Name: Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent; 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (natural); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped; 1 cup plant-based bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich, savory flavors with a comforting texture, then this Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing is exactly what you need. This plant-powered recipe is bursting with herbs and wholesome ingredients, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or just a cozy dinner, this Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing will impress family and friends alike with its tender, flavorful bite and aromatic stuffing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, savory flavor: The blend of fresh sage and caramelized onions infuses the roulade with a comforting aroma and taste.
Plant-based delight: Made with seitan and natural ingredients for a hearty, satisfying texture without animal products.
Perfect for special occasions: Its impressive presentation makes it a show-stopping addition to your table.
Customizable filling: Easily adapted with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or spices to suit any palate.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple but essential with ingredients that build flavor, texture, and color naturally. Each item plays a key role, from the tender seitan base to the fragrant herbs and perfectly sautéed onions in the stuffing.

Vital wheat gluten: The foundation for your seitan, giving it that wonderfully chewy texture everyone loves.
Vegetable broth (natural): Used to hydrate the gluten and keep the roulade moist during cooking.
Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky depth and savory note to the stuffing.
Yellow onions: Slowly caramelized to bring sweetness and richness to the filling.
Fresh sage: The star herb in this recipe, bringing a classic autumnal aroma with earthy undertones.
Bread crumbs (plant-based): Helps bind the stuffing together with a light texture.
Garlic cloves: Minced to add a lively, pungent kick.
Olive oil: Provides a smooth richness for sautéing and moistening the dough.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds umami complexity to both the stuffing and seitan.
Salt and pepper: To perfectly season every layer of flavor.
Natural gelling agent: Used to help maintain the roulade’s shape during cooking.

Variations for Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to experiment with different herbs, veggies, or textures to make it uniquely yours while keeping things plant-friendly and delicious.

Mushroom medley: Swap some or all of the smoked turkey bacon for chopped sautéed mushrooms for an earthier twist.
Nutty crunch: Add toasted walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for added texture and a toasty flavor.
Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
Herb swap: Try rosemary, thyme, or marjoram in place of sage for a different herbaceous note.
Vegetable boost: Include finely diced carrots or celery in the stuffing for added color and freshness.

How to Make Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onions and cook slowly until they turn golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chopped smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the bacon is crisp. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh sage leaves, bread crumbs (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Seitan Dough

In a large bowl, whisk vital wheat gluten with salt and a pinch of natural gelling agent. In a separate container, combine vegetable broth (natural), olive oil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Pour the wet ingredients into the gluten mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until springy and elastic.

Step 3: Roll Out and Stuff

On a lightly floured surface, roll the seitan dough into a rectangle roughly 12×9 inches. Spread the cooled stuffing mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges firmly to encase the filling.

Step 4: Secure and Wrap

Wrap the roulade tightly in parchment paper or cheesecloth, twisting both ends to secure it firmly. You can tie with kitchen twine if needed to maintain shape during cooking.

Step 5: Steam the Roulade

Place the wrapped roulade in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 60-75 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The roulade should firm up and hold its shape perfectly.

Step 6: Finish and Slice

Allow the roulade to cool slightly before unwrapping. For a crispier exterior, you can pan-sear slices in a bit of olive oil before serving. Slice into thick rounds and plate beautifully with your favorite accompaniments.

Pro Tips for Making Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing

Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten and ensures a firm, chewy roulade texture.
Slow caramelize onions: Take your time with onions for maximum sweetness and depth in the stuffing.
Tight roll: Roll and seal the dough firmly to prevent stuffing from leaking out during steaming.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match.
Steaming temperature: Keep water at a gentle boil to avoid soggy texture caused by overzealous steaming.

How to Serve Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra sage leaves brightens the plate and adds a welcoming touch.

Side Dishes

This roulade pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes (plant-based), or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette made from grape juice (natural).

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the roulade thick and serve atop a swirl of apple cider vinegar (natural) gravy or drizzled with a rich roasted mushroom sauce for an elegant presentation at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover roulade tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful for quick meals.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooked roulade securely in freezer-safe wrap and place in a sealed bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat by steaming or pan-searing slices in olive oil until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free ingredients for this roulade?

Seitan relies on vital wheat gluten for its structure, so this recipe isn’t suitable for gluten-free diets; however, other plant-based roasts can be explored if gluten is a concern.

Is there a vegan alternative to smoked turkey bacon?

Yes! You can use smoked tempeh or plant-based smoked bacon alternatives that bring similar smoky and savory flavors.

How do I know when the roulade is fully cooked?

After steaming for 60-75 minutes, the roulade will be firm to the touch and should hold its shape without any doughy spots.

Can I prepare the stuffing a day ahead?

Absolutely! Preparing the stuffing in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully and reduces overall cooking time.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

While fresh sage is ideal, dried sage may be used in a pinch use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

This Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing is a warm, inviting dish that is sure to become a favorite for your festive tables or whenever you crave a flavorful plant-based centerpiece. With its rich stuffing and tender seitan, you’ll impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal that nourishes body and soul. Give this recipe a try and discover how delightful plant-based cooking can be!

Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing

Author: David
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Plant-Based

Print Recipe

Description

Seitan Roulade with Sage and Onion Stuffing is a plant-powered dish featuring tender seitan rolled around a savory stuffing of caramelized onions, fresh sage, and smoked turkey bacon. Bursting with rich aromas and a comforting texture, it makes an impressive centerpiece perfect for festive or cozy meals, customizable with herbs and vegetables to suit your taste.

Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onions and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and chopped smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the bacon is crisped. Remove from heat and mix in fresh sage leaves, plant-based bread crumbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside to cool.
Make the Seitan Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, salt, and natural gelling agent. In a separate container, combine vegetable broth (natural), olive oil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Pour the wet ingredients into the gluten mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes springy and elastic.
Roll Out and Stuff: On a lightly floured surface, roll the seitan dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 9 inches. Spread the cooled stuffing mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges firmly to completely enclose the filling.
Secure and Wrap: Wrap the roulade tightly in parchment paper or cheesecloth, twisting both ends to secure it firmly. Tie with kitchen twine if necessary to maintain the shape during cooking.
Steam the Roulade: Place the wrapped roulade in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 60 to 75 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The roulade should firm up and hold its shape well.
Finish and Slice: Let the roulade cool slightly before unwrapping. For a crispier exterior, pan-sear slices in olive oil before serving. Slice into thick rounds and serve beautifully with your choice of sides.

Notes

Knead thoroughly to develop gluten for a firm, chewy texture.
Caramelize onions slowly for maximum sweetness and depth in the stuffing.
Roll and seal dough tightly to prevent stuffing leakage during steaming.
Use fresh sage for vibrant flavor; dried sage can be substituted in smaller amounts.
Maintain a gentle boil while steaming to avoid sogginess.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Plant-Based