Caribbean Vegan Ham Recipe That Tastes Just Like Meat

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this delightful Caribbean Vegan Ham recipe! Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a smoky, savory centerpiece without any animal products.

This vegan ham embraces traditional Caribbean spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, combined with a tender, protein-packed base made from vital wheat gluten and chickpeas. The result is a beautifully textured, flavorful dish that rivals any classic ham.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe delivers on taste and presentation. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of island sunshine to your kitchen.

Let’s dive into the magic of Caribbean cuisine and create a show-stopping vegan ham that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caribbean Vegan Ham is a game-changer for plant-based cooks. It’s packed with rich, smoky flavors perfectly balanced by the sweetness of molasses and the heat of scotch bonnet pepper.

The texture mimics traditional ham beautifully thanks to vital wheat gluten, making it satisfyingly chewy and substantial.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can bake it for a festive meal or slice it thinly for sandwiches.

Plus, it’s packed with protein and free from common allergens like dairy and eggs. If you love vibrant, spicy flavors and crave a vegan alternative to holiday ham, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper powder (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Loaf pan (8×4 inches recommended)
• Aluminum foil
• Steamer or large pot with lid
• Baking sheet
• Basting brush

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and scotch bonnet pepper powder.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, molasses, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Whisk until well blended.
3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms, then knead with your hands in the bowl for about 3-5 minutes. This helps develop the gluten for a firm, ham-like texture.
4. Shape the dough: Shape the dough into a loaf approximately the size of your loaf pan. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to seal.
5. Steam the vegan ham: Place the foil-wrapped loaf in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 60 minutes. Check water levels occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Prepare the glaze: While steaming, mix 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup in a small bowl.
7. Preheat the oven: Once steaming is complete, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake with glaze: Remove the ham from foil carefully and place it on a baking sheet. Brush generously with the glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes to build a glossy, sticky coating.
9. Rest and slice: Let the vegan ham cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, add 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted cashews or walnuts to the dough before steaming.

If you can’t find scotch bonnet pepper powder, substitute with habanero powder or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

To make this recipe gluten-free, try substituting vital wheat gluten with a firm tofu and chickpea flour mixture, though the texture will be softer.

You can also experiment with the glaze by adding pineapple juice or orange marmalade for a sweet tropical flavor. For extra smokiness, increase the liquid smoke slightly but avoid overpowering the spices.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Caribbean Vegan Ham shines when served alongside classic island sides like calypso rice or a fresh mango salsa. Try pairing thin slices with grilled pineapple and roasted sweet potatoes for a vibrant plate full of contrast and balance.

For a casual meal, slice it thin and layer it in sandwiches with vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece for holiday gatherings served with your favorite vegan gravy and steamed vegetables.

Explore more delicious recipes to complement your meal, such as our Calypso Rice Recipe or try a refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe to celebrate your cooking success!

Conclusion

Creating a Caribbean Vegan Ham is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the warmth and spice of the islands to your table without any animal products. This recipe combines traditional Caribbean flavors with modern plant-based ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both tasty and nourishing.

Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption, this ham offers a festive, satisfying alternative that everyone can enjoy. The combination of spices, smoky glaze, and hearty texture makes it a standout at any meal.

Don’t forget to check out other fantastic recipes on our site like the Harvest Hash Recipe or the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for more plant-based inspiration. Happy cooking and enjoy the taste of the Caribbean!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Caribbean Vegan Ham”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful plant-based ham inspired by Caribbean spices and sweetness. Perfect for festive meals or as a savory vegan centerpiece.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/2 cup chickpea flour”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup vegetable broth”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “2 tbsp maple syrup”, “1 tbsp smoked paprika”, “1 tbsp garlic powder”, “1 tbsp onion powder”, “1 tsp ground allspice”, “1 tsp ground black pepper”, “1/4 cup tomato paste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and nutritional yeast.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato paste, and spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry and knead until dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape dough into a ham loaf and wrap tightly in foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 1 hour, turning halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “18g”, “fatContent”: “4g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20g”}}