Vegan turkey substitutes
Vegan turkey substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Seitan
Same amount as the vegan turkey
Wheat-based protein with meaty texture and neutral flavor.
The best substitutes for vegan turkey are seitan, tempeh, tofu, or commercial plant-based turkey products, depending on the use.
- Best for —
- roasting
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegan turkey |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seitanroasting | Same amount |
| 2 | Tempehgrilling | Same amount |
| 3 | Extra-firm tofubaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Commercial plant-based turkeyholiday roasts | Same amount |
| 5 | Mushroomsgrilling | Same amount |
| 6 | Jackfruitpulled turkey applications | Same amount |
Seitan
neutral, absorbs seasonings
Wheat-based protein with meaty texture and neutral flavor.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, sandwiches, holiday meals, slicing
- Texture
- meaty, similar to turkey
High in protein, absorbs marinades well, gluten-free alternative needed for celiac diets.
Tempeh
nutty, slightly fermented
Fermented soy protein with nutty flavor and firm texture.
- Best for
- grilling, baking, stir-frying, sandwiches, casseroles
- Texture
- firm, slightly crumbly
Rich in probiotics, needs proper seasoning, slice thin for best texture.
Extra-firm tofu
neutral, takes on seasoning flavors
Soy-based protein that can be seasoned and textured to mimic turkey.
- Best for
- baking, grilling, stir-frying, ground applications, casseroles
- Texture
- firm when pressed, crumbly when broken
Press and marinate for best results, can be crumbled for ground turkey substitute.
Commercial plant-based turkey
varies by brand, often well-seasoned
Pre-made vegan turkey products from brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, or Gardein.
- Best for
- holiday roasts, sandwiches, quick meals, when you want convenience
- Texture
- similar to turkey, varies by product
Follow package instructions, often pre-seasoned, convenient option.
Mushrooms
earthy, umami
Portobello or king oyster mushrooms with meaty texture.
- Best for
- grilling, roasting, sandwiches, stir-frying, soups
- Texture
- meaty when cooked properly
Portobello caps work great for burgers, king oyster mushrooms shred like pulled turkey.
Jackfruit
neutral, takes on sauce flavors
Young jackfruit that shreds like pulled meat when cooked.
- Best for
- pulled turkey applications, tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, BBQ dishes
- Texture
- shredded, similar to pulled meat
Use young, unripe jackfruit in brine, needs strong seasoning for flavor.
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best vegan turkey substitute for Thanksgiving?
Commercial plant-based turkey roasts like Tofurky or Field Roast work best for holiday meals, or make your own seitan roast with proper seasoning.
Can I use seitan instead of vegan turkey in any recipe?
Yes, seitan is an excellent substitute for vegan turkey in most recipes. It has a meaty texture and neutral flavor that works well in sandwiches, roasts, and casseroles.
How do I make tofu taste like turkey?
Press the tofu, marinate it in a mixture of vegetable broth, soy sauce, poultry seasoning, and herbs for at least 30 minutes, then cook it until golden brown.
What's the difference between tempeh and seitan for turkey substitute?
Tempeh is fermented soy with a nutty flavor and crumbly texture, while seitan is wheat-based with a meatier texture and neutral flavor that absorbs seasonings better.
Can I make vegan turkey from scratch?
Yes! You can make seitan-based vegan turkey using vital wheat gluten, vegetable broth, and seasonings. There are many recipes available online for homemade vegan turkey roasts.
What's the best substitute for ground turkey?
Crumbled extra-firm tofu, commercial plant-based ground, or crumbled tempeh work well as ground turkey substitutes. Season with herbs and spices for best flavor.
Tips for substituting vegan turkey
10 tips- Marinate vegan turkey substitutes for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor
- For seitan, steam or simmer before roasting for better texture
- Press tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture before cooking
- Use poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and rosemary for authentic turkey flavor
- For holiday roasts, baste with vegetable broth and herbs during cooking
- Slice seitan and tempeh against the grain for better texture
- For ground turkey substitute, crumble tofu or use commercial plant-based ground
- Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for smoky flavor
- Let cooked vegan turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing
- Store homemade vegan turkey in the refrigerator for up to 5 days