Vegan Stuffed Roast Turkey

For those of us opting out of a turkey for our Christmas roast or Thanksgiving dinner, did you know you can make something that is the perfect vegan centrepiece that’s completely meat free? Just because you’re ditching the meat, doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. This delicious vegan stuffed turkey roast is not only tasty, but easy to make. 

Using vital wheat gluten to make a seitan turkey is the key for this recipe, and I’ve simplified it to make it super straightforwards for you. Plus, when you add in my vegetarian sage and onion stuffing for the centre of your turkey, it makes it even more full of flavour!

What you need to make vegan stuffed turkey roast

• vital wheat gluten
• nutritional yeast

• sage

• dried thyme

• chicken seasoning (vegan)

• miso paste

• smoked paprika

• black pepper

• soy sauce

• onion granules/powder

• liquid smoke or smoke powder (optional)

• vegetable stock, could use vegan ‘chicken’ stock

• maple syrup

• sunflower oil

• light soy sauce

Substitution and Ingredient Notes

Vital wheat gluten: I usually order this online as it is harder to find in the supermarket but a great basic to have in the house if you’re vegan or vegetarian. It is not something you can substitute with another kind of flour as it basically the gluten part of the flour removed. It is a clever ingredient that works perfectly for making homemade meat alternatives.

Nutritional yeast: Another fantastic vegan or vegetarian staple to have. It is packed full of vitamin B12, plus lots of nutty cheesey flavour.

Chicken seasoning: Surprisingly a lot of the chicken seasoning you can buy in the supermarket is accidentally vegan, considering it is just made of herbs and spices. Just check the label and see what your local supermarket has to offer. If you can’t find it, then sub for some garlic powder, mustard powder and a pinch of sugar (the rest of the spices and flavours you’d find in a chicken seasoning are already in the ingredients list).

Miso paste: Miso adds a delicious umami flavour, but this can be substituted for extra soy sauce.

Liquid smoke: Another more specific ingredient that I also think is great to have if you are vegan or vegetarian and like making your own meat alternatives. It does what it says on the tin and adds a nice smokey/barbequed flavour. It lasts a really long time as you only need a dash! If you don’t have it however, just substitute for some BBQ sauce instead.

Sunflower oil: Or any flavourless vegetable oil.

Maple syrup: Can be substituted for agave syrup or brown sugar.

How to make vegan stuffed turkey roast

Start by preparing your vegetarian stuffing to stuff the turkey roast with.

You can skip this step if you want just a simple roast, but you’ll need to shape it slightly different: simply bring it together into a oval ball shape, rather than folding the dough over your stuffing. 

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare a baking tray with lighlty oiled foil that can be wrapped over the turkey roast.

Start preparing the vegan turkey by mixing all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Then add the wet ingredients and stir through until you form a dough.

Now knead the dough until it comes together, for 30–60 seconds. Try not to overwork the dough, as you want it to remain pliable.

On cling film, roll the dough into a rectangle around 1 inch thick. In the centre, add a log-shaped roll of vegetarian stuffing. Fold the dough up and over the stuffing, sealing around the edges. Lift the cling film and roll the dough over so the seal is on the bottom.

Next, transfer the stuffed turkey roast onto the prepare baking tray, and tightly seal the foil at the top. Roast in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together your glaze in a small bowl. After 50 minutes, remove from the oven and glaze the top of the turkey roast. Return to the oven for 10 minutes with the foil open so the top can brown.

Remove from the oven when browned, serve on a platter and leave to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into slices to enjoy.

What to pair with your vegan stuffed turkey roast?

• Easy Vegan Gravy
• Vegetarian Sage and Onion Stuffing
• My Mum’s Best Ever Roast Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic
• Vegan Parmesan Roasted Parsnips
• Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Butter
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic, Pecans and Cranberries

Did you make this vegan stuffed roast turkey recipe? Please rate and review the recipe below, and leave me a comment! I love to hear your feedback, and if you’re enjoying my recipes. Make sure to take a photo, tag me @MadeleineOlivia and tag it #MadeleineOlivia.