Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe brings all those cozy holiday vibes without using any animal products. This roast is surprisingly hearty, packed with flavor, and that glaze? Absolutely irresistible. It’s one of those recipes you’ll be proud to bring to the table, whether it’s a special occasion or just a fun weekend meal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe several times and it never disappoints. The combination of herbs, miso, and nutritional yeast gives it a rich, savory flavor that rivals any traditional roast. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare once you get the hang of the steps.
- Remarkably Meaty Texture: The vital wheat gluten creates a chewy, satisfying roast that feels like the real deal.
- Flavor Packed: The glaze perfectly complements the herb-seasoned roast, balancing savory, sweet, and smoky notes.
- Customizable Stuffing: You can swap in your favorite vegan stuffing or go without for a leaner option.
- Great Make-Ahead Dish: It stores and reheats beautifully, making holiday prep much less stressful.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every single ingredient in this vegan turkey roast is chosen to create that meaty texture and deep umami flavor. From beans to fresh herbs, here’s why each piece matters when building this comforting centerpiece.
- White Beans: They create a creamy base that adds moisture and a gentle nutty sweetness.
- Vegetable Bouillon: Deepens flavor; if you prefer less salt, water can be substituted but the taste won’t be as rich.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, savory complexity that’s essential in vegan cooking.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, familiar kick that blends beautifully with herbs.
- White Miso Paste: Provides umami depth and subtle fermentation tang.
- Fresh Rosemary & Sage: Classic poultry herbs that make this roast smell and taste like the real thing.
- Salt & Vegan Chicken Bouillon Cube: Essential for boosting savory notes and seasoning throughout.
- Vital Wheat Gluten Flour: This gives the roast that “meaty” chewiness and helps it hold together.
- Vegan Stuffing: Adds texture and an additional flavor layer, though you can omit or swap it as you like.
- Poultry Seasoning: Brushed on before baking to mimic that traditional seasoned turkey skin.
- Glaze Ingredients (Vegan Butter, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika): These create a sticky, flavorful coating with sweetness and smokiness that bakes to perfection.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe by changing up the stuffing and herbs depending on the season. Feel free to personalize it so it feels just right for you and your guests.
- Stuffing Swap: One Thanksgiving, I used a wild rice and cranberry stuffing instead of the usual bread-based one—it added a lovely tart contrast.
- Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or marjoram can easily step in for rosemary and sage if you prefer a different herbal profile.
- No Stuffing Version: You can shape the roast without stuffing if you want a simpler, lower-carb dish—still delicious and satisfying.
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Start by combining the white beans (including their liquid), vegetable bouillon, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, rosemary, sage, salt, and the vegan chicken bouillon cube in your food processor. I like to blend for about a minute until the mixture is completely smooth — this is what gives the roast its creamy, flavorful backbone. If your blender struggles, pause and scrape the sides with a spatula to keep everything evenly processed.
Step 2: Add the Vital Wheat Gluten and Form the Dough
Add the vital wheat gluten flour to the bowl and pulse until fully combined. This will take about a minute or so and you’ll notice the dough start to come together and feel stretchy. Then, turn the dough onto a clean surface and shape it into a long roll about 1½ inches in diameter. Folding and twisting it like a rope helps develop its texture, which is key for that satisfying chew.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Roast
Gently stretch the dough into a rectangle roughly 1 inch thick. Place your prepared vegan stuffing in a roll down the center of the dough. Now fold the dough around the stuffing, sealing it carefully to form a roast shape. I find pinching the edges firmly helps keep the stuffing inside while it cooks. Don’t rush this part — the better sealed, the neater your roast will slice later.
Step 4: Season and Wrap for Steaming
Rub the entire roast evenly with poultry seasoning for that classic turkey flavor. Then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, folding the sides inward and tying with kitchen twine or string to secure. This step locks in moisture during steaming.
Step 5: Steam the Roast
Place your wrapped roast in an electric steamer or a steaming basket over simmering water. Steam for 45 minutes — this cooks the vital wheat gluten dough perfectly without drying it out. Make sure to check the water level occasionally; if it evaporates, add more hot water to keep the steam going.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the roast steams, mix melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to make the glaze. Let it sit a bit so the sugar dissolves, then brush half over the steamed roast just before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Finish
Transfer your roast to a baking pan and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes total, brushing with more glaze at the 10- and 15-minute marks for a shiny, sticky finish. This step caramelizes the sugars and gives the roast a beautifully appetizing crust. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Top Tip
I’ve found the key to making this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe truly spectacular lies in the steaming and glazing steps. Those often get overlooked but that’s what makes this roast moist, flavorful, and keeps the texture spot on.
- Steaming Patience: Don't rush the steaming – the gluten dough needs time to expand and set. A full 45 minutes ensures a perfect texture without being gummy.
- Glaze Timing: Apply your glaze in layers during baking, not all at once. This builds that gorgeous caramelized finish instead of a soggy glaze.
- Herbs Matter: Using fresh rosemary and sage adds vibrancy you just can't get with dried alone — chop them finely for the best distribution.
- Foil Wrapping: Wrap the roast tightly and secure the foil well to trap steam and flavors during cooking.
How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few cranberries for a pop of color. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra glaze on the plate for serving—it looks stunning and amps up the flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this roast are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, and a tangy cranberry sauce. They balance the savory richness of the roast perfectly. For a lighter meal, try pairing it with a kale salad and some herbed quinoa.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve slices arranged fan-like on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds. It makes the whole table feel festive and inviting—almost too pretty to eat, almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This vegan turkey roast keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to slice it first, so reheating is quicker and easier. You can enjoy leftovers cold in sandwiches or warmed gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers successfully by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They last up to 4 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, I reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, brushing a bit of leftover glaze on top to keep them moist. Microwaving works too but can dry the edges.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe relies on vital wheat gluten to achieve its signature meaty texture, so it isn’t suitable for a gluten-free diet. You might want to explore other vegan roast recipes specifically designed to be gluten-free.
The glaze can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat slightly before brushing on the roast to help it spread smoothly.
Absolutely! Canned or pre-packaged vegan stuffing works fine in this recipe – just make sure it’s fully defrosted and drained of excess moisture before using to avoid soggy dough.
Yes! You can prepare the roast and stuffing, assemble and wrap it, store it in the fridge overnight, then steam and bake it the next day for fresher results on serving day.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe has become my go-to for special occasions because it really nails that festive feeling with plant-based ingredients. It’s never let me down in flavor or texture, and guests are always amazed it’s vegan. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you’re going to love sharing it around your table!
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Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming and Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Turkey recipe is a plant-based, protein-packed roast made from white beans, vital wheat gluten, and flavorful herbs, steamed and baked to perfection with a savory glaze. Ideal as a centerpiece for holiday meals or special occasions, it offers the comforting texture and robust taste of traditional turkey without any animal products.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can white beans, undrained (425g)
- 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
- 1 vegan chicken bouillon cube
- 1 ½ cup + 2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten flour (240g)
- 2 packed cups vegan stuffing
- 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
- Prepare the base mixture: Place the white beans (with liquid), vegetable bouillon or water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, white miso paste, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube into the bowl of a food processor. Process for about one minute until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add vital wheat gluten: Add the vital wheat gluten flour to the blended mixture and pulse in the food processor until combined, approximately one minute; this forms a dough with elastic texture.
- Shape the dough: Invert the dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a long roll about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Fold the roll in half and twist it like a rope to develop texture.
- Prepare for stuffing: Stretch the twisted dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Shape the vegan stuffing into a roll and place it in the center of the dough rectangle. Fold and wrap the dough around the stuffing to form a compact turkey roast.
- Season the roast: Evenly rub the formed roast with 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning for enhanced flavor.
- Wrap and steam: Wrap the roast tightly with aluminum foil, folding the sides inward and securing with a rope or string. Steam the foil-wrapped roast for 45 minutes using an electric steamer or a stovetop steaming method: fill a medium pot with 3 inches of water and bring it to a simmer, place a steamer basket or wire rack inside, insert the wrapped roast, cover, and steam on low heat. Add water if it evaporates to avoid drying.
- Prepare the glaze: While the roast is steaming, combine melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Stir well and let the glaze sit to dissolve the sugar fully.
- Bake with glaze: After steaming, let the roast cool slightly, unwrap the foil, and transfer the roast to a baking pan. Brush the roast generously with half of the glaze. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the roast for 20 minutes, brushing additional glaze after 10 minutes and again at 15 minutes to build a caramelized finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven once glaze is set and roast is heated through. Slice the vegan turkey and serve with your favorite gravy and vegetables for a complete meal. Optionally, you can make the roast without stuffing following the same steaming and glazing steps.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave or a 350ºF oven until warm.
- The nutrition information includes the stuffing calories and carbs. If omitted, the roast itself contains approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates and 299 calories per serving.
- To freeze the vegan turkey, place it in an airtight container and it will keep for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor but dried rosemary and sage can be used if fresh is unavailable, adjusting quantities to ⅓ the amount.
- If you do not have a steamer basket, a circular wire rack can be placed inside the pot to elevate the roast above the water for steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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