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5.0 from 3 votes

Vegan Deli Slices [Seitan Turkey Slices]

Hearty, "meaty", vegan deli slices are juicy, loaded with flavour, and easy to make!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 115 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American , Canadian

Ingredients

  • 130 grams vital wheat gluten approx. 1 heaping cup
  • 350 grams (12 ounce) block extra firm tofu cut into cubes
  • 6 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt optional, but since traditional deli meat is salty, the extra salt helps mimic that flavour

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add all the ingredients to your food processor and pulse until combined. It will be crumbly, but you can press everything together with your hands, so don't worry if it's not a perfect ball.
  2. Remove the mixture from your processor and shape it into a log or disc shape. Then wrap it snugly in cheesecloth and secure the two ends like a candy wrapper. (See process images above for reference.)
  3. Use a steamer pot to place your turkey seitan inside OR make a DIY steamer if you don't have one. Do this by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot with water inside, but make sure the bowl does not touch the water. Maintain a low boil and cover the seitan with a lid.
  4. Steam for 45 minutes, then flip it, and steam for another 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160℉/71℃. Keep an eye on your water level to make sure it doesn't evaporate and add HOT/boiling water as needed.
  5. For best results and easy slicing, let your turkey seitan log rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then refrigerate overnight or several hours until cold.

Notes

  • Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Or freeze the vegan deli in slices or as a full log to use later.  
  • Use a kitchen scale to weigh the vital wheat gluten for the most accurate results and the best texture.
  • Keep an eye on the water level during steaming to make sure it doesn't run out. Add more boiling hot water to the pot as needed to maintain a low boil.
  • Steam time will vary according to the shape of your turkey seitan log or disc, so checking the internal temperature is the easiest way to get the best results.
  • If you don't have cheesecloth, you may wrap the seitan in aluminum foil. However, to prevent aluminum from touching your food, you may use parchment paper first, and then wrap that in aluminum foil.

Nutrition Information

Calories 115cal (6%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 289mg (12%) Potassium 225mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 20IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 115

% Daily Value*

Calories 115cal 6%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 289mg 12%
Potassium 225mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 20IU 0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.