this homemade vegan salami is made from seitan and tofu! it is easy to make, comes out delicious, and perfect to have on hand during the holiday season.
the inspiration
A few months ago I had put out a recipe for vegan pepperoni and people have been enjoying it! One day a follower had messaged me and asked if I had a recipe for vegan salami and unfortunately I had to tell them no. However, it made me think that I should make a vegan salami recipe!
This vegan salami recipe is very similar to the vegan pepperoni in preparation and method. It is so delicious and perfect for using on charcuterie boards, sandwiches, on pizza or anywhere else you want!
the ingredients
- Vital Wheat Gluten: the main ingredient in the vegan salami is vital wheat gluten! This is the protein that is found in gluten and it helps to give a meaty texture.
- Super Firm Tofu: this helps to add structure and a little extra protein in our vegan salami.
- Beets: this is to help add some color to the vegan salami.
- Olive Oil: this will add fat to the vegan salami.
- Liquid Smoke: this just adds a light touch of smokiness to it, nothing too crazy. If you want to skip on it, you can!
- Fennel Seeds: this is a typical spice used in sausages and cured meats. It adds in a ton of flavor.
- Black Peppercorns: in salami whole black peppercorns are typically used. If you would rather just use ground black pepper that will work fine as well.
- Other Seasonings: you will also need salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
what is vital wheat gluten?
Now you may be wondering, what is vital wheat gluten? Vital wheat gluten is the protein found in bread, and no, we aren’t making bread. When the vital wheat gluten is kneaded and mixed with other ingredients it turns into a meat-like texture. It works perfectly to make amazing meaty mockmeats! Unfortunately, if you have a gluten allergy this recipe won’t work for you. There is no substitute for vital wheat gluten.
I have made a lot of recipes with vital wheat gluten, which the end product is usually referred to as seitan. There are tons of ways to make seitan and you can turn it into so many things. So, don’t be intimidated by vital wheat gluten it is so fun to cook with! You can find it at health food stores, larger grocery stores with the flour or order it online.
prepping the vegan salami
First, you will take a food processor and blend up the beets and water. I use precooked beets from Love Beets. Then you’ll add in the rest of the ingredients and continue to pulse until it forms a crumbly mixture. It should be broken down very small. It actually will almost resemble a vegan ground beef.
rolling & steaming the vegan salami
After you pulse everything together in a food processor you will then knead the mixture gently with your hands. Then, you just roll the mixture into a long log shape. Following that you will first tightly wrap the vegan salami in parchment paper. The tighter the better because this will expand as it steams.
Finally, you will wrap it in tin foil and twist the ends like a big piece of candy or a party popper. Steam the vegan salami for 30 minutes. Once it is steamed it will puff up in size and really fill out. It becomes so beautiful and totally transforms from how it first started out!
why you’ll love this recipe
I think this vegan salami is the perfect introduction recipe to seitan. It is very DIFFICULT to mess it up. The steaming is basically doing all of the work and it comes out delicious. It is great for anyone who is vegan, vegetarian or just even has the meat ick! The recipe is also high in protein so it is great for snacking on.
more seitan recipes
ways to enjoy this vegan salami
There are so many fun ways to include this vegan salami into your meals and snacks! First, I think it is so fun on a snack board. People will be so impressed you made it yourself. I also like to enjoy it on sandwiches or on pizza. You can really use it anywhere you want. It is very versatile and delicious.
vegan salami faq
- Is this recipe gluten free? No, it uses vital wheat gluten which I have no substitute for at the moment.
- Is this recipe soy free? No, it uses tofu however, you can use a soy-free tofu.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- How long does this recipe last? Up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Can I freeze this? I didn’t try but I think it should be okay.
- Can I make this oil free? I didn’t try this without olive oil, if you have to I think it should be okay. However, just remember pepperoni is rather fatty so the olive oil helps to provide some healthy fats.
- How do I store this? In the fridge in a container.
a recipe note
Something I do want to point out is that I do know the vegan salami didn’t turn out quite the right color. I am not sure why but don’t let that deter you the recipe is great!
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Vegan Salami
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- 3 ounces beets I like to use Love Beets
- 4 ounces super firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor pulse beets and water until broken down. Then add in the tofu, olive oil, seasonings, vital wheat gluten, and liquid smoke. Pulse for 30 to 45 seconds until a crumbly texture is forming and the ingredients are being mixed together.
- Use clean hands to knead together for 1 to 3 minutes. Just until it comes together and forms into a ball. Divide into 2 pieces. Roll out into a 7 to 9 inch log shape.
- Use a piece of parchment paper to roll up the vegan salami tightly and then wrap it tightly in foil. Twist the ends of the foil to make it like a party popper or piece of candy. If you need a visual please check the YouTube video.
- Steam in a steamer basket for 30 minutes. Then let them cool for 20 minutes before unwrapping.
- After you unwrap you can then thinly slice or wait to slice until ready to use.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Love your recipes! Is there a gluten free substitute for the vital wheat gluten? Thanks so much.
Hi I am so happy you like them, unfortunately no sorry. This is a seitan based recipe. However, I have plenty of other seitan free mockmeats on the blog!
Perfect for an antipasto dish for the holidays
Yes exactly! 🙂
hm, mine is still squishy after steaming. should I steam it more?
Hi Julie what happened after it was cooled?
Can this be made in advance?
Sure, it lasts for a few days in the fridge!