Name: 5 Minute Vegan Turkey
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3/4 block tofu (thinly sliced lenght-wise); 1 Tbsp oil; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 2-3 Tbsp water; 1 tsp liquid smoke; 2 tsp dried sage; 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp marjoram; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp pepper; dash salt

My quick 5 Minute Vegan Turkey is made of thinly sliced tofu, marinated in a savoury poultry marinade. These deli slices take just 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes of pan frying, making them perfect for weekday lunches.

There’s nothing better than a freshly made turkey sandwich with tomato, lettuce and mustard. Its one of life’s simple comforts.

What This 5 Minute Vegan Turkey Tastes Like

This recipe for 5 Minute Vegan Turkey makes for a quick and wholesome homeade plant-based deli turkey. It has the consistency and texture of tofu because well, it is tofu! But, it has a lovely turkey flavour that works so well in a turkey sandwich.

This recipe is delicious, but it won’t get you the turkey texture of a seitan meat. My 5 Minute Vegan Turkey is meant to be a very quick super satisfying, turkey-flavoured tofu to add to sandwiches and wraps.

It’s a much healthier alternative to store bought over-processed vegan turkey slices. This turkey is also a quick alternative to time and labour intensive seitan turkeys. You can whip up this plant-based tofu turkey for a healthy and wholesome lunchtime sandwich with a mustard and Vegan Mayo or Vegenaise. It’s also great for weekly food prep!

Ingredients in 5 Minute Vegan Turkey

This plant-based turkey is made of simple whole ingredients:

Tofu (use firm or medium firm, sliced thinly)
Dried sage, marjoram, nutmeg and thyme (or use your favourite poultry seasoning)
Salt & pepper

Oil
Water
Liquid Smoke

Soy Sauce

Making a Vegan Turkey Sandwich

Use my tasty and quick tofu-based vegan turkey to make a wholesome turkey sandwich!

I suggest crafting the perfect sandwich by starting out with a quality bakery loaf. I used a white sandwich bread from my local bakery.

Next add a generous amount of organic yellow mustard to one slice of bread, and a thin layer of vegan mayonnaise to another.

Layer on a healthy helping of lettuce, then several slices of the vegan turkey, some slices of tomatoes and top with lovely sprouts. Enjoy!

How to Make 5 Minute Vegan Turkey

Drain tofu and remove excess water (either pat with a paper towel or use a tofu press).

Cut 3/4 of the block of tofu into thin slices length-wise. (store remaining tofu in fridge).

Add all spices to a small bowl.
Add the liquids to bowl and whisk until combined.

Pour the marinade into a shallow bowl or (lipped) plate and coat each slice of tofu in marinade.

Add all slices of tofu to a pan on medium heat high heat until slightly crispy on both sides (approximately 5 minutes).

Serve in a sandwich or wrap!

Common Questions

How should I use the turkey?

Use this turkey as you would a turkey cold cut or deli meat. That is, in sandwiches and wraps.

This turkey is not meant to be used as a turkey breast or a Thanksgiving meal with gravy. You can if you like, but it’s mean as a sandwich meat, rather than a hearty turkey meal.

Can I freeze the turkey?

I don’t recommend freezing, as freezing tofu changes its texture.

How long will they last in the fridge?

These vegan turkey slices will last in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 6-7 days.