Mongolian Seitan (Vegan Mongolian Beef)

vegetable oil ((I used grapeseed oil))

minced or grated ginger

minced or grated garlic

Chinese five spice ((optional))

red pepper flakes

low-sodium soy sauce ((see note))

+ 2 tbsp coconut sugar ((or use a scant 1/2 cup brown sugar))

cornstarch

cold water

and 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil ((I used grapeseed oil))

homemade seitan ((16 oz.) (or use store-bought seitan), cut into 1-inch pieces)

toasted sesame seeds ((optional))

sliced scallions ((optional))