Dry-Fried Seitan with Cumin and Sichuan Peppercorn
干煸面筋 · sichuan cuisine · Sichuan
Gan bian (dry-frying) is a Chinese technique where ingredients are pan-fried in a generous amount of oil until lightly browned, then finished with aromatics and seasonings over low heat. The author notes that 500 g of seitan is a fairly large batch, so the seasonings can be reduced proportionally if you use less.
Roy DelgadoWeekend backyard smoker guy from San Antonio. Brisket is my love language. Still chasing that perfect bark and happy to share my failures too.Nutrition & allergens
Contains:SoyWheat
Some ingredients are not yet allergen-surveyed; this label is not exhaustive.
Per serving (4 servings)
- Energy (kcal)
- Unknown
- Protein (g)
- Unknown
- Fat (g)
- Unknown
- Carbs (g)
- Unknown
- Sodium (mg)
- Unknown
Estimated from verified ingredient data for the original formula — not lab values, and one dish is not a full meal.
17.64 oz
salt盐
to taste
Dried chiles干辣椒
4.0 piece
as needed
Scallion, ginger, and garlic葱、姜、蒜
as needed
Cumin孜然
0.06 cup
1.2 oz
0.35 oz
0.39 oz
cilantro香菜
2.0 stalk
Techniques you'll use
- Pan-frying (jian) ↗
Sear food in a shallow layer of oil, one side at a time.
- Stir-frying ↗
Cook small pieces in stages, then bring them together while their textures are distinct.
Steps
- 1
Step 1
Prepare all the seasonings: put the scallion, ginger, and garlic together in one pile; the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies together in another; and the sesame seeds and sugar together in a third.
✅ Done when: All seasonings are grouped into three separate piles and within reach of the stove.
Heat the wok, then add a generous amount of oil. Add the seitan and cook, pan-frying and stirring, until it turns lightly golden brown in spots. Pour off the excess oil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, add the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies, and stir-fry about 10 tosses. Add the scallion, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry about 5 tosses. Add the light soy sauce, sesame seeds, sugar, and ground cumin, toss to combine evenly, turn off the heat, and top with the cilantro segments to serve.
✅ Done when: The seitan is lightly browned and blistered in spots, the seasonings are evenly coated, and the cilantro is scattered on top just before serving.