The best vegan turkey roast is finally here. This seitan tofu roast tastes just like turkey, with crispy skin and all! This vegan turkey makes the perfect centerpiece for a delicious holiday meal. Its surprisingly easy to make, and most of it can be made ahead of time, so its a great stress-free option. Learn how to make this amazing roasted vegan turkey for Thanksgiving or the holidays with step-by-step photos and instructions. You and your family will be AMAZED at how delicious this is!
Ooooeeee! Im so excited to finally share this recipe with you!! This recipe took me years of recipe testing until I got it juuuussst right. Its super meaty, tender, juicy, rich yet mild flavor, and with buttery garlic crispy skin!! talk about amazing. Not only does this taste amazing, but it is high in protein with about 39g per serving, so my fitness friends will be excited about that too.
This vegan turkey is delicious straight from the oven drizzled with vegan gravy (yum)! But the leftovers are also amazing for making epic sandwiches or using in soups, salads, or anywhere you enjoy a little extra deliciousness.
This roast makes enough for 4 – 6 people (depending on how many sides you are serving), but you can feel free to make extra roasts if you have a larger family so that there is plenty for everyone. The roast does need to be steamed so I recommend keeping the roast size as is so that it can fit into your steamer basket
With the holiday season approaching many vegans and vegetarians wonder if there are good alternatives to serving a traditional turkey as the centerpiece of the festive meal. The good news is that there are now more high-quality vegan turkey options available than ever before.
Why Avoid Turkey?
There are a few good reasons why vegans and vegetarians may want to skip the turkey
-
Animal welfare – Most turkeys are raised in crowded, stressful factory farm conditions. Choosing a plant-based main dish avoids supporting this industry.
-
Health – Studies show that consuming red and white meat raises cholesterol levels similarly. Plant proteins are healthier for blood cholesterol levels.
-
Sustainability – Animal agriculture is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of land, water and feed. It’s also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing vegan protein options is much better for the environment.
-
Food safety – Turkeys are commonly contaminated with dangerous pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. Going meat-free significantly reduces this risk.
Store-Bought Vegan Turkey Roasts
If you don’t have time to cook, there are plenty of convenient vegan turkey roasts you can buy:
-
Tofurky Roast – The original vegan holiday roast, stuffed with wild rice and vegetables. A tried-and-true classic.
-
Field Roast Celebration Roast – Made of wheat protein with stuffing and mushroom gravy. Crispy outer layer.
-
Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk’y – Wild rice and cranberry stuffed roasts topped with gravy. Quick to heat.
-
Trader Joe’s Turkey-Less Roast – Budget-friendly option with wild rice, veggies and gravy.
-
Quorn Roast – Made from mycoprotein with potato and apple stuffing. Sold in UK/Europe.
These store-bought roasts simply need to be heated and they provide the look and flavors of a traditional turkey meal, but without the meat.
Make Your Own Vegan Turkey
If you enjoy cooking, making your own vegan turkey roast can be rewarding and impressive. Here are some great plant-based recipes to try:
-
Seitan roast – Seitan has a meaty texture and absorbs flavors well. It can be shaped into a roast and stuffed.
-
Mushroom Wellington – Sliced mushrooms layered in puff pastry create an elegant roast.
-
Lentil roast – Protein-rich lentils hold together well baked into a loaf. Add veggies for texture.
-
Nut roast – A blend of nuts, vegetables and herbs makes for a nutritious, savory roast.
-
Chickpea roast – Chickpeas can be seasoned and baked into a tender, delicious roast.
With the right recipe, you can create a vegan turkey with your own spin on flavors and ingredients. Making it yourself also allows you to control ingredients and avoid additives.
Vegan Turkey Alternatives
If roasts aren’t your thing, you have plenty of other options to choose from:
- Veggie or seitan pot pie
- Plant-based lasagna or enchiladas
- Portobello Wellington
- Stuffed squash or eggplant
- Veggie burgers or fritters
- Hearty vegetable stew or soup
- Buddha bowl bar with savory plant proteins
The holidays are a perfect time to break free of traditions and try creative, new plant-based mains. There are so many diverse, mouthwatering vegan recipes to explore.
Make the Holidays Your Own
When it comes to plant-based eating, your options are greater than ever. So if you want to avoid turkey this holiday season, you can still enjoy a hearty, satisfying main course with family and friends.
With a wide selection of store-bought or homemade roasts, as well as creative vegan entrees, you can serve an unforgettable plant-based meal. The holidays are about spending time with your loved ones, not conforming to expectations. Make this season your own with a delicious vegan turkey alternative.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1_gardein_holiday_roast-lanczos3-56a9bf725f9b58b7d0fea06b.jpg)
How to make The Best Vegan Turkey Roast:
Food processor method: Add the tofu, nutritional yeast, water, miso paste, onion powder, vegetable broth powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, and sage to your food processor.
Using the S-blade, blend until smooth. Add the vital wheat gluten and then blend the mixture until it is mixed well and forms a ball in the food processor. This should happen pretty quickly, but if it doesnt just ensure the ingredients are mixed well, and then you can form the dough into a ball by hand. *Do not knead the dough, kneading it will just make it tough and rubbery. Note: some people reported that their dough was too dry, so if needed, add more water 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you make a soft smooth dough.
By hand method: Alternatively, if you do not have a food processor you can mix it by hand. Use a blender or immersion blender to blend together everything but the vital wheat gluten together until smooth. Now in a large bowl, use a strong spatula or wooden spoon to mix in the vital wheat gluten, mixing well, until a ball forms (you may need to use your hands as well). *Do not knead the dough, kneading it will just make it tough and rubbery. Note: some people reported that their dough was too dry, so if needed, add more water 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you make a soft smooth dough.
Now to shape your vegan turkey roast. Place your ball of seitan on a sheet of aluminum foil. You can pat the ball into the shape you desire. I like a slightly oval shape. It doesnt have to be perfect, it will look great even if its a messy ball.
Wrap the foil around the ball securely but not too tightly. I like to do a double layer of foil to ensure it is wrapped well.
Add several inches of water to a large pot with a steamer basket and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the foil-wrapped seitan to the steamer basket and steam for 1 hour. The seitan will puff up in the foil and become tight. Once steamed, remove and allow to cool. For the best texture let the seitan cool overnight in the fridge. The roast will shrink and tighten when cooled. You can store the seitan covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later.
For the crispy skin and to finish the roast: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a baking tray. In a small bowl mix together the melted butter, garlic, soy sauce or salt, thyme, and black pepper. Remove the foil from the cooled seitan and place it in the baking tray. Brush generously with the butter garlic mix.
Run the rice paper underwater and allow it to sit on a clean surface for about 30 seconds until it begins to soften.
Place the rice paper over the roast, (its ok if its still a bit stiff). Brush the butter garlic mixture over the rice paper to stick it to the roast. The rice paper will continue to soften with the added moisture. Make sure its covering the roast and stuck down. (Its ok if there are wrinkles and air bubbles, those will be extra crispy bits).
Doesnt this vegan turkey look so meaty!? Bake the roast for 15 minutes. Brush with the remaining butter garlic mixture, then return to the oven and continue to bake for another 15 – 25 minutes until the outside is golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. The skin will get crispier as it cools. The skin peels off easily so hold it in place while slicing the roast. Enjoy hot or leftovers are fabulous cold as well.
What is a vegan turkey made of? What ingredients are needed?
- Firm tofu– Using firm tofu in the vegan turkey adds texture and moisture to the vegan turkey. Make sure you use firm tofu (and not medium or extra-firm tofu). Firm tofu will get you the best results. There is no need to press the tofu before using, just drain, break into chunks, and add it to the food processor.
- Vital Wheat Gluten: (also called gluten flour). This is wheat protein. You can buy it in health food stores or online on amazon. This high protein flour is what gives this roast its meaty texture and it is essential for this recipe. Unfortunately, there is no gluten-free option.
- Nutritional yeast: adds a rich nuttiness to the roast.
- White miso paste: adds umami to the roast. White miso paste is actually brown in color so dont be confused by that, but ensure you get the kind that is specifically called “white miso paste” or “white type” for the best color and taste.
- Vegetable broth powder: this is my hack for adding a ton of rich flavor instantly. You can buy any brand, I used this one, or you can buy vegetable broth cubes.
- Other spices and seasonings: for the turkey flavor I also add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, and sage in the roast, and vegan butter, garlic, soy sauce, thyme, and black pepper to season the skin.
- Rice Paper: The same kind of rice paper sheets you use to make summer rolls, this is how I make the crispy skin on the vegan turkey. It is optional but I highly recommend it. Slather the rice paper in the butter garlic mixture, and it will roast up and become golden brown, crispy, and super tasty!
The ULTIMATE Vegan Turkey Taste Test & Review (15!!!)
FAQ
What is vegan turkey made of?
What is the vegan equivalent to turkey?
Can you eat turkey as a vegan?
Can you eat a vegan Turkey?
Thanksgiving might bring to mind whole turkeys doused in thick gravy, plated over buttery potatoes with all the fixins. But you can have just as much deliciousness with vegan alternatives—even vegan turkey—it’s just about knowing what goes into the best options. Every year, more people are incorporating plant-based foods into their diets.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Where can I buy vegan Turkey?
Most supermarkets have vegan turkey options in their frozen section and there are many online retailers that sell the products as well. If you can’t find a vegan turkey product, there are ways to create a similar meal at home.
Does vegetarian plus make a vegan whole turkey?
But, although I’ve never seen it, I’ve heard Vegetarian Plus makes a Vegan Whole Turkey as well. I loved two things about this roast. First: the cranberry glaze that comes with it. It’s a nice change from including a gravy, like all the other vegan roasts. Second: the texture.