Homemade High-Protein Seitan Hot Dogs (30g Protein!)
Course: Breakfast8
servings10
minutes40
minutes50
minutesThese homemade high-protein vegan hot dogs are packed with an impressive 30g of plant-based protein for just 211 calories each! Made with simple ingredients like vital wheat gluten, tofu, and lupini beans, they’re budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.
What is seitan? Seitan is a plant-based protein made primarily from wheat gluten. It has a firm, chewy texture and is commonly used as a meat alternative.
These homemade seitan hot dogs have a soft, moist, slightly chewy texture and can be enjoyed in a classic hot dog bun with your favourite toppings or sliced into stir-fries, pasta, and other high-protein meals. They’re a delicious way to add more protein to your plant-based diet without relying on expensive store-bought alternatives!
Nutrition Information (120g) Per hot dog (without bun or toppings)
Calories: 211 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.
Ingredients
- Dry ingredients
250g vital wheat gluten (I used this brand)
30g nutritional yeast flakes ( I used this brand)
1½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
*1 tsp poultry seasoning (See notes)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1/4 black pepper
- Wet ingredients
*½ cup (125ml) canned drained and rinsed lupini beans (see notes)
200g extra-firm silken tofu ( I used this brand)
230 ml water
70 -78g dill pickles
1 tbsp (15g) maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional but recommended)
Optional: 1 tsp liquid smoke (I didn’t use it)
Optional: 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Seasoned Vegetable Base (Sometimes I use it!)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. - Step 2: Blend the wet ingredients
Add the rinsed/drained lupini beans, extra-firm silken tofu, water, dill pickles, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil to a high-speed blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a smoky flavour, you can also add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke. - Step 3: Prepare the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Start mixing with a spatula until the mixture begins to come together. Then use your hands to combine everything into a cohesive dough. - Step 4: Shape the hot dogs
Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop.
Divide it into 8 equal portions.
Using your hands, roll and shape each portion into a hot dog. - Step 5: Wrap in parchment paper
Place each shaped hot dog onto a piece of parchment paper.
Roll the parchment tightly around the hot dog and twist both ends securely to help maintain its shape during baking.
Repeat with the remaining portions. - Step 6: Bake
Arrange the wrapped hot dogs on a baking tray.
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. - Step 7: Cool and unwrap
Remove the hot dogs from the oven and allow them to cool for approximately 10–15 minutes while still wrapped in parchment paper.
Carefully unwrap each hot dog and transfer it to a wire cooling rack.
Allow them to cool further before slicing or serving.
The finished hot dogs should have a soft, moist interior with a slightly chewy seitan texture. - Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Serve your homemade seitan hot dogs in buns with your favourite toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, or sauerkraut.
You can also slice them and add them to stir-fries, pasta dishes, or other meals for an easy protein boost
Recipe Video
Notes
- Customize the seasonings: I intentionally keep the seasonings fairly neutral because I like using these hot dogs in different meals. If you’re making them specifically for hot dog buns, feel free to experiment with dill, rosemary, smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes or your favourite herbs and spices.
Swap Lupini beans for cooked red lentils: If you don’t have access to lupini beans, you can swap them for same amount of cooked red lentils. Make sure cooked lentils are nicely drained.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and use them throughout the week in different high-protein meals.
Let them cool before slicing: Cooling helps the hot dogs firm up and makes them easier to slice while maintaining their shape.
Get creative: These hot dogs aren’t just for buns! Slice them into stir-fries, add them to pasta, or enjoy them alongside your favourite vegetables.