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Sliced vegan peppered turkey with Rudy's BBQ sauce and white bread

Vegan Peppered Turkey

A high protein vegan turkey made from tofu and seitan, rolled in a salt and cracked black pepper crust, baked in foil, and chilled overnight so it slices thin like real deli turkey. My take on the Rudy's turkey I grew up on.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 201

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 block extra firm high protein tofu 14 to 16 oz, vacuum-sealed (not packed in water)
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten Anthony's Goods, 4lb, affiliate link
  • 1/2-3/4 cup water start with 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast Anthony's Goods, affiliate link
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil or water for oil-free
  • 2 tbsp tapioca starch Bob's Red Mill, affiliate link
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1-2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base or any chicken-less bouillon
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp salt optional, if your bouillon isn't very salty
Salt & Pepper Crust
  • 2 tbsp coarse cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp coarse kosher salt
  • cooking spray

Equipment

  • Food Processor affiliate link
  • Foil
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Make the Turkey
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Crumble the tofu into the food processor and process for about 1 minute until finely broken down.
  3. Add the remaining turkey ingredients, starting with 1/2 cup water, and let the processor run for 2-3 minutes until a smooth, firm dough forms. Only add another tablespoon or two of water if it's too dry. You want a firm dough.
  4. Turn the dough out onto the counter and knead by hand for about a minute, shaping it into an oval loaf. Tear off a piece of foil about 3 times the size of the loaf.
Salt & Pepper Crust, Wrap & Bake
  1. Mix the cracked black pepper and kosher salt in a small bowl.
  2. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray. Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper in the center of the foil, roll the loaf in it, then sprinkle the rest over the top and press it in so the whole loaf is coated.
  3. Fold the foil up over the loaf, pinch it closed at the top, and twist the ends to seal it tightly.
  4. Place the wrapped turkey on a baking sheet on the middle oven rack and bake sealed for 30 minutes. Carefully open the foil and keep baking for another 30-40 minutes.
  5. Let the turkey cool at room temperature, wrap it back up in the foil, and refrigerate overnight. Don't skip this. The overnight rest is what gives it that firm, deli-style texture. Once chilled, slice it thin with a sharp knife or mandolin.

Notes

Adapted from 86 Eats' Vegan Deli Sliced Turkey Breast. I swapped the hickory seasoning for a simple salt and cracked black pepper crust, Rudy's style.
Plan ahead: the turkey needs to chill in the fridge overnight before slicing. Slice it thin for sandwiches, or thicker to serve warm as a main.
Tofu: vacuum-sealed high protein tofu works best because it's firmer and drier. If you use regular extra firm tofu, press it well first and you may need less water.
Texture tip: if your turkey comes out full of little holes or bready, it was likely under-kneaded or the oven ran hot. Try dropping the oven 25°F.
Substitutions: use water instead of oil for oil-free, cornstarch instead of tapioca starch, and any chicken-less bouillon.
Nutrition (per 1/8 recipe): 201 calories, 6.1g carbs, 9.2g fat, 23.4g protein