Name: Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 3/4 cup no chicken broth (Better Than Bouillon or vegetable broth); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten; 3-4 cups additional broth, for steaming; 4 tablespoons vegan butter (or olive oil); 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (for browning)

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both plant-based and bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you: this Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of savory spices, a satisfyingly meaty texture, and best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make—your guests won’t believe it’s vegan! If you’ve ever struggled to find a main dish that feels festive, hearty, and comforting, stick around because this recipe might just become your new holiday favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Savory: I love how the blend of herbs and nutritional yeast gives this roast a rich, umami-packed taste that really mimics classic turkey.
Perfectly Textured: Thanks to vital wheat gluten, the texture is chewy and “meaty,” which always wins over even the most skeptical eaters.
Flexible Cooking Method: Whether you want to steam it on the stove or use your Instant Pot, it’s straightforward and forgiving for all skill levels.
Ideal for Holidays and Beyond: I discovered this roast is great not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas but anytime you want a comforting centerpiece.

The image shows a cooked loaf with a dark brown, slightly crispy top sprinkled with dried herbs. The loaf is partially sliced, revealing four thick slices inside that are light brown with a soft, crumbly texture. The loaf and slices rest on a bed of fresh green rosemary sprigs, all placed on a white plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this vegan turkey roast stand out is the combination of pantry staples that work harmoniously for flavor and texture. These ingredients come together in a way that’s hearty, savory, and just downright delicious. I always recommend using low sodium broth and soy sauce so you can control the saltiness.

Chickpeas: This is the base that adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor; draining and rinsing them helps reduce any beaniness.
No chicken broth: Using a quality broth like Better Than Bouillon boosts the savory umami without overpowering the roast.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
Nutritional yeast: Key to giving that cheesy, savory depth that’s so important for “meaty” vegan dishes.
Low sodium soy sauce: Balances flavors with subtle saltiness and umami.
Dried sage, thyme, and rosemary: The holy trinity of herbs that instantly evoke that traditional turkey roast flavor.
Onion powder and garlic powder: Build layers of aromatic goodness without the fuss of fresh ingredients.
Vital wheat gluten: This is the magic binder that creates the meat-like texture when kneaded and steamed.
Vegan butter: For that final sear, adding a beautiful golden crust and flavor boost.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe can be. I often tweak the herbs or broth depending on what I have on hand, and you should definitely feel free to do the same!

Add mushrooms: I sometimes fold in finely chopped sautéed mushrooms before kneading; it gives an even meatier texture and extra umami.
Spice it up: For a little heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne works wonders.
Gluten-free option: Since vital wheat gluten is key for texture here, this recipe is tricky to make gluten-free, but experimenting with jackfruit or seitan alternatives might be fun.
Herb swaps: If you’re missing one of the dried herbs, fresh herbs like sage or thyme can be substituted, just adjust quantities accordingly.

How to Make Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients Until Smooth

Start by loading your food processor or blender with the rinsed chickpeas, no-chicken broth, olive oil, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and all the dried herbs and spices. I find that blending until completely smooth not only helps the mixture come together better but also prevents lumps in the final roast. Don’t rush this—stop and scrape down the sides a few times to get everything evenly mixed.

Step 2: Combine With Vital Wheat Gluten and Knead

Pour your blended mixture into a large bowl, making sure to get every bit out with a spatula. Now add the vital wheat gluten—this is what turns the mixture into that wonderfully chewy, “meaty” texture. Stir it in at first with a spoon, then finish kneading by hand on a lightly floured surface. I usually knead about 10 times; this helps the gluten develop but won’t overwork it. Shape your dough into a tight loaf—it’s satisfying work!

Step 3: Steam the Loaf to Cook

Place your shaped loaf in a steamer basket over a pot with a few cups of broth. If you don’t have a steamer basket, a heat-safe rack or even a colander that fits in your pot works—the goal is to keep the loaf above the liquid. Cover tightly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Steam for about an hour, adding broth if it evaporates too quickly. Halfway through, I like to spoon some hot broth over the roast to keep it moist and flavorful. This step is key to a tender final product.

Step 4: Brown the Roast for a Beautiful Finish

Once steamed, let the roast cool for a few minutes—this helps it firm up a bit. Then heat a skillet over medium-high, melt vegan butter, and add soy sauce for a savory glaze. Sear the loaf on all sides until golden brown and fragrant. This step adds that irresistible crispy crust and deepens the flavor, so don’t skip it!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe

Don’t Rinse Vital Wheat Gluten: I learned rinsing it washes away the proteins needed to develop texture—just measure and use as is.
Use a Tight Lid for Steaming: To keep steam trapped and cook evenly, I always cover my pot tightly with foil under the lid if needed.
Add Broth While Kneading: If the dough feels too dry, a splash more broth can help without making it too sticky.
Sear Last for Texture and Flavor: Skipping the browning step makes the roast less exciting—don’t miss that step for a perfect finish.

How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe

A golden brown loaf with a dark, slightly crispy outer layer sprinkled with green herbs on top is shown on a white marbled surface. Three slices from the loaf lie flat in front, showing a light tan inside with a smooth, moist texture. Green rosemary sprigs frame the loaf from the sides, adding a fresh touch to the simple presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the sliced roast for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a little drizzle of vegan gravy or a brush of olive oil adds just the right shine and moisture that makes the slices irresistible.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here include creamy mashed potatoes, garlic-roasted green beans, and a tangy cranberry sauce—it really does evoke all the holiday feels. Roasted carrots and vegan stuffing pair beautifully too, rounding out a comforting plant-based feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes create a “turkey” platter with the roast sliced thin and arranged like a crown, surrounded by roasted veggies and fresh herbs. It never fails to impress, and guests love how festive and approachable it feels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover vegan turkey roast stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find slicing it first makes reheating easier, so you can grab just what you need without warming the whole loaf.

Freezing

I usually slice the roast before freezing, wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need and avoid waste. Freeze for up to 3 months with great results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in a skillet with a little vegan butter or broth over medium heat, which keeps them moist and helps restore that lovely browned exterior. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe relies heavily on vital wheat gluten for structure and that meat-like texture, which makes it challenging to create a gluten-free version. However, you might experiment with alternatives like jackfruit or mushroom-based roasts, though the texture and flavor will be different.
What can I use if I don’t have a steamer basket?

If you don’t have a steamer basket, a heat-safe rack or even a metal colander that fits inside your pot works great. Just make sure the loaf stays above the simmering broth so it steams evenly without getting soggy.
How long will the Vegan Turkey Roast keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this roast will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. I recommend slicing it before refrigerating so you can reheat just what you need.
Can I prepare this Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the roast through the steaming step the day before, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Just brown it in the skillet right before serving to get that fresh seared flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially around the holidays when I want something comforting, fuss-free, and sure to please everyone at the table. I used to struggle with finding a plant-based main that felt festive and filling, but once I nailed this recipe, it quickly became my go-to. Trust me, if you’re looking to impress family or friends with a compassionate and delicious centerpiece, you’ll want to give this one a try. It’s savory, satisfying, and really, just pure joy on a plate.