The Ultimate Homemade Vegan Turkey Roast: A Flavorful Plant-Based Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table
Making a delicious and impressive main course for holiday gatherings can be a delightful challenge, especially when catering to plant-based diets. Traditional holiday feasts often revolve around meat, leaving vegan guests with limited options. However, this homemade vegan turkey roast changes everything. It’s the perfect plant-based entrée that wonderfully replicates the savory flavors and satisfying texture of a traditional roasted turkey, complete with a mouth-watering smoky brown sugar butter glaze. This recipe ensures that everyone at your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion table can enjoy a truly festive and hearty centerpiece.
For too long, holiday foods have been synonymous with non-vegan ingredients, which can be a real disappointment for those following a plant-based lifestyle. But fear not! This incredible vegan turkey roast offers a delicious and exciting solution. Crafted from a wholesome base of white beans and vital wheat gluten (also known as seitan), this plant-based loaf boasts a remarkable texture and a deeply satisfying flavor profile that closely mimics traditional roasted turkey. It’s an ideal main course to anchor your holiday spread, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any significant celebration where good food brings people together.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe
Beyond its impressive ability to stand in for traditional turkey, there are numerous reasons why this homemade vegan turkey will become a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire:
- Made with Wholesome, Natural Ingredients. Are you weary of highly processed vegan “meat” substitutes that often contain a long list of unfamiliar ingredients? We understand completely! This vegan turkey roast recipe prides itself on using only natural, whole food ingredients. This commitment to fresh, simple components makes it a far superior and healthier alternative to many store-bought vegan turkeys, allowing you to control exactly what goes into your meal and avoid unwanted additives or preservatives.
- It Commands Attention on the Plate. Just take a moment to admire this roast! Unlike some faux turkey options that can appear less appealing, slices of this homemade vegan turkey are incredibly appetizing. Its golden-brown exterior, moist interior, and visible stuffing create a visual feast that’s sure to impress. Don’t be surprised if even the meat-eaters at your table are curious enough to try a slice—and often come back for more! It truly elevates your holiday table, making a statement of delicious inclusivity.
- Remarkably Affordable. Preparing this vegan turkey roast at home is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made vegan turkey substitutes from the grocery store. The ingredients are readily available and budget-friendly, allowing you to create a magnificent holiday dish without breaking the bank. What’s more, once you invest in vital wheat gluten, you’ll discover its versatility; it’s a fantastic base for creating other delicious plant-based “meats” like vegan chicken, offering even greater value!
What Do Vegans Enjoy on Thanksgiving?
If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and have vegan guests, you might find yourself wondering what to serve them beyond the usual side dishes. While it’s true that most vegans are adept at creating a fulfilling meal from an array of plant-based side dishes—and there are certainly plenty of delicious options—a truly thoughtful host will consider a dedicated main course. A vegan main dish like this turkey roast can transform a meal from “making do” to a truly celebrated feast, making your vegan guests feel completely included and catered to.
Instead of solely focusing on a turkey replacement, a great starting point is to ensure your side dishes are naturally vegan-friendly. This means preparing them without dairy, eggs, butter, or turkey drippings. Simple swaps like using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, plant-based butter, and dairy-free milk can easily make classics like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing accessible to everyone. If all your side dishes are vegan, your guests will have abundant choices. However, for a genuinely special touch, especially if you have multiple vegan guests, this impressive vegan turkey roast will undoubtedly be cherished and appreciated, offering a centerpiece that rivals its traditional counterpart.
Of course, the best approach is always to communicate directly with your guests. A quick chat about their expectations and how you can best accommodate their dietary needs will ensure everyone feels comfortable and excited about the holiday meal.
Crafting the Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Feast
Dreaming of a completely vegan Thanksgiving menu that delights every palate? In that case, I wholeheartedly recommend featuring a show-stopping main dish like this magnificent vegan turkey roast. Alternatively, you might consider other equally impressive options such as a hearty vegan meatloaf or comforting plant-based pot pies. Alongside your spectacular main, serve up plant-based versions of all your cherished holiday sides. Here are some delectable suggestions:
- Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes. No Thanksgiving table is complete without a generous serving of fluffy mashed potatoes! Our classic vegan mashed potatoes are rich and smooth. For an elevated twist, try my Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions, offering an explosion of flavor. And whatever you do, don’t forget the luscious vegan gravy to drizzle generously over everything!
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce. While canned cranberry sauce is often accidentally vegan, there’s an undeniable magic and freshness that comes from making it from scratch. The vibrant flavor and texture of homemade sauce will truly stand out.
- Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts. These roasted Brussels sprouts are transformed into a culinary delight with the addition of sweet maple syrup, often complemented by apples and pecans for added texture and flavor. They offer a perfect balance to the rich holiday meal.
- Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole. This beloved classic side features a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling crowned with an irresistibly crunchy maple pecan topping. It’s pure comfort in a dish. For something a little different, explore my airy Sweet Potato Soufflé.
- Classic Cornbread Stuffing. A true Southern classic, this cornbread stuffing is made completely vegan, offering all the comforting flavors and textures you expect from this holiday staple.
- Elegant Hasselback Butternut Squash. For a side that’s both stunning and delicious, serve this impressive hasselback butternut squash with a maple pecan drizzle at your vegan Thanksgiving celebration. Its presentation alone will wow your guests.
- Hearty Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Creamy, savory, and always a welcome, comforting addition to any Thanksgiving table. This plant-based version captures all the classic flavors without any dairy.
And let’s not forget the grand finale – dessert! Ensure your meal ends on a deliciously sweet note with a decadent vegan pumpkin pie, a warm and comforting apple crisp, or a rich vegan pecan pie.
(Discover even more incredible vegan Thanksgiving recipes to complete your feast here.)
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Turkey Roast
For precise ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions, please scroll down to the full recipe card.
- White beans – Such as cannellini beans. These provide a creamy base, add protein, and contribute to the moist texture of the roast. Using undrained beans adds moisture and flavor.
- Vegetable bouillon or water – Essential liquid to help blend the ingredients and infuse savory notes into the roast.
- Nutritional yeast – This powerhouse ingredient imparts a distinct savory, cheesy, and umami flavor that is crucial for a meaty taste in vegan dishes.
- Garlic powder – A key aromatic that adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- White miso paste – Adds a wonderful layer of complex umami and a subtle fermented richness, enhancing the savory qualities of our vegan turkey.
- Fresh rosemary and sage – These classic herbs are traditionally associated with poultry and are absolutely vital for replicating that authentic “turkey” aroma and taste.
- Salt – A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the roast.
- Vegan chicken bouillon cube – This ingredient is a game-changer for imparting a pronounced savory, poultry-like flavor. If a vegan chicken bouillon cube is unavailable, vegetable bouillon can be used as a suitable alternative.
- Vital wheat gluten flour – This is the star ingredient for achieving the desired chewy, fibrous, and meat-like texture of the roast.
- Vegan stuffing – We recommend using a flavorful vegan stuffing recipe. It doesn’t need to be baked beforehand; it will cook perfectly within the roast, providing a delicious moist center.
- Poultry seasoning – A pre-mixed blend of herbs and spices specifically designed to mimic traditional poultry flavors, significantly contributing to the “turkey” essence of this roast.
Crafting the Perfect Glaze:
- Vegan butter – Whether store-bought or homemade vegan butter, this provides richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Soy sauce – Also works with tamari or liquid aminos. It adds umami, saltiness, and contributes to the glaze’s dark, caramelized color.
- Brown sugar – Provides essential sweetness, helps with caramelization, and gives the glaze its characteristic glossy finish.
- Smoked paprika – A crucial ingredient for adding a deep, smoky undertone that elevates the “roasted” flavor profile of the vegan turkey.
Understanding Vital Wheat Gluten Flour
One of the most crucial and transformative ingredients in this plant-based turkey roast is vital wheat gluten flour. But what exactly is it? Simply put, vital wheat gluten flour is the isolated protein extracted from wheat. It is essentially concentrated gluten, which is the natural protein found in wheat that gives dough its elasticity and chewiness.
When used in bread recipes, adding vital wheat gluten significantly enhances the chewiness and structure of the loaf. In the realm of plant-based cooking, it is the primary component in seitan, a popular meat substitute. Its unique properties allow it to bind other ingredients together and, when cooked, create a remarkably dense, chewy, and fibrous texture that closely mimics animal protein. This makes it an indispensable ingredient for crafting convincing vegan “meats” like this turkey roast, providing the firm yet tender mouthfeel that is central to the recipe’s success.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey recipe is wonderfully suited for advance preparation, making your holiday cooking less stressful. After the initial steaming, you can refrigerate the turkey until you’re ready to apply the glaze and bake it to perfection on Thanksgiving Day.
- Combine the Beans and Seasonings. Begin by placing the white beans, vegetable bouillon or water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, white miso paste, fresh rosemary, fresh sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon (or additional vegetable bouillon) into the bowl of a food processor. Process these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This ensures all the flavors are fully incorporated into the base.
- Finish the Vegan Turkey Mixture. Once the bean and seasoning mixture is smooth, add the vital wheat gluten flour to the food processor. Pulse the mixture just until it is combined and a cohesive dough forms. This usually takes about one minute. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as excessive processing can over-develop the gluten, leading to a tough texture.
- Shape the Dough. Turn the newly formed dough out onto a clean work surface. First, shape it into a long roll, approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. Then, fold this roll in half and gently twist it, much like twisting a rope. Finally, stretch and flatten the twisted dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for about 1 inch in thickness. This process helps create the desired texture and structure for the roast.
- Add the Stuffing. Take your vegan stuffing and form it into a log shape. Carefully press this stuffing log into the center of your rectangular dough. The stuffing will be the delicious core of your roast.
- Form the Turkey Roast. Gently fold the dough over the stuffing, ensuring the stuffing is completely enclosed. Carefully seal the edges of the dough to form a neat, elongated turkey roast shape. This will keep the stuffing securely inside during cooking.
- Season and Steam. Evenly rub the entire surface of your shaped roast with a tablespoon of poultry seasoning, ensuring a rich flavor penetrates the exterior. Next, carefully wrap the roast tightly with aluminum foil, folding the sides inwards towards the bottom. Secure it further with kitchen twine to maintain its shape during steaming. Steam the wrapped roast for 45 minutes. If you don’t own an electric steamer, you can improvise: fill a medium pot with about 3 inches of water, place a steamer basket (or a circular wire rack) into the pot, cover it, and bring the water to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, then carefully place your wrapped turkey into the basket. Steam for the full 45 minutes, adding more water if it evaporates before the cooking time is complete.
- Prepare the Glaze. While your roast is steaming, combine all the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl. Stir them well and let the mixture sit. This allows the brown sugar to fully dissolve, ensuring a smooth and even glaze for later application.
- Glaze the Vegan Turkey. After steaming, allow the turkey to cool slightly before unwrapping it from the foil. Transfer the roast to a baking pan. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the roast with half of the prepared glaze. While doing this, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200℃).
- Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking pan with the glazed vegan turkey into the preheated oven. Bake for a total of 20 minutes. For an even more beautiful, lacquered finish and intensified flavor, remember to brush the roast with additional glaze at the 10-minute and 15-minute marks during baking. Once baked, the turkey will have a gorgeous golden-brown, caramelized crust. It’s then ready to be sliced and served, ideally alongside your favorite vegan gravy and roasted vegetables.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Vegan Turkey Roast
To ensure your homemade vegan turkey roast turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured every time, keep these additional pointers in mind:
- Ensure All Ingredients Are Thoroughly Combined. When processing the beans and seasonings, it’s crucial to achieve a perfectly smooth and homogenous mixture. Any unblended chunks or uneven distribution of spices will lead to an inconsistent texture and flavor pockets in your final roast. Take your time with this step, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed until the paste is utterly uniform.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough with Vital Wheat Gluten. This is a critical step for achieving the right texture. Once you add the vital wheat gluten flour to the food processor, only pulse it until the dough just comes together and forms a cohesive ball, typically about a minute. Overmixing will cause the gluten to become overly developed, resulting in a tough, rubbery, and overly dense texture rather than the desired tender, meaty chew. Pulsing briefly is key to a perfectly tender roast.
- Opt for an Unstuffed Roast if Desired. While the stuffing adds a wonderful element, this vegan turkey is equally delicious without it. If you prefer to make an unstuffed version, simply shape the dough into a solid roll without incorporating any filling. You can then enhance its flavor by adding extra herbs or spices directly into the dough mixture. This offers flexibility based on your preference or time constraints.
- Slice with Care – Don’t Cut It Too Thin. To ensure your beautiful vegan turkey slices hold together, especially if it’s stuffed, avoid slicing it too thinly. Aim for slices that are about ¾-inch thick, or even slightly thicker. Thinner slices may cause the stuffing to crumble out and the roast to lose its structural integrity, detracting from its impressive presentation.
Storing Your Vegan Turkey Roast
Leftover plant-based turkey is a delicious treat! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the holiday week. You can savor it cold, or for a warm meal, simply reheat it in your microwave until warmed through, or place it in a 350ºF (175℃) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated completely.
Can I Freeze This Recipe? Absolutely!
Yes, this vegan turkey recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time, especially during busy holiday seasons. You can freeze the cooked and cooled vegan turkey roast for up to 4 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the frozen roast overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it according to the instructions provided above. This allows you to have a delicious plant-based centerpiece ready whenever a special occasion calls!
Discover More Homemade Vegan Substitutes
If you love making your own plant-based alternatives, explore these other fantastic homemade vegan recipes that can elevate your cooking:
- Homemade Oat Milk Creamer
- Vegan Marshmallows
- How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- Vegan Sour Cream (Creamy & Tangy)
- Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute
Enjoy, friends! If you create this amazing vegan turkey recipe, please remember to snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love for you to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Your feedback truly means a lot! Thanks so much!
Vegan Turkey
6
servings
10 minutes
1 hour
5 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
1 15
ounce
can white beans,
undrained (425g), I recommend salt free -
¼
cup
vegetable bouillon (broth) or water,
55g -
2
tablespoons
nutritional yeast -
2
teaspoons
garlic powder -
1
tablespoon
white miso paste -
1
teaspoon
chopped fresh rosemary -
1
teaspoon
chopped fresh sage -
½
teaspoon
salt -
Vegan chicken bouillon cube,
low sodium if you need it to be -
1 ½
cup
+ 2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten flour,
240g -
2
packed cups vegan stuffing,
you don’t need to bake this first -
1
tablespoon
poultry seasoning
For the glaze:
-
3
tablespoons
vegan butter,
melted -
2
tablespoons
soy sauce -
1
tablespoon
brown sugar -
½
teaspoon
smoked paprika
Instructions
- Place white beans, vegetable bouillon (broth), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, chopped rosemary and sage, salt and vegan chicken bouillon cube to the bowl of the food processor.
- Process for about one minute until smooth.
- Add vital wheat gluten flour and pulse until combined, this will take about 1 minute.
- Invert the dough onto a table or working board and shape into a long roll about 1 ½ inch diameter. Fold the roll in two and twist like a rope.
- Now stretch the dough into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick.
- Shape the stuffing into a roll in the middle of the dough rectangle.
- Fold and close the dough, forming your turkey roast.
- Now evenly rub the roast with 1 tbsp of poultry seasoning.
- Wrap with aluminum foil, fold the sides inward toward the bottom and secure it with a rope.
- Steam for 45 minutes. If you don’t have an electric steamer: Fill a medium pot with 3 inches of water. Place a steamer basket into the pot, cover, and bring water to a simmer over high heat. Turn the heat to low and place your wrapped turkey to the basket. Steam for 45 minutes. If all of the water evaporates before the cooking ends add one more cup. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place like a circular wire rack in the pot and place it on top of it.
- Combine all ingredients for the glaze, stir and let it sit while the roast is steaming to let the sugar dissolve.
- After 45 minutes let the turkey cool down slightly, remove foil and transfer to a baking pan. Brush with half of the glaze.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/200℃ and bake for 20 minutes, removing after 10 and 15 minutes to add another layer of glaze.
- It’s ready to slice and enjoy with gravy or veggies on the side.
- You can also shape it into a roll without stuffing, steaming and glazing with the same instructions
Notes
The recipe includes the calories and carbs for the stuffing (a standard stuffing recipe). Without it it is 27g carbs and 299 calories per serving, roughly.
To freeze: This vegan turkey recipe will last in the freezer for up to 4 months. Store it in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating according to the instructions above.
Calories:
389
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
40
g
,
Protein:
33
g
,
Fat:
11
g
,
Saturated Fat:
3
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
4
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.03
g
,
Sodium:
1052
mg
,
Potassium:
518
mg
,
Fiber:
7
g
,
Sugar:
4
g
,
Vitamin A:
599
IU
,
Vitamin C:
0.1
mg
,
Calcium:
134
mg
,
Iron:
5
mg
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
American
Dinner, Main Course
Jessica Hylton