Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels festive and comforting, even if you’re not serving a traditional holiday meal. The savory, herbed vegan “turkey” with a sticky, sweet glaze really hits all the right notes—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. I’ve fallen for this recipe because it’s surprisingly easy and the texture is so satisfying.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe—it was for a small holiday dinner, and I was amazed at how the flavors came together to mimic that cozy, roasted turkey vibe without any animal products. It’s a showstopper that feels special but doesn’t stress you out.
- Rich Umami Flavor: The blend of miso, nutritional yeast, and herbs gives this roast a deep, savory taste that stands in beautifully for traditional turkey.
- Perfect Texture: Thanks to vital wheat gluten, this roast has an impressively meaty, chewy texture that's firm but tender—nothing gummy or mushy.
- Delicious Glaze: The sticky-sweet glaze with soy sauce and smoked paprika adds a caramelized surface that makes every bite pop.
- Versatile & Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, freeze it, and reheat with ease—ideal for busy days or entertaining guests.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This vegan turkey roast balances simple plant-based ingredients that each play their part in flavor, texture, and structure. When shopping, try to pick fresh herbs and high-quality miso paste for the best depth of flavor.
- White beans: These provide a creamy base and moisture to bind the roast.
- Vegetable bouillon or broth: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor foundation.
- Nutritional yeast: A key vegan staple to deliver that cheesy, umami boost.
- Garlic powder: For adding a subtle but essential savory punch.
- White miso paste: Imparts salty, fermented notes that elevate the overall roast complexity.
- Fresh rosemary and sage: These herbs evoke traditional holiday flavors and pair beautifully with soy-based protein.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- Vegan chicken bouillon cube: Concentrates that poultry essence flavor throwback in a vegan form.
- Vital wheat gluten flour: The superstar that gives the roast its chewy, “meaty” texture.
- Vegan stuffing: Adds hearty texture and extra flavors inside the roast.
- Poultry seasoning: Lets you coat your roast with a familiar festive spice blend.
- Vegan butter (for glaze): Adds richness and helps meld the glaze ingredients for a beautiful shine.
- Soy sauce (for glaze): Brings umami and saltiness to cut through the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (for glaze): Provides that sticky caramelized crust you’ll love.
- Smoked paprika (for glaze): Adds warmth and a hint of smoke for complexity.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe to suit different occasions. Sometimes I skip the stuffing for a simpler loaf or swap fresh herbs for dried if that’s what I have handy. The glaze is my personal favorite part to get creative with too.
- Variation: For a nutty twist, try mixing some chopped walnuts or pecans into the stuffing—adds great texture and flavor!
- Seasonal Herbs: In spring or summer, substitute sage with fresh thyme or oregano for a lighter, brighter roast.
- Gluten-Free Option: Although this roast relies on vital wheat gluten, you can make a stuffing-only version to keep gluten out.
- Spicy glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce for a little heat in the glaze if you like it zesty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Flavors Smoothly
Start by placing your white beans (undrained), vegetable broth or bouillon, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, fresh rosemary, sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube into a food processor. Pulse and process for about a minute until you get a smooth, thick paste. This step is key because it builds the flavor foundation and ensures the herbs are well incorporated.
Step 2: Add Vital Wheat Gluten & Form the Dough
Next, add the vital wheat gluten flour and pulse again until the mixture combines into a dough. It might feel a little sticky at first, but after working it a bit, it firms up nicely. Transfer this dough onto your work surface.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff Your Roast
Roll the dough into a long log about 1 ½ inches thick, then fold that in half and twist it to add structure. Stretch it out into a rectangle roughly 1 inch thick. Place your vegan stuffing mixture into a roll along the center of the dough, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal it all up into that classic roast shape. This part is satisfying and really personal—you'll get the hang of it quickly!
Step 4: Season and Wrap for Steaming
Rub the outside of your shaped roast with poultry seasoning for a fragrant crust. Then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, folding and securing the ends so no steam escapes. This keeps your roast moist during cooking.
Step 5: Steam and Prepare the Glaze
Steam your wrapped roast for 45 minutes. If you don’t have an electric steamer, no worries—place a steamer basket or wire rack in a pot with a few inches of simmering water, cover, and steam away. While it steams, mix your glaze ingredients: melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Let the sugar dissolve as the roast cooks.
Step 6: Glaze and Roast for the Perfect Finish
When your roast is done steaming, let it cool enough to handle. Remove the foil and place it in a baking pan. Brush it with half of your glaze. Then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, reopening the oven at 10 and 15 minutes to brush on more glaze. This layered glazing creates that deliciously sticky, browned surface.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, slice your roast and serve it warm with your favorite sides. The mix of savory herbs and that glaze will have everyone asking for seconds!
Top Tip
Over the years, steamer timing and maintaining moisture has been my biggest learning curve with this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe. Getting the steaming just right sets you up for success with that perfect texture.
- Use a Reliable Steamer Setup: If you don’t have a steamer basket, a heatproof wire rack in your pot works fine—just keep an eye on the water so it doesn’t dry out.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: After steaming, letting the roast cool briefly before unwrapping helps it firm up, which makes glazing and slicing easier.
- Layer Your Glaze: Applying glaze multiple times during baking builds that irresistible sticky crust you’re aiming for.
- Watch for Overcooking: Steaming too long can dry the roast out—45 minutes is just right, so set a timer and stick to it.
How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple yet festive with fresh sprigs of rosemary or sage around the sliced roast on the serving platter. They add color and aromatics that complement the roast’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This roast pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green beans almondine. For a lighter option, steamed carrots or a fresh winter salad also work perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I sometimes slice the roast and lay thick rounds artistically atop a bed of my favorite stuffing or roasted veggies, drizzled with vegan gravy. It always looks impressive and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well for up to 3 days, and I actually love eating it cold in sandwiches too. Just reheat gently if you want it warm again.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this vegan turkey roast successfully quite a few times. Wrap it tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag for protection. It lasts about 4 months frozen. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer to warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, brushing on a bit more glaze to revive that sticky crust. You can also microwave it, but the oven approach keeps the texture best.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Because vital wheat gluten is essential for the texture, this recipe isn't gluten-free. However, you can make an unstuffed loaf for a gluten-free stuffing alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Absolutely! You can tweak the sweetness, saltiness, or smoky elements by adjusting brown sugar, soy sauce, or smoked paprika to suit your taste.
Yes! You can make the roast and stuff it the day before, then steam and glaze it the day of serving. It also freezes well if you want to prep much earlier.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially during the holidays or whenever I want a comforting, plant-based centerpiece. It feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients and thoughtful steps. I know you’ll enjoy making it—and sharing it—as much as I do. Warm, hearty, and delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
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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 is the primary cooking technique followed by baking; however, since the recipe finishes in the oven after steaming, Baking is considered the primary cooking method.
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan turkey recipe offers a flavorful, plant-based alternative perfect for holiday meals or special occasions. Made with white beans, vital wheat gluten, and seasoned with fresh herbs and poultry seasoning, it features a savory stuffing center and a deliciously glazed crust. Steamed and then baked to perfection, this turkey roast is hearty, moist, and satisfying for vegan and vegetarian diets.
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 white beans, vegetable bouillon or water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, white miso paste, chopped rosemary and sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube into the bowl of a food processor. Process for about one minute until the mixture is smooth.
- Add vital wheat gluten: Add the vital wheat gluten flour to the bean mixture and pulse until combined, approximately one minute, to form a dough.
- Shape the dough: Invert the dough onto a working surface and shape it into a long roll approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. Fold the roll in half and twist it like a rope to develop its texture.
- Prepare the dough for stuffing: Stretch the twisted dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Add stuffing and form roast: Shape the vegan stuffing into a roll and place it in the center of the dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the stuffing and close it completely, forming a roast shape.
- Season and wrap: Evenly rub the entire roast with 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil, folding the sides inward toward the bottom, and secure the package with string or rope.
- Steam the roast: Steam the wrapped roast for 45 minutes. If you do not have an electric steamer, fill a medium pot with 3 inches of water, place a steamer basket or wire rack inside, cover, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce to low heat and place the foil-wrapped roast on the basket or rack. Steam for 45 minutes, adding an extra cup of water if necessary during cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: While the roast is steaming, combine melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar and let the glaze sit.
- Glaze and bake: After steaming, let the roast cool slightly, remove foil, and transfer it to a baking pan. Brush the roast with half of the glaze. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the roast for 20 minutes, applying additional glaze at 10 and 15 minutes into baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Slice and serve the vegan turkey with gravy or vegetables on the side. Optionally, the roast can be shaped without stuffing and prepared using the same steaming and glazing steps.
Notes
- Store the vegan turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated in a microwave or in a 350ºF oven until warmed through.
- The nutritional information includes the calories and carbohydrates of the stuffing. Without the stuffing, the turkey has approximately 27g carbohydrates and 299 calories per serving.
- To freeze, wrap the vegan turkey tightly in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried rosemary and sage may be substituted using ⅓ of the fresh quantity.
- If you don't have a steamer basket, a circular wire rack placed inside a pot works well for steaming.
- Ensure the foil wrap is tightly sealed to prevent water from entering during steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅙ of roast)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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