This vegan turkey is flavorful, moist, and tastes shockingly close to Tofurky. It’s also easily sliceable, so you can enjoy thick cuts of vegan turkey on your plate, turkey sandwiches, and more. Pop it in the oven for the ultimate meat-free Thanksgiving roast.
Add undrained white beans, water, tahini paste, onion powder, poultry seasoning, garlic, salt, and vegan bouillon cubes to a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to a medium bowl.
Add in vital wheat gluten and mix. This will start to resemble bread dough, so mixture will become THICK. Continue to knead the dough for 5 minutes.
Shape the dough ball into a log and transfer to a piece of tin foil. Wrap tightly.
Steam for 1 ½ hours using one of the two methods below.
Slice cooked turkey and serve immediately OR follow the instructions below for a roasted turkey.
Steaming Instructions:
Instant Pot (pressure cooker) method: Add 3 cups (709 ml) of water to the Instant Pot and add steamer rack. Place foil-wrapped vegan turkey on top of rack. Secure lid and check the vent cap. Turn Instant Pot onto high pressure, normal setting and steam for 1 ½ hours (you may have to set the timer twice– one for 60 minutes and then again for 30 minutes). Do a quick release on the vent cap after the time is up. Remove roast and unwrap carefully.
Stovetop. Using a large pot with a lid, add about 3 cups (709 ml) of water to the bottom of your pot. Place steamer rack inside pot and add the foil-wrapped vegan turkey. Bring the pot water to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium low and place lid on top. Steam for 1 ½ hours, adding more water if necessary. Once the time is up, remove roast carefully and unwrap.
Roasting Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350° F (176° C). Place pre-steamed vegan turkey on a non-stick baking tray (or in a greased roasting pan). To prevent sticking, you can always add a splash of water or broth in the bottom of the pan.
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and white wine. Spread baste over turkey with a basting brush.
Pop in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the outside of the vegan turkey is nice and browned and center is heated. NOTE: if baking your turkey directly after steaming, you'll only need to bake for 15 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve!
Notes
If you are having a large party, Ihighly suggest making two roasts!! I can fit two snuggly in my Instant Pot without a problem.
If you can't find vegan chicken bouillon cubes, vegetable bouillon works here too.
Storage tips for leftovers:
Refrigerator: Keep steamed turkey roast in the fridge for 1-2 days before roasting. Sliced vegan turkey will last up to 7 days in an air-tight container.
Freezer: You can store an unsliced roast in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or tin foil. To defrost, place in fridge overnight.
For reheating:
This vegan turkey is delicious as cold deli meat, but for hot slices cook in a non-stick skillet on medium heat, for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Or bake slices in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth or water. Bake at 350° F (176° C) for 10-12 minutes.
For a whole roast, follow the oven instructions above.