Seitan, otherwise known as vital wheat gluten, is a popular non-animal protein substitute for vegans. Seitan is made out of hydrated gluten by kneading moistened wheat flour to develop sticky strands of gluten protein. The dough is then rinsed to wash away all of the starch. The remaining sticky mass can then be seasoned, cooked and used as a meat substitute. You may also find it pre-made at your local grocer where it is already seasoned, cooked and ready to use as a meat substitute.