Out of Turkey, one case
Vegan turkey substitute for thanksgiving
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Commercial plant-based turkey roasts
Same amount as the turkey
For Thanksgiving vegan turkey, the best options are commercial plant-based roasts like Tofurky or Field Roast, homemade seitan roasts, or stuffed portobello mushrooms. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these Thanksgiving-specific techniques for the good holiday centerpiece.
- Best for —
- holiday centerpiece
One casethe full vegan turkey card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of turkey |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial plant-based turkey roastsholiday centerpiece | Same amount |
| 2 | Homemade seitan turkey roastcustomizable flavor | Same amount |
| 3 | Stuffed portobello mushroomsindividual servings | 1 large portobello per person |
| 4 | Tempeh holiday roastsmaller portions | Same amount |
| 5 | Jackfruit pulled turkeypulled turkey style | Same amount |
Commercial plant-based turkey roasts
varies by brand, often well-seasoned with herbs
Pre-made vegan turkey roasts from brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, or Gardein. Designed specifically for holiday meals with stuffing and gravy.
- Best for
- holiday centerpiece, traditional presentation, convenience, when you want authentic turkey experience
- Texture
- similar to turkey, firm and sliceable
Follow package instructions for cooking time and temperature. Most come with stuffing and gravy. Good for traditional Thanksgiving presentation.
Homemade seitan turkey roast
neutral base, takes on seasoning flavors
DIY seitan-based turkey roast made with vital wheat gluten, vegetable broth, and traditional Thanksgiving seasonings.
- Best for
- customizable flavor, cost-effective, when you want control over ingredients, impressive presentation
- Texture
- meaty, similar to turkey breast
Requires advance preparation. Steam or simmer before roasting. Can be stuffed with traditional stuffing. Slice against the grain for best texture.
Stuffed portobello mushrooms
earthy, umami mushroom flavor
Large portobello mushroom caps stuffed with traditional Thanksgiving stuffing and roasted until tender.
- Best for
- individual servings, gluten-free option, quick preparation, elegant presentation
- Texture
- tender mushroom with crispy stuffing
Remove gills and stem. Stuff with your favorite stuffing recipe. Roast until mushrooms are tender and stuffing is heated through.
Tempeh holiday roast
nutty, slightly fermented with herb flavors
Seasoned tempeh roast with traditional Thanksgiving herbs and spices, good for smaller gatherings.
- Best for
- smaller portions, nutty flavor preference, fermented food benefits, quick preparation
- Texture
- firm, slightly crumbly
Marinate tempeh in vegetable broth and herbs for at least 2 hours. Slice thin and arrange in a baking dish. Baste during cooking.
Jackfruit pulled turkey
neutral, takes on sauce and seasoning flavors
Young jackfruit seasoned and cooked to mimic pulled turkey, good for sandwiches or as a side dish.
- Best for
- pulled turkey style, BBQ flavors, sandwich filling, casual presentation
- Texture
- shredded, similar to pulled meat
Use young, unripe jackfruit in brine. Shred and season with Thanksgiving herbs. Cook until tender and sauce-like consistency.
How it behaves in this recipe
Thanksgiving vegan turkey substitutes need to serve as the centerpiece of the holiday meal, providing both visual appeal and satisfying flavor. The recommended substitutes work because they offer the traditional Thanksgiving experience while being completely plant-based.
Tips for substituting turkey
10 tips- For Thanksgiving vegan turkey, presentation is key - choose options that look impressive on the holiday table
- Plan ahead - most vegan turkey roasts need to thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Baste your vegan turkey with vegetable broth and herbs every 30 minutes during cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature (165°F for most products)
- Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute
- Serve with traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce
- Make extra gravy - vegan turkey pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful gravies
- Consider making a small test batch of homemade seitan before the big day
- For stuffed options, prepare stuffing separately to ensure even cooking
- Garnish with fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for authentic Thanksgiving presentation
Notes on turkey
- Consider a vegan Wellington with mushrooms and nuts as an elegant alternative
- Try a stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and vegetables for a seasonal presentation
- Make individual vegan turkey roulades for a more refined approach
- Create a vegan turkey pot pie for a comforting, family-style presentation
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best commercial vegan turkey roast for Thanksgiving?
Tofurky and Field Roast are popular choices. Tofurky offers traditional presentation with stuffing and gravy, while Field Roast has a more artisanal approach with different flavor profiles.
How long does it take to cook a vegan turkey roast?
Cooking times vary by product. Most commercial roasts take 1-2 hours, while homemade seitan roasts may take 2-3 hours. Always follow package instructions and use a thermometer.
Can I make vegan turkey ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
Yes! You can prepare homemade seitan roasts up to 3 days ahead and reheat. Commercial roasts can be prepared the day before and reheated, though fresh is always best.
What sides go best with vegan turkey?
Traditional Thanksgiving sides work well: mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and vegan gravy.
How do I make vegan gravy for Thanksgiving turkey?
Make a roux with vegan butter and flour, add vegetable broth, and season with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Add a splash of soy sauce for umami depth.
Can I stuff a homemade vegan turkey roast?
Yes! When making seitan roasts, you can wrap the dough around stuffing before steaming and roasting. This creates a traditional stuffed turkey presentation.