe is incredible! And actually very easy to make. Because I’m kind of lazy I sliced the whole thing once cooled into thin shavings and fried in batches brushing with soy. I made a pitta up with red cabbage chilli sauce and gave to my son and he didn’t have a clue it was vegan!! What a win! Wish I could post a photo Great recipe!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        October 18, 2023 at 12:31 pm

        Hi Abigail, thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful review! It makes me so happy to hear that the recipe was such a success for you 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Romy!

    On this blog, you'll find some of my favorite vegan recipes for you to try at home.

    They all include detailed step-by-step instructions, so you can WOW everyone with your vegan kitchen magic in no time!

    About Romy

    FOLLOW ME

    • link to instagram account
    • link to facebook account
    • link to pinterest account
    • link to youtube account
    • link to tiktok account
    • Link to email

    As Seen In

    Romy London Uk as seen on Netflix, Channel 4, Metro, Cosmopolitan, TalkRadio, Channel 4, Evening Standard, Vegan Life, Vegan Food & Living

    Latest Recipes

    • Grilled balsamic peaches with coconut yogurt and raspberry coulis on a dessert plate.
      Grilled Balsamic Peaches

    • Creamy Butter Beans Alla Vodka on a plate with a spoon.
      Butter Beans Alla Vodka

    • Creamy cutter bean curry in a bowl with rice and naan bread.
      Creamy Butter Bean Curry

    🔎 Search

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for my newsletter & NEVER miss a recipe!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Romy London

    Manage Cookie Consent
    We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}