Brian P McCarthy Vegan Turkey Recipe For Holiday Feasts

As the holiday season approaches or whenever you’re craving a comforting centerpiece without the use of animal products, Brian P McCarthy’s vegan turkey recipe stands out as a delicious, satisfying alternative.

This recipe combines wholesome ingredients with clever techniques to replicate the texture and flavor of traditional turkey, making it a fantastic choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to explore plant-based options.

From the perfect seasoning blend to the moist, tender crumb, this vegan turkey delivers a hearty and festive experience that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or just want to try something new in your weeknight cooking, this recipe balances taste and nutrition beautifully. Plus, it’s made with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, ensuring you won’t be overwhelmed in the kitchen.

Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a flavorful, cruelty-free meal that’s as comforting as the real thing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brian P McCarthy’s vegan turkey recipe offers a fantastic plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Its rich umami profile is enhanced by a blend of herbs and savory seasonings, giving you that familiar roasted turkey taste without any animal products.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add different herbs or stuff it with your favorite vegan stuffing, this vegan turkey remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

Additionally, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, and it pairs wonderfully with classic sides. For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe offers a wonderful canvas for creativity while sticking to wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten – the main base for the turkey’s texture
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast – adds a cheesy, savory flavor
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning – for that traditional turkey herb profile
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth and aroma
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances overall flavor
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for subtle smokiness
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth – keeps the dough moist and adds flavor
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari – for umami depth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps bind
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – for color and subtle sweetness
• 1/2 cup cooked white beans, mashed – adds moisture and protein
• 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms, finely chopped – adds umami and texture
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional) – for a slight crunch and nutty flavor
• Cheesecloth or parchment paper – for wrapping before steaming

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients
• Steamer basket or large pot with lid – for steaming the vegan turkey
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or blender – to finely chop mushrooms and mash beans
• Cheesecloth or parchment paper – for wrapping the loaf
• Kitchen twine – to secure the wrapped loaf
• Baking sheet or tray – to rest the vegan turkey after steaming
• Sharp knife – for slicing before serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushroom and bean mixture: In a food processor, pulse the cooked mushrooms until finely chopped. Mash the white beans until smooth but still slightly textured. Combine both in a bowl and set aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, tomato paste, and the mushroom-bean mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated.
4. Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly sticky. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts during the last minute of kneading.
5. Shape the turkey loaf: Lay out a large sheet of cheesecloth or parchment paper and transfer the dough onto it. Shape the dough into a loaf resembling a turkey breast or log, about 8-10 inches long. Wrap it tightly with the cheesecloth or parchment paper, then secure with kitchen twine at both ends and around the middle.
6. Steam the vegan turkey: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place the wrapped loaf in a steamer basket over the simmering water, cover, and steam for 1 hour. Check the water level occasionally to prevent it from drying out, adding more hot water as needed.
7. Rest and cool: After steaming, carefully remove the loaf and let it rest, still wrapped, for 10 minutes. This helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
8. Optional roasting for browning: For a golden crust, unwrap the loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or vegan butter and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
9. Slice and serve: Allow the vegan turkey to cool slightly before slicing thinly. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For best results, use fresh herbs like thyme or sage in the dough or sprinkle on top before steaming for an extra burst of flavor.”

You can customize this recipe by adding different nuts or seeds to introduce new textures. Try pumpkin seeds or pecans for a unique twist.

If gluten is a concern, note that vital wheat gluten is key for the texture, but you might experiment with other binders like chickpea flour combined with agar agar, though the result will differ.

For a smoky flavor, consider incorporating liquid smoke or smoked salt. You can also stuff the loaf with cooked wild rice or vegan stuffing before wrapping, transforming this into a more substantial centerpiece.

If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the vegetable broth slightly, but be careful not to dry out the dough. Steaming times can be adjusted for smaller or larger loaves.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan turkey pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. For a fresh addition, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

For an elegant meal, try serving slices with vegan stuffing and a drizzle of mushroom gravy. If you’re looking for something simpler, slice it thin and make hearty sandwiches with vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or warm up with the comforting flavors of the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

For a tasty sauce to complement your meal, try the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Brian P McCarthy’s vegan turkey recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved holiday tradition without the use of animal products. With its hearty texture and rich, savory flavor, this plant-based turkey satisfies both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

The recipe’s approachable ingredients and simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while the flexibility allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to explore vegan cooking, this recipe will quickly become a favorite centerpiece. Its nourishing qualities and delicious taste prove that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and celebratory as their traditional counterparts.

Give it a try and enjoy a compassionate, delicious feast!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brian P McCarthy Vegan Turkey”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A savory and hearty vegan turkey alternative perfect for holiday meals. Made with seitan and flavorful herbs for a satisfying centerpiece.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT60M”, “totalTime”: “PT80M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1 tablespoon poultry seasoning”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon tomato paste”, “1 teaspoon liquid smoke”, “1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, tomato paste, liquid smoke, and mashed chickpeas.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry and knead for 3-5 minutes until elastic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape the dough into a turkey loaf and wrap tightly in foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam the wrapped loaf for 45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil and bake the loaf for an additional 15 minutes to brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250”, “proteinContent”: “25g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}