Vegan Cordon Bleu (with Seitan Chicken)

Step 1

To a high-speed blender or a food processor, add silken tofu, olive oil, water, and the bouillon cube. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 2

To a mixing bowl, add the vital wheat gluten, and the spices- smoked paprika, poultry seasoning, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine. Then, add the blended tofu mixture.

Step 3

Mix with a rubber spatula or a fork until it becomes so sticky that you can't continue mixing anymore. Then, use your hands to mix the dough until it forms into a ball, around 1 minute. Don't overmix! Stop mixing the moment the ball forms.

Step 4

Use a sharp knife or a bench scrapper and divide the ball into 4 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin or a glass cup, roll the pieces into equal-sized seitan slices, around 5-6 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Step 5

Cut your cheese slices in half if necessary. Start by placing a slice of vegan cheese, then layer a slice of vegan ham on top of it. Follow by a second piece of cheese and a second piece of ham. And finally, add one last piece of cheese to finish.

Step 6

To close the chicken, add another piece of seitan fillet on top and completely seal the edges using damp fingers.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix mayo and mustard until creamy and smooth. Using a pastry brush, spread the mixture all over the vegan chicken, making sure to brush on both sides as well as the edges.

Step 8

Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and add the seitan. Coat on both sides, pressing down so that the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 9

Heat a cast-iron skillet or a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until it starts to smoke slightly. Add the seitan fillets to the hot pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Step 10

Either place them on a baking sheet or transfer the cast-iron skillet directly to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 11

Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve right away with a squeeze of lemon!