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Best Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This Best Vegan Turkey Roast is a perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece made with a hearty seitan base flavored with nutritional yeast, miso, and a blend of herbs and spices. Wrapped in rice paper for a crispy finish, this vegan roast offers a delightful texture and rich, savory taste without any animal products. Ideal for vegans and vegetarians seeking a festive and protein-packed alternative to traditional turkey.

Ingredients

Seitan Base

  • 1 (14 oz / 396 g) package firm tofu
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons water (plus more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable broth powder (vegetable instant stock mix powder, vegetable bouillon base, or 1 vegetable bouillon cube)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten

Finishing and Toppings

  • ¼ cup vegan butter (melted)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce or ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sheet rice paper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seitan Mixture: In a food processor, combine the tofu, nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of water, miso paste, onion powder, vegetable broth powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, and sage. Blend with the S-blade until the mixture is smooth. Add the vital wheat gluten, then pulse or blend briefly to mix until a dough ball forms. If the mixture is too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until a soft dough forms. Alternatively, if using no food processor, blend all but vital wheat gluten until smooth and mix gluten in by hand with a strong spoon or spatula until a ball forms, avoiding kneading.
  2. Shape and Wrap: Place the seitan dough ball on a sheet of aluminum foil. Shape it slightly oval or desired form. Wrap the dough securely in double layers of foil, ensuring a snug but not overly tight wrap.
  3. Steam the Seitan: Fill a large pot with several inches of water and insert a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, place the foil-wrapped seitan in the basket, cover, and steam for 1 hour. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Remove and allow to cool; refrigerate overnight if possible for improved texture.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking tray to prepare for roasting.
  5. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted vegan butter, minced garlic, soy sauce (or salt), dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir well to meld the flavors.
  6. Apply Rice Paper and Butter Mixture: Remove the foil from the cooled seitan roast and place it on the greased baking tray. Generously brush it with the garlic butter mixture. Soak the rice paper sheet underwater for about 30 seconds to soften, then place it over the roast, brushing more butter mixture on top to adhere. It’s normal for the rice paper to wrinkle; these bits will become extra crispy.
  7. Bake for Crispy Skin: Bake the roast for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Remove from oven, brush with remaining butter mixture, then return to bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the roast to cool for 10 minutes before slicing to let the skin crisp up further. When slicing, hold the skin in place as it can peel easily. Serve warm or enjoy leftovers cold for a delicious treat.

Notes

  • Do not knead the seitan dough as it can become tough and rubbery.
  • If the dough feels too dry, add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft consistency is achieved.
  • Steaming seitan thoroughly ensures the roast is firm and cooked through; you can’t oversteam it.
  • Refrigerating the steamed seitan overnight improves texture and firmness.
  • Rice paper creates a crispy, edible skin that enhances the roast’s texture.
  • Leftover roast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
  • Thaw frozen seitan in the refrigerator overnight before baking.