While recently experimenting with a seitan based fake turkey, I was curious if I was even pursuing the right media for making a fake vegan turkey.
With respect to the following characteristics, what vegan meat substitute media (as in, can approximate turkey not necessarily in nutrition but rather taste) fits best? What preparation of the media is most suited to creating this profile? Why?
- Has the defined texture of turkey meat
- Has the defined texture of turkey skin, whether deep-fried or baked
- Has the moisture level of either light or dark meat
- Has the flavor compatibility to suit either a mushroom or vegan sausage stuffing
- Has the flavor compatibility to suit either a rosemary or vegan sausage gravy
- When made from scratch, does not exceed the cost of a relatively sized bird
Please note, I am not asking about pre-packaged or brands of media, but rather media and preparations themselves (i.e. not Field Roast or Tofurkey, but rather Seitan/Vital Wheat Gluten)
Best Answer
I always make a tofu turkey by blending tofu with herbs and flavorings and then draining over night in a colander dressed with a kitchen towel. The next day I shape the tofu info a turkey shape with stuffing inside, wrap it in a soaked yuba sheat and bake it in the oven, brushing with butter and marinade occasionally.
This "turkey" will not have the texture of turkey meat but it will be carvable.
The skin will have a texture similar to turkey skin.
The flavor of this "turkey" (I use a lot of sage, light miso and poultry seasoning) is very traditional and goes well together with above mentioned gravies and stuffings.
When brushed with enough marinade and butter it will be moist if a little crumbly.
I spent about 10 € on the tofu (6 blocks of 450 g each), 2.50 € on the skin and 5 € on the herbs. If you have buy seasoning, miso, etc, it will cost more.