Name: Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt; 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ tablespoon dried thyme; ½ tablespoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried sage; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 700 g silken tofu; 6 tablespoon vegetable oil (neutral flavored: sunflower, rapeseed, canola); 2 teaspoon flaky sea salt; 2 tablespoon white miso paste; 2 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 380 g vital wheat gluten; ½ batch of vegan stuffing (see notes); 4 sheets of rice paper (used for summer rolls); 3 bay leaves; 4 sprigs of fresh thyme; 4 sprigs of rosemary; 1.5 litres boiling hot vegetable stock; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 head of garlic, sliced in half; 1 onion, quartered; 1 carrot, peeled and quartered; 2 stalks of celery, quartered

If you’re hunting for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for celebrations or cozy dinners, look no further than this Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe. I absolutely love how this roast comes out—moist, flavorful, and with that satisfyingly chewy texture you want from a turkey substitute. Whether you’re a seasoned seitan maker or trying something new, you’ll find this recipe friendly, rewarding, and just downright delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Authentic Flavor: The blend of herbs, miso, and roasting broth creates incredible depth.
Perfectly Moist & Chewy Texture: Thanks to vital wheat gluten and tofu, it nails that classic turkey bite.
Customizable Stuffing Option: You can sneak in your favorite vegan stuffing or keep it simple.
Made from Simple Pantry Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items to make a feast.

A close-up view of a cooked rolled meat dish sliced neatly on a white plate with green beans and orange carrot sticks on the side. The dish shows three layers: the outer layer is golden brown with a crispy texture, the middle layer is thick and smooth, light beige in color, and the inner layer features a seasoned stuffing with a coarse, mixed texture in a light brown shade. The slices reveal the stuffed center clearly, with the whole roll resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast, vegetarian turkey substitute, plant-based holiday main dish, vegan stuffing and broth, vegan turkey roast with stuffing

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is a major key to success here. The mix of silken tofu and vital wheat gluten gives this vegan seitan turkey roast a wonderful balance of tenderness and chewiness, while the blend of herbs and spices ensures the flavors really sing together.

Flat lay of silken tofu with its smooth, creamy white texture, bright orange peeled carrot chunks, fresh green sprigs of thyme and rosemary, quartered purple-red onion pieces, pale green celery stalks cut into segments, a halved head of garlic showing its soft white cloves, vibrant bay leaves in rich forest green, and light brown sugar crystals scattered gently around, all arranged naturally with delicate layering and contrasting shapes, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast, vegetarian turkey substitute, plant-based holiday main dish, vegan stuffing and broth, vegan turkey roast with stuffing

Flaky sea salt: Gives bursts of saltiness and texture—don’t substitute with fine salt. Flaky is the charm here.
Soft brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that balances savory flavors.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet works, but smoked adds a lovely depth.
Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage: Classic herb trio for that traditional poultry seasoning vibe.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Shouldn’t be skipped; they bring layers of savory aroma.
Silken tofu: This creamy base hydrates and binds the seitan, making it tender inside.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil—sunflower or canola are perfect—to keep flavors balanced.
White miso paste: This umami powerhouse enhances that meaty, savory depth.
Rice vinegar: Adds subtle acidity to brighten the flavors, but apple cider or white wine vinegar works too.
Vital wheat gluten: The star for the chewy, elastic texture typical of seitan.
Vegan stuffing: Anything from your favorite recipe or store-bought—adds that cozy surprise inside.
Rice paper sheets: Wraps the roast perfectly and keeps it moist during cooking.
Vegetable stock and fresh herbs: Essential for the aromatic roasting broth that infuses the roast with flavor.
Fresh garlic, onion, carrot, celery: Build layers of savory goodness in the broth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making this recipe your own. You can swap herbs, try different kinds of vegan stuffing, or even adjust the roasting broth to reflect your favorite flavors. I’ve played around with adding dried cranberries to the stuffing for a festive twist, and it was a hit!

Herb variations: Swap rosemary or thyme with fresh sage or marjoram for a different profile—I find fresh herbs give a vibrant lift.
Stuffing options: I sometimes omit the stuffing for a simpler version, or use nut-based stuffing for extra texture.
Spice level: Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat—my family loves this subtle kick.
Gluten-free twist: While this recipe relies on vital wheat gluten, you can experiment with other protein bases but it won’t have the same texture.

How to Make Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Rub

Start by mixing all your turkey rub ingredients—sea salt, brown sugar, paprika, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic and onion powders—in a small bowl. This rub will give the roast its signature savory-sweet-herby punch, so don’t skimp here. I like using flaky sea salt because it really helps the rub cling to the seitan’s surface later on.

Step 2: Blend the Base Mixture

In your blender or food processor, combine silken tofu, vegetable oil, sea salt, miso paste, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Blend until incredibly smooth—this might take a couple of minutes. If you notice any lumps, pushing the mixture through a fine mesh sieve will give you the smoothest results, which translates to a better dough later on.

Step 3: Add Vital Wheat Gluten and Form the Dough

Add the vital wheat gluten to the blended tofu mixture back in the blender and pulse until it forms a rough dough. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to let the gluten hydrate. Then blend again for around 2 minutes to develop that stretchy, gummy texture. You’ll know you’ve hit the mark when the dough resists and pulls like well-made seitan should — it’s satisfying to feel that transformation!

Step 4: Shape and Stuff the Roast

Take the seitan dough and press it into a flat rectangle. Place your prepared vegan stuffing down the center in a neat line, then carefully roll the seitan into a tight cylinder around it. This feels a little like rolling sushi, but way more comforting! Set that cylinder aside.

Step 5: Wrap with Rice Paper

Fill a wide bowl with water and quickly dunk each rice paper sheet a few times to soften it. Then, wrap it tightly around the seitan roll. Keep wrapping with all four sheets, overlapping for full coverage. This rice paper “skin” helps lock in moisture during roasting and gives the roast a subtle glossy finish—you’ll love the look.

Step 6: Apply the Turkey Rub and Wrap the Roast for Roasting

Gently sprinkle your turkey rub over the rice paper wrap, spreading it evenly with your fingers. Then, grab a large piece of baking parchment and a bigger muslin or cheesecloth square. Wrap the seitan roast tightly in the parchment like a Christmas cracker, twist the ends, then wrap again in the muslin and tie securely with kitchen twine as you would a traditional turkey. This double wrapping provides structure and ensures the roast stays beautifully shaped during roasting.

Step 7: Roast in Flavored Broth

Place your roast in a large Dutch oven. Pour in the boiling vegetable stock, add bay leaves, fresh herbs, salt, brown sugar, garlic halves, onion, carrot, and celery. Cover with the lid and roast in a 170°C oven for 45 minutes. Then, carefully flip the roast so the opposite side is submerged, cover again, and roast for another 45 minutes. This slow cooking in aromatic broth infuses the seitan with incredible flavor and keeps it juicy.

Step 8: Final Basting and Browning

Remove the lid and carefully take out the roast. Snip the twine and unwrap the muslin, then place the roast back in the broth. Use a brush to baste the top with the flavorful broth, then pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for 20 more minutes to get a lovely golden finish. This last step gives you that roast-like browning that everyone craves.

Once done, slice thinly and serve with your favorite sides and gravy—this will be the star of your table!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: I learned that pre-ground old spices dull the flavor, so fresh herbs and high-quality spices really boost the final roast.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dough rest before kneading again makes the texture more tender and less dense.
Be Gentle with Rice Paper: It’s delicate, so quick dips in water—not soaking—work best to avoid tearing.
Wrap Tightly: Wrapping the roast firmly with twine keeps shape and prevents the stuffing from leaking during cooking.

How to Serve Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe

Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love garnishing this roast with fresh thyme sprigs and a few bright dried cranberries for a pop of color and festive flair. A drizzle of vegan gravy and a sprinkle of toasted pecans add great texture and umami depth, too.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, buttery mashed potatoes (vegan, of course!), maple-glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce pair beautifully. Mashed sweet potatoes are one of my family’s favorites with this roast — sweet and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve placed slices of the vegan seitan turkey roast over a bed of wild rice pilaf studded with nuts and herbs. You can also stuff it into vegan dinner rolls to make mini sandwiches for a fun twist. Presentation-wise, placing the slices on a platter adorned with fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, and lemon wedges always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container with a little of the broth to keep them moist in the fridge. They stay great for up to 4 days, making great lunchbox or dinner additions.

Freezing

This vegan seitan turkey roast freezes wonderfully! Just slice it first and freeze in portions with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. I’ve thawed mine overnight in the fridge then reheated without losing any texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices covered in some of the reserved broth in a covered skillet or oven at low heat. This keeps the seitan moist and tender—avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe depends on vital wheat gluten to create the classic chewy texture of seitan, so it’s not suitable for a gluten-free diet. If you’re gluten-free, you might want to explore other vegan roast options made from legumes or mushrooms instead.
How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within 4 days for best flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the vegan stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the stuffing a day in advance lets flavors develop and saves you time on the roast day.
What if I don’t have rice paper sheets?

Rice paper helps keep the seitan moist, but if unavailable, you can try wrapping the roast tightly in parchment paper followed by foil, though the texture may vary slightly.
Is the roasting broth necessary?

Yes! The broth not only keeps the roast moist but steeps it in flavor. Don’t skimp on the herbs and vegetables in the broth—they really make a difference.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Seitan Turkey Roast with Stuffing and Roasting Broth Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen and my family’s holiday tables. It’s the kind of recipe that gets compliments, seconds, and requests to make again. I love how it looks festive, tastes rich, and leaves everyone wondering if it’s the “real” thing. Trust me, once you try making this yourself, you’ll feel proud serving up a hearty, flavorful roast that’s 100% plant-based and utterly delicious. Give it a go and I promise, you’ll have a new favorite to lean on year after year.