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Vegan Ham Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Vegan Ham Recipe

The Vegan Ham Recipe creates a seitan-based ham substitute by blending firm tofu with a variety of spices including smoked paprika, mustard, cumin, and BBQ sauce, then mixing with vital wheat gluten to form a firm dough. After shaping and baking, a tangy glaze of soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and garlic is applied to give a flavorful finish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 203 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

For the ham
  • 14 oz tofu extra firm
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chicken seasoning
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • ¾ cup vegetable stock
  • 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten
For the glaze
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Start by adding the tofu, mustard, avocado oil, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, BBQ sauce, cumin, garlic powder, chicken seasoning, maple syrup, sriracha and vegetable stock to a blender or a food processor. Blend until a smooth and thick texture forms, and there’s no graininess from the tofu.
  2. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the vital wheat gluten around ⅓ cup at a time, mixing it in using a rubber spatula. At the end, knead the seitan using your hands for around 60 seconds until the dough is thick and similar to bread dough.
  3. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C/350 F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  4. Shape the seitan into a ham-shaped cylinder. You can use foil to do this and to smooth out the sides. Then, transfer it to the baking tray and use a damp knife to make diagonal scores along the length of the ham. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, make the glaze when the 45 minutes is almost up. To a mixing bowl, add the soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar and garlic, stirring together well.
  6. Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with around ¼ of the glaze. Place a sheet of foil on top, wrap it tightly, and place it in the oven for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove the ham from the oven, brush with ¼ more of the glaze, place the foil back on top and place in the oven for 10 minutes more.
  8. Now remove and add the rest of the maple glaze. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Knead the seitan dough for about 60 seconds to achieve the right texture; avoid over-kneading to prevent toughness.
  • Make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated, then bake and glaze when ready.
  • Alternative cooking method: steam the vegan ham for 1 hour instead of baking first; then glaze and bake wrapped in foil.
  • Store cooked vegan ham in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Slices can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories 203kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Sodium 658mg (27%) Potassium 266mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 532IU (11%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 72mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 203

% Daily Value*

Calories 203kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 658mg 27%
Potassium 266mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 532IU 11%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 72mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

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