This quick and easy vegan turkey is melt in your mouth delicious! The texture and turkey flavor is spot on – meaty, juicy, tender shaved vegan turkey slices with addictively crispy pieces mixed in.
A sprinkle of sage and onion seasoning magically transforms the crispy tofu turkey slices and makes the whole house smell just like the holidays.
Over the years Ive made A LOT of plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian turkey products. There are some good ready-made options (like Gardein), and I made Miyokos whole unturkey which was very good. But every year I keep testing and tasting. Finally Im satisfied; and Im excited to share this easy, shaved vegan turkey recipe with you! Lets get into the details.
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. With the right preparation and seasoning, plain tofu can be made to taste remarkably similar to turkey. This allows vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to cut back on meat to still enjoy a holiday feast centerpiece.
Tofu has a mild flavor and meaty texture when cooked properly. By roasting seasoned and marinated tofu, you can achieve a savory, sliced turkey-like appearance and taste. With a few simple tips, your tofu turkey will fool even meat-lovers at the dinner table.
Select the Right Tofu
Choosing the correct tofu consistency is key for mimicking shredded or sliced turkey. Firm or extra firm provide the dense, chewy texture you need. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and won’t hold up to seasonings and roasting. Look for extra firm tofu packed in water for the best results.
Press Out Excess Moisture
Before marinating and cooking, excess water must be pressed out of the tofu. This helps it absorb flavors better and prevents crumbling when cooking. Slice the tofu, then wrap in clean towels and apply weight on top to press it Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, up to a couple hours The tofu will become firmer as moisture is extracted.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
A flavorful marinade is essential for infusing the tofu with seasoning Whisk together soy sauce, broth, garlic, onion, herbs, spices and oil to create a turkey-esque blend of flavors Poultry seasoning is ideal for replicating those classic notes.
Make sure to marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes, but longer time like overnight in the fridge is best to let the flavors seep in. Be sure to flip the tofu in the marinade a few times.
Roast for Crispy, Golden Texture
Roasting is key technique when aiming for shredded or sliced turkey texture. Baked at 400°F for 30-60 minutes, the tofu will become lightly crispy and golden brown on the outside while remaining moist on the inside.
You can roast it whole or slice the block of tofu before marinating and roasting for ready-to-serve slices. Baste the tofu with marinade halfway through roasting.
Create Juicy Layers by Stuffing
For an extra turkey-like flavor and appearance, you can stuff the tofu before roasting. Simply slice the block of pressed tofu horizontally, but leave one side still attached like a hinge.
Scoop out some of the inner tofu, then stuff the pocket with a mix of bread cubes, roasted veggies, broth and seasonings. Press the open side closed and seal the stuffing inside before roasting.
Finish with a Crispy Coating
To mimic the crispy skin on real turkey, a browned exterior coating can be applied to the tofu before roasting.
Dip the pressed and marinated tofu in flour, plant-based milk then breadcrumbs to adhere. Mist with oil and roast until the coating is crispy and brown. This adds crunch and visual appeal.
Make It Festive with Sides
No holiday meal is complete without classic sides and fixings. Serve sliced tofu turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce and gravy for a full festive feast.
Leftovers are great for sandwiches too. Sliced on bread with relish and vegan mayo, you’ll be enjoying tasty “turkey” sandwiches long after the holiday.
With the right preparation, tofu can absolutely be transformed into a savory plant-based entrée reminiscent of turkey for texture, taste and appearance. Follow these tips for a mouthwatering holiday centerpiece everyone at your table will enjoy.
Vegan Turkey Recipe Tips & FAQ
Heres a few tips for making the best moist, shaved tofu turkey:
- What kind of tofu should I use?: Buy extra firm/firm tofu* that is vacuum sealed (its in the refrigerated section at the grocery store). If your tofu is packaged in water, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and stack a couple cookbooks on top for just 10 or 15 minutes. This will firm up the tofu so its not too soft and holds its shape.
- Tofu slices: The tofu slices do not have to be even and perfect. The thinner slices will get a little crispy and the thicker ones will be juicy and tender. The combination of the two textures is what makes this shaved turkey special and irresistible.
- What pan should I use?: Use the largest skillet you have available or cook your shaved turkey in a couple batches so each slice gets some direct contact with the hot pan. The one I use is a 13″ non stick frying pan.
- Seasoning: The easiest way to distribute the seasoning is to sprinkle half the sage and onion seasoning over the tofu (and mushrooms), toss and stir. Then mix in the remaining seasoning. Some of the tofu slices may break up a bit and that is fine. Add more seasoning as youre cooking if you like a stronger poultry flavor or more salt (dont forget youll be adding mushroom gravy on top which is also savory and salty).
- Million Dollar Flavor Tip: Adding a flavorful vegan chicken broth while the turkey is cooking will: deglaze the pan (incorporating the food particles and flavor), add juiciness to the turkey and mushroom slices; and intensify the poultry flavor as the chicken broth reduces and concentrates.
Great for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, and vegan bowls, this tofu turkey keeps well in the fridge for at least a week. Store in a covered container.
What to Serve with Vegan Turkey
Shaved turkey is a delicious vegan main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinners. It pairs perfectly with all the classic side dishes like vegan turkey stuffing, cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, green bean casserole, and any of these:
Tofu Turkey Recipe • Tasty
FAQ
How do you make tofu taste like meat?
Does Tofu Turkey taste like turkey?
How to make tofu taste like anything?
What is the tastiest way to make tofu?