Pin it A German-inspired take on traditional rouladen, featuring a cost-effective beef substitute, tangy pickles, and savory mustard, all air-fried for a lighter twist on a hearty classic.
This recipe brings the flavors of traditional German rouladen with a healthier approach that my family really enjoys for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Beef Substitute: 500 g seitan or soy-based steak strips, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt
- Filling: 4 tbsp German mustard (or Dijon), 4 medium dill pickles sliced into strips, 1 medium red onion finely sliced, 4 slices smoked deli ham (or plant-based ham for vegetarian option), 4 slices bacon (or plant-based bacon for vegetarian option)
- Assembly & Cooking: 1 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing, kitchen twine or toothpicks
- Optional Gravy: 1 tbsp flour, 200 ml low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan if needed), salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Beef Substitute:
- In a bowl, toss the seitan or soy-based steak strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Rolls:
- Lay each beef strip flat. Spread with 1 tbsp mustard, then top with a slice each of ham and bacon. Add pickle and onion strips along one edge.
- Roll And Secure:
- Roll up tightly from the pickle end. Secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Brush Rolls:
- Lightly brush each roll with vegetable oil.
- Cook:
- Place rouladen rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, turn, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.
- Prepare Optional Gravy:
- In a small saucepan, whisk flour with a splash of broth to form a paste. Slowly add remaining broth, whisking constantly. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
- Serve:
- Remove twine or toothpicks from rouladen. Serve hot, with or without gravy.
Pin it Making this dish always brings my family together around the table sharing stories and savoring every bite.
Required Tools
Air fryer mixing bowl knife and cutting board kitchen twine or toothpicks saucepan for gravy optional
Allergen Information
Contains gluten in seitan and possibly soy-based substitutes soy if using soy protein and mustard. May contain sulfites in Worcestershire sauce if used. Check all processed meats or substitutes for additional allergens. Always verify labels for dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without gravy Calories 290 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 26 g
Pin it Enjoy your air fryer rouladen with a side of comfort and tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is a good beef substitute for rouladen?
Seitan or soy-based steak strips work well, providing a hearty texture that absorbs flavors effectively.
- → How do you keep the rolls from unwrapping during cooking?
Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to securely fasten the rouladen rolls before air frying.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute plant-based deli ham and bacon to maintain texture and flavor without meat.
- → What temperature is best for air frying rouladen?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook rolls until golden and crisp, about 18-20 minutes total.
- → Is there a suggested side dish to pair with rouladen?
Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, or spaetzle complement the dish beautifully.
- → What spices enhance the flavor?
Smoked paprika, mustard, and a touch of black pepper give depth and a slight smoky tang.