Vegan Seitan Turkey Deli Meat is a savory, protein-packed homemade alternative to cold cuts - made with vital wheat gluten. Slice it thin for sandwiches, wraps, or snack boards.
I tried seitan for the first time a few years ago and I've never looked back! I love how versatile it is in creating plant-based meats. I've created a whole collection - chicken, finely shredded chicken, steak, ground beef crumbles, and even ribs.
But what I really love is the protein - my seitan recipes have just as much if not more protein than their meat counterparts. So I can eat vegan versions of my favorite foods, without compromising on nutrition.
When I decided to make a vegan club sandwich recipe, I knew I needed a turkey substitute to add to my collection, so this vegan turkey deli meat was born.
Jump to:
What is seitan?
Seitan is a meat substitute made from vital wheat gluten. Various seitan recipes can be made from vital wheat gluten by varying the spices and cooking method.
Vital wheat gluten basically a flour like substance that is primarily protein. This is what makes the turkey so high in protein!
Why You'll Love This Vegan Seitan Turkey Deli Meat
- Dietary needs - this seitan turkey is vegan/plant-based, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar-free
- Real foods - no fake meat here! This turkey is made from entirely whole foods!
- Savory turkey-like flavor - often we associate herbs like sage and thyme with the taste of turkey, so we can mimic the taste of turkey with a few key spices
- Classic with a twist - A deli favorite made entirely plant-based
- LOADED with protein - seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, which has a very high percentage of protein! So this seitan deli turkey has just as much (or even more) protein than poultry
- Great vegan option for sandwiches - throw this turkey on your favorite sandwich
- Meal prep friendly - Keeps well in the fridge or freezer
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Vital Wheat Gluten: the ingredient that packs all the protein! Vital wheat gluten is available in the baking aisle near other types of flour.
- Nutritional Yeast: nutritional yeast is a spice that has a cheesy flavor. The turkey doesn't taste cheesy but the nutritional yeast helps create a deeper flavor
- Spices: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sage
- Umami Seasoning: similar to how I added some steak seasoning to my seitan beef recipe, I found that umami seasoning helped to creaty that savory flavor we think of with turkey. Feel free to use any umami seasoning, mushroom powder, or omit it
- Water
- Miso: in all of my other seitan recipes I use soy sauce for saltiness, but to provide a more neutral flavor I opted for white miso. If you don't have white miso, feel free to sub in soy sauce (quantity listed in the recipe card)
- Ketchup: look for a no-added sugar ketchup
- Liquid Smoke: this is my secret ingredient in many meat recipes that I turn vegan. Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor and helps deepen the overall flavor of the chicken. Find liquid smoke in the grocery store near the condiments
Pro Tip: use the weight measurements for vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast - this will create the best texture
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. In a medium bowl mix the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined, then use your hands to give a few kneads. Do not overwork the dough.
Step 3. Form into 1-6 loafs. For smaller loafs, bake 30-40 minutes. And for one large loafs bake for 50 minutes. Look for an internal temperature of 195°F.
Step 4. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes before thinly slicing with a serrated bread knife.
Pro Tip: If you have time, chill the turkey before slicing for the thinnest, cleanest slices.
Serving Suggestions
Use in sandwiches, wraps, or pair with crackers & fruit on a snack plate.
Pro Tip: Add to your vegan charcuterie board with pickles, fruit, and hummus.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Yes. Freeze sliced turkey in airtight containers or bags for up to 6 months.
Vital wheat gluten is like a flour, so think of this almost like a baking recipe. You want to be as precise as possible for best results.
I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for this recipe.
Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, which is basically pure gluten. So no, this turkey is not gluten free.
Store the turkey in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this protein-packed plant-based version of turkey. Thank you for giving us the means to eat foods that fuel us, while also caring for creation. Amen.
More high-protein vegan meat recipes
Tried this recipe?
Please leave a review in the comments section below and post on Instagram tagging me @elizabeths_table. You can also stay in touch with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Turkey Deli Meat
Ingredients
- 240 Grams Vital Wheat Gluten about 2 cups
- 30 Grams Nutritional Yeast about ½ cup
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Sage
- 1 Teaspoon Umami Seasoning or Mushroom Powder optional
- 1 ¼ Cups Water
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Miso or sub ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Ketchup
- ½ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a medium bowl mix the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined, then use your hands to give a few kneads. Do not overwork the dough.
- Form into 1-6 loafs. For smaller loafs, bake 30-40 minutes. And for one large loafs bake for 50 minutes. Look for an internal temperature of 195°F.
- Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes before thinly slicing with a serrated bread knife.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Laura
Yummy, the meat tastes like Thanksgiving flavors and very easy to put together. My loaf came out as a darker brown compared to the pics here, but that may be because I used soy sauce rather than miso.
Thanks for sharing this- the sandwich I used it for (your Vegan Club sandwich) was great!
Elizabeth
Love to hear it! Yes it will definitely be darker if you use soy sauce - totally normal! I'm so glad you enjoyed this 'turkey' and loved your club sandwich as well!