For a festive vegan feast, try this succulent homemade vegan turkey recipe. It’s a blend of savory herbs and rich, umami flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown skin.
All you need are simple, plant-based ingredients. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious, cruelty-free option. This dish will impress both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
WHY IT WORKS?
- Homemade seitan ensures a turkey meaty texture, satisfying even the staunchest critics.
- Nutritional yeast and soy sauce add depth, mimicking the umami of traditional turkey.
- A blend of herbs brings the classic holiday lot of flavors to your table.
- Baking in a seasoned broth keeps it moist, avoiding the dryness often found in plant-based alternatives.
- Perfect for all dietary preferences, ensuring a universal dining delight.
Embarking on the journey to create a homemade easy vegan turkey is an exciting venture for any home chef looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their holiday feasts.
This recipe is designed with simplicity and flavor in mind, utilizing ingredients that are both accessible and nutritious.
A combination of vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour forms the base, providing a texture remarkably similar to the traditional roast turkey.
At the same time, a carefully selected blend of herbs and spices ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Nutritional yeast and soy sauce are key to achieving the rich, umami taste that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re catering to vegans and vegetarians or simply trying to add more plant-based options to your table, this easy vegan roast turkey is a testament to how delicious and satisfying alternative holiday meals can be. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests with a thoughtful, inclusive, and delectable perfect centerpiece.
What Is Vegan Turkey?
Vegan turkey is a plant-based alternative to traditional turkey, designed to replicate the taste and texture of real turkey without using animal products.
It’s typically made from ingredients like vital wheat gluten, extra-firm tofu, or jackfruit, combined with various herbs and spices to mimic the savory flavors associated with holiday poultry.
Nutritional yeast and soy sauce are often added to enhance the umami depth. This alternative is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and those looking to reduce their meat consumption. It offers a compassionate and sustainable option for festive gatherings.
Quick Fact – Vital wheat gluten, the main ingredient in many vegan meats, is high in protein and essential for mimicking traditional turkey’s chewy, meat-like texture in vegan alternatives.
Recipe Directions
To Make The Turkey Rub
- In a small bowl, combine all the turkey rub ingredients. Set aside.
To Make The Turkey
- Preheat the oven to 170 °C (340 °F).
- Place all the turkey ingredients in a high-speed blender except for the vital wheat gluten, stuffing, and rice paper. Blend until completely smooth. If the mixture isn’t smooth, pass it through a fine mesh sieve to remove chunks.
- Return the blended mixture to the blender and add the vital wheat gluten. Blend until you have a rough dough, then stop the blender and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Blend again for around 2 minutes or until the seitan is stretchy and gummy.
- Remove the seitan from the blender and press into a rectangle on a clean surface. Add the vegan stuffing in a line down the center of the flattened seitan, and then roll it into a cylinder. Set aside.
- Fill a large bowl with water and dunk a sheet of rice paper a few times until lightly moistened. Lay the rice paper over the rolled seitan. Repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of rice paper until the seitan is completely covered.
- Carefully sprinkle the turkey rub over the surface and gently spread it across the entire surface with your fingers.
- Cut out a rectangle of baking parchment paper and a larger rectangle of muslin or cheesecloth. Wrap the seitan first in the baking parchment, then in the muslin or cheesecloth. Tie it with chef’s twine or natural string like a regular turkey roast.
- Place the vegan turkey roast in a large Dutch oven. Add all the roasting broth ingredients. Cover with a lid and roast for 45 minutes in the oven.
- Lift the lid and rotate the vegan turkey roast so the opposite side is submerged in the broth. Cover and roast for another 45 minutes.
- Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Carefully remove the vegan turkey roast, snip the twine, and unwrap the muslin. Return the vegan turkey to whatever broth remains in the Dutch oven. Baste the top of the seitan and place back in the oven for 20 minutes without the lid.
- Serve the vegan turkey roast sliced thinly with your favorite vegetables and gravy.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Glazes: Brush your vegan turkey with a glaze before the final roasting period. Maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar can create a caramelized, flavorful crust.
- Stuffing Variations: Experiment with different stuffing ingredients, such as wild rice, quinoa, cranberries, nuts, or mushrooms, to add unique flavors and textures.
- Spices and Herbs: Adjust the herb and spice mix for the rub or add new ones, such as cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika, for a different flavor profile.
Add-Ons
- Gravy: A rich, savory vegan gravy made from mushrooms, onions, and vegetable broth can beautifully complement the vegan turkey. You can also thicken it with flour or cornstarch and season it with soy sauce and black pepper.
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest and cinnamon adds a sweet and tangy element, cutting through the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Toppings
- Fried Onions: Add crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary before serving to add freshness and color.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top can offer an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Mushrooms: Great for umami flavor; portobellos can mimic meat.
- Cauliflower: Roasted or grated, it’s perfect for replacing chicken or making “rice.”
- Jackfruit: Its texture makes it ideal for “pulled pork” or “shredded chicken.”
- Eggplant: When cooked, it offers a meaty texture, suitable for “bacon” or “steak.”
- Lentils: A fantastic ground meat substitute in sauces or “meatloaves.”
- Chickpeas: For “tuna” salads or as a protein boost in dishes.
- Butternut Squash: It’s incredibly versatile and can be pureed for soups or cubed as a filling.
- Zucchini: Spiralized for “noodles” or sliced for lasagna layers.
- Sweet Potatoes: Use mashed for sweet dishes or cubed for hearty meals.
- Beets: Roasted or grated, they offer earthy flavors and meat-like textures.
Tip – Baste vegan turkey with olive oil, soy sauce, and poultry seasoning for a savory and flavorful finish.
Best Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes Creamy and rich, made with plant-based milk and butter, they’re a comforting classic.
- Vegan Gravy A savory mushroom or brown gravy thickened with flour or cornstarch seasoned with herbs.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Crispy and caramelized, with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with a crunchy pecan and maple syrup glaze for a sweet and savory side.
- Green Bean Almondine Tender green beans sautéed with slivered almonds and garlic for a crunchy, flavorful dish.
- Cranberry Sauce A tangy and sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Wild Rice Pilaf A hearty and nutty side mixed with dried cranberries and roasted nuts.
- Cornbread Stuffing Made with vegan cornbread, celery, onions, and sage, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Roasted Root Vegetables A colorful medley of carrots, parsnips, beets, and sweet potatoes, seasoned and roasted until tender.
- Kale Salad A fresh contrast to the meal, with pomegranate seeds, avocado, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
How To Serve?
- Holiday Feast Perfect Centerpiece: Serve vegan turkey as the star of your holiday table, surrounded by classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
- Sandwich Delight: Slice leftover vegan turkey thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, paired with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo.
- Protein-Packed Salads: Dice vegan turkey and add it to salads for a protein boost, along with mixed greens, vegetables, and your favorite dressing.
- Stir-Fry or Pasta: Incorporate diced vegan turkey into stir-fries or pasta dishes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Cold Cut Platter: For a party or gathering, arrange thinly sliced vegan turkey on a platter with other deli-style items like cheese, crackers, and pickles.
Quick Tip: Marinate vegan turkey in a blend of vegetable broth, garlic, and herbs overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Cool Quickly: Allow the vegan turkey to cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Once cooled, wrap the vegan turkey tightly in plastic or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use Within 3-5 Days: Vegan turkey stored in the refrigerator is best enjoyed within 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- Freeze for Longevity: To freeze, wrap the vegan turkey securely in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date, and use it within 3 months for optimal quality.
- Thaw Safely: If frozen, thaw your vegan turkey in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
- Reheat Thoroughly: When ready to eat, reheat the vegan turkey until it’s heated all the way through. If using an oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Microwaving in a covered dish with added moisture can also work well.
Fact – Vital wheat gluten, the key ingredient in vegan turkey, has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries as a meat substitute. It is known for its remarkable ability to mimic meaty textures
Time-Saving Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Many components of the vegan turkey, such as the dry rub or the stuffing, can be prepared ahead of time. Make these elements a day or two in advance to save time on the cooking day.
- Use a Food Processor: Blending ingredients like extra firm tofu, miso paste, and seasonings in a food processor can save time and ensure a smooth mixture.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making vegan turkey for multiple occasions, consider doubling the recipe and freezing one for later use. This approach saves time and effort for future meals.
- Pre-cut Vegetables: If your recipe includes vegetables, chop them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
- Simplify the Recipe: Consider simplifying the recipe by using fewer ingredients in the rub or stuffing, focusing on those that impart the most flavor.
- Use Pre-made Ingredients: For components like vegan stuffing or broth, high-quality pre-made versions can be used as a time-saving measure without greatly affecting the overall taste.
- Rice Paper Wraps: When covering the seitan mixture with rice paper, save time, ensuring each layer is perfect. The goal is coverage for moisture retention, not aesthetics, as the rub and gravy will cover it.
- Oven Time: Use oven time wisely when preparing side dishes or making a dessert. Efficient use of this time can help complete your meal preparation more quickly.
- Cleanup as You Go: To save time after cooking, clean utensils, large bowls, and the work area as you wait for the vegan turkey to blend, rest, or cook.
- Enlist Help: Cooking with family or friends makes the process faster and more enjoyable.
Vegan Turkey Recipe
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender or Food Processor
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Mixing large Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Kitchen Scale
- Silicone Spatula
- Rolling Pin
- Muslin Cloth or Cheesecloth
- Chef's Twine or Natural String
- Dutch Oven or Large Baking Dish
- Basting Brush
- Thermometer (Optional)
- Sharp serrated Knife
- Baking Parchment
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
For The Turkey Rub
- 1 tablespoon Flaky sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Soft brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon Dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon Dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Dried sage
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
For The Turkey
- Silken tofu 700 g
- 6 tablespoons Vegetable oil ( sunflower, rapeseed, canola)
- 2 teaspoons Flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons White miso paste
- 2 teaspoons Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar/white wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Vital wheat gluten 380 g
- Vegan stuffing (½ batch)
- 4 sheets Rice paper (for summer rolls)
For The Roasting Broth
- 3 Bay leaves
- 4 Sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 Sprigs of rosemary
- 1.5 litres Vegetable stock (boiling hot)
- 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons Light brown sugar
- 1 Head of garlic (sliced in half)
- 1 Onion (quartered)
- 1 Carrot (peeled and quartered)
- 2 Stalks of celery (quartered)
Instructions
To Make The Turkey Rub
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt, 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ tablespoon dried thyme, ½ tablespoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried sage, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Set aside.
To Make the Turkey
- Preheat Oven: Set to 170 °C (340 °F).
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine 700 g silken tofu, 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt, 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Blend until smooth. If not smooth, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Add Vital Wheat Gluten: Return mixture to a blender, and add 380 g vital wheat gluten. Blend to form a rough dough, rest for 10 minutes, then blend again until stretchy and gummy.
- Shape the Turkey: Remove the dough and flatten it into a rectangle on a clean surface. Place ½ batches of vegan stuffing down the center and roll it into a cylinder.
- Wrap in Rice Paper: Moisten 4 sheets of rice paper in water and wrap around the seitan roll.
- Apply Rub: Sprinkle prepared turkey rub over the surface and spread evenly with your fingers.
- Wrap for Roasting: Cut a rectangle of baking parchment and a larger one of muslin or cheesecloth. Wrap the seitan in parchment, then in muslin/cheesecloth. Tie with chef's twine.
- Roast with Broth: Place the wrapped seitan in a large Dutch oven. Add 3 bay leaves, 4 sprigs each of fresh thyme and rosemary, 1.5 liters vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 halved head of garlic, 1 quartered onion, 1 peeled and quartered carrot, 2 quartered stalks of celery. Cover and roast for 45 minutes.
- Rotate and Continue Roasting: Open the oven, rotate the roast for even cooking, cover, and roast for another 45 minutes.
- Final Roasting: Remove the roast from the oven, free it from its wrappings, and return it to the Dutch oven and broth. Baste the top, and roast uncovered for 20 minutes.Serve: Slice the vegan turkey thinly and serve with your favorite vegetables and gravy.
- Serve: Slice the vegan turkey thinly and serve with your favorite vegetables and gravy.
Notes
- Blender Efficiency: For smoother blending, cut extra firm tofu into smaller pieces.
- Sieve Use: Straining ensures a uniform texture, which is crucial for a seitan’s meat-like feel.
- Resting Dough: Allows gluten strands to relax, improving texture.
- Rice Paper Handling: Gently wet for flexibility; avoid oversoaking to prevent tearing.
- Herb Choices: Fresh herbs elevate flavor but increase moisture; adjust accordingly.
- Basting Importance: Keeps the roast moist during the final cooking phase.
- Serving Suggestion: Accompany with vegan gravy and cranberry sauce for traditional flair.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly; refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for a longer shelf life.
Nutrition Table
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make The Vegan Turkey Gluten-Free Alternative?
Traditional vegan turkey recipes rely heavily on vital wheat gluten for their meaty texture, making them inherently gluten-rich.
To create a gluten-free alternative version, you’d need to explore alternatives such as lentils, mushrooms, chickpeas, or jackfruit as the base.
However, achieving the same texture without gluten is challenging, and the result will be significantly different.
Use binders like oat flour or ground flaxseed mixed with water for cohesion. Remember that the end product will be more like a flavorful loaf than a replica of the turkey’s texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers, And How Long Will They Last?
Store leftovers by wrapping the vegan turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Properly stored, it can last for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Always reheat until hot throughout before serving.
Can I Prepare Vegan Turkey Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare vegan turkey in advance. You can either fully cook it and then reheat it on the day of serving or prepare the dough and stuffing beforehand, store them separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake on the day.
If you choose to cook it ahead, reheat it in the oven covered with foil at a moderate temperature until heated. This can help manage time, especially during busy holiday cooking.
What Are The Best Ways To Serve Vegan Turkey?
Vegan turkey can be served in much the same way as traditional turkey. Pair it with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, roasted vegetables, and stuffing.
For a unique twist, consider incorporating vegan versions of traditional sauces or creating new side dishes that complement the flavors of the vegan turkey. Slicing it thinly and serving it with a rich, flavorful gravy can enhance its appeal. It’s also great for sandwiches the next day!
How Can I Ensure Vegan Turkey Is Moist And Flavorful?
To ensure your vegan turkey remains moist and flavorful, consider the following tips:
- Use a rich, flavorful broth to blend the ingredients and roasting liquid. The broth infuses flavor as the seitan cooks.
- Wrap the vegan turkey in rice paper or baste it with oil before roasting to lock in moisture.
- To prevent drying out, cover it during the initial part of roasting and baste it periodically with the roasting broth.
- After roasting, letting it rest in the broth can also help absorb additional moisture and flavor.
- Experiment with marinades or glazes to add a layer of taste and keep the surface from drying.
