Grilled Seitan with Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Glaze
Prep
20 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
You've got to try this grilled seitan with caramelized onion and balsamic glaze. It's one of my go to weeknight dinners because the whole thing comes together in just about an hour, and honestly, most of that time is just letting the onions do their thing. Seitan is such a protein powerhouse, packed with amino acids and practically zero fat, so you're getting something really nourishing without feeling heavy. The sweet and tangy glaze with those deeply caramelized onions makes it feel fancy enough for company, but it's actually super simple to pull off. Trust me, once you make this, you'll be coming back to it again and again.
Ella x
Ingredients
- ½ kgseitan(cut into 4 steaks, about ¾ inch thick)
- 3 mediumyellow onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 3 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
- ¼ cupvegetable broth
- 2garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 sprigsfresh thyme
- 1 tablespoonmaple syrup
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Pat the seitan steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Tip: Drying the seitan helps it develop a better crust when grilling.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
Tip: Lower heat if onions are browning too quickly; the goal is slow caramelization for sweetness.
- 3
Once onions are caramelized, push them to the side of the skillet and add minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the balsamic vinegar, vegetable broth, and maple syrup.
Tip: The maple syrup balances the acidity of the vinegar beautifully.
- 4
Simmer the onion mixture for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy, then transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
Tip: Keep the onion glaze warm while you grill the seitan.
- 5
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seitan steaks in the pan and grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip too early; this creates attractive grill marks and prevents sticking.
- 6
Flip the seitan steaks and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until lightly charred and heated through.
Tip: Seitan is already cooked, so you're mainly adding flavor and crust here.
- 7
Transfer the grilled seitan to serving plates and top generously with the warm caramelized onion and balsamic glaze.
Tip: Any remaining glaze can be drizzled around the plate for extra flavor.
- 8
Serve immediately while the seitan is still warm and the onions are at their best. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
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