Vegan Turkey Roast

This Vegan Turkey Roast is a wonderful plant-based take on the classic holiday centerpiece. It’s packed with hearty textures and savory flavors that come from wholesome ingredients like mushrooms, chickpeas, and plenty of herbs. The outside gets beautifully golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and full of flavor.

I love making this roast because it feels like a special dish even when it’s 100% vegan. What’s great is that you don’t need any fancy ingredients to put it together—just simple things you can find at any grocery store. I often add extra herbs or a little garlic to give it a personal touch that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Serving it up with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted veggies makes the meal feel just right. I find it’s a great way to bring everyone to the table, whether they’re vegan or not. Plus, leftovers make a perfect sandwich the next day!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Vital Wheat Gluten: This is what gives the roast its chewy, meaty texture. If gluten is a concern, try a blend of chickpea and oat flours, but the texture will be different.

Nutritional Yeast: Adds a mild cheesy flavor and depth. You can skip it, but it really boosts the savory taste.

Poultry Seasoning: Key for that familiar turkey flavor. If you don’t have it, mix sage, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Chickpeas and Mushrooms: These bring moisture and umami. You can swap chickpeas for white beans; mushrooms can be any variety you like.

Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the stuffing and add texture. Use gluten-free crumbs if needed or crushed oats as an alternative.

How Do You Get the Perfect Seitan Texture and Stuffing Roll?

The key is in kneading the vital wheat gluten dough until elastic and firm—about 3-5 minutes. This develops the gluten for that dense, meaty chew.

• Mix wet and dry ingredients, then knead by hand or stand mixer.
• Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
• Spread stuffing evenly, leaving space on edges to seal.
• Roll tightly, pinch edges to prevent filling from leaking.
• Wrap well in foil for steaming to keep moist and help it set.
• Finish by baking uncovered to get a nicely browned crust.

I like to let the roast rest before slicing so it holds together better. Using foil during steam also keeps it from drying out, making each slice perfectly tender.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowls – Perfect for combining ingredients and kneading the gluten dough.
• Steamer basket or large pot with a steaming insert – Encloses the roast and cooks it evenly with steam.
• Rolling pin or just your hands – Helps shape the dough into a flat rectangle for spreading the stuffing.
• Foil – Wraps the roast securely for steaming and baking, keeping it moist and helping it hold shape.
• Baking sheet – For baking the roast after steaming to develop a crispy outside.
• Pastry brush or spoon – To brush olive oil over the roast for browning.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Herb blends like sage and thyme in the stuffing for a more classic turkey flavor.
• Add sautéed spinach or kale inside for extra greens and moisture.
• Incorporate a tablespoon of vegan gravy or gravy powder into the filling for richer flavor.
• Use smoked paprika or paprika blend in the outside coating for a smoky crust.

Vegan Turkey Roast

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Seitan Dough:

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable broth (plus extra for steaming)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For The Stuffing:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed chickpeas (or white beans)
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• Roasted carrots and potatoes

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour of steaming, and another 20-30 minutes baking. Plus, a 10 minute rest before slicing. Plan for roughly 2 hours from start to finish to enjoy a perfectly cooked roast.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare for Cooking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with water and get your steamer basket ready to steam the roast later.

2. Make the Seitan Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, and tomato paste until smooth. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Knead by hand for 3-5 minutes until the dough is elastic and firm.

3. Cook the Stuffing Ingredients:

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and most of the liquid evaporates, about 8 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Stuffing:

Mix the mashed chickpeas and sautéed veggies with the breadcrumbs in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Roast:

On a clean surface, roll out your seitan dough into a rectangle. Spread the stuffing evenly down the center. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal the roast tightly.

6. Steam the Roast:

Wrap the roast securely in foil. Place it in the steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 1 hour, allowing the seitan to cook through and set.

7. Bake for a Crispy Finish:

Remove the roast from the steamer and unwrap the foil. Place the roast on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the outside becomes browned and firm.

8. Rest and Serve:

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted carrots, potatoes, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finish.

Can I Make the Vegan Turkey Roast Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare and steam the roast a day in advance, then refrigerate it wrapped tightly. When ready to serve, simply bake it to reheat and crisp up the exterior.

What Can I Substitute for Vital Wheat Gluten?

Vital wheat gluten gives this roast its meaty texture, so it’s the best choice. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a blend of chickpea flour and cooked lentils, but expect a softer, less elastic result.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to include sautéed spinach, kale, or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor—just adjust the moisture and seasoning accordingly.