Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (2024)

Updated: by Vera Morgan · This post may contain affiliate links · 75 Comments

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This vegan ham is the best vegetarian alternative to real ham made with wheat gluten and tofu! Delicious juicy meaty Tofurky style seitan roast recipe for your plant based holiday meal or slice as deli meat for ham sandwiches! So easy!

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (1)

OMG wait until you taste this vegan ham recipe! It’s juicy meaty slightly smoky and won’t fall apart! It tastes a lot like ham and has the same chewy texture! My family couldn’t believe it was vegan! it is seriously the best mock meat and super simple to make!

You’ll have the hardiest of carnivores coming back for seconds!

Ham was my favourite during the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter or anytime! My mom used to fry the leftovers and make Chinese ham fried rice the next day, Mmm and now I can do that again! much healthier and plant based!

So I’m super thrilled with how my vegan glazed ham turned out, it is so flipping good!! (You definitely won’t be able to buy this anywhere!) Seasonings are spot on! It's fabulous main course served with stuffing, scalloped potatoes, cranberry sauce or a dollop of apple sauce! roasted veggies and whatever else you fancy! Yumm!! Hope you love it too! Keep reading… you’re on a roll!

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (2)

What is vegan ham made of?

  • I used vital wheat gluten and tofu for the ‘seitan’ tofurkey effect, various spices, vegetable stock (better than beef bouillon) liquid smoke for smokiness, ketchup, maple syrup for sweetness and an amazing maple mustard glaze that makes this vegan ham roast over the top delicious!

What is seitan?

  • Seitan is a vegan meat substitute made using vital wheat gluten. It is sometimes referred to as “wheat meat”

What is vital wheat gluten?

  • Vital Wheat Gluten is made from wheat. It is made by washing the wheat flour with water until all the starch has been removed. And you are then left with the gluten which must be cooked before eaten.

How do you make vegan Ham?

For full instructions and ingredients see recipe card below

  1. To make mock ham: Drain tofu wrap in paper bowl squeeze out extra moisture with your hands. Break into chunks and add to food processorwith rest of ingredients EXCEPT GLUTEN and process until smooth like a puree.
  2. Now add vital wheat gluten evenly over the top and mix until just combined, it’s ok if you see a bit of flour on top.
  3. Turn dough onto counter and knead 20-25 times and form into a ham shaped loaf.
  4. Wrap tightly and completely with a large piece of tin foil andplace in a steamer insert of a steamer pot. Fill the base of the pot with water making sure it doesn’t touch the steamer insert. Cover and steam for 1 hour check half way though cooking time and add more water if it’s getting to low
  5. While ham is steaming preheat oven to 375° and whisk the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
  6. To glaze and bake: Unwrap ham, place on cutting board. Score the ham in a crisscross pattern (shallow cuts) and decorate with whole cloves if desired.Place in a small casserole dish (just a little bigger than the roast) pour over the maple mustard glaze. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes basting generously with the glaze every 10 minutes. Remove from oven spoon over more glaze. Cool for a couple minutes, slice and serve.Enjoy with all the holiday fixings like vegan scalloped potatoes, or mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cornbread, roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie for dessert! Oh yah!

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (3)

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (4)

Vegan Ham Q & A:

Can it be made ahead of time?

  • Yes you can make up to 1-2 days before hand (just the steaming method) cool to room temperature wrap and refrigerate and to reheat let sit out on counter for 20 minutes, make the glaze and follow baking instructions. FYI- once steamed the ham is ready to eat.

Can it be frozen?

  • Yes it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes great, I like to portion and slice it first then wrap in plastic wrap add to a container and freeze.

Can it be made gluten free?

  • No this recipe can only be made with vital wheat gluten there are no substitutions. So it is not gluten free. if you're looking for gluten free main dish try my Vegan Meatloaf made with impossible burger!

Is there other cooking methods besides steaming?

  • Absolutley! you can use instant pot instead of steaming. Place foil wrapped ham on rack inside the Instant Pot. Add 2 and ½ cups of water. Close and lid, set pressure valve to sealing, select the steam option. Set it to 30 minutes. Once done let pressure release naturally.

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (5)

Enjoy you guys! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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Want more Seitan Recipes? Check these out:

  • Best Vegan Steak Recipe
  • Vegan Turkey Recipe
  • Vegetarian Salsbury Steak meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy (Meatball version)
  • Vegan Burger (Best Grillable Vegan Burger Ever!)

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Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (6)

Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan)

★★★★★5 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Verna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This vegan ham is the best vegetarian alternative to real ham made with wheat gluten and tofu! Delicious juicy meaty Tofurky style seitan roast recipe for your plant based holiday meal or slice as deli meat for ham sandwiches! So easy!

Ingredients

Scale

For Ham:

  • 2 teaspoons better than bouillon vegetarian no beef soup base (vegan)
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 package (400 grams) extra firm tofu
  • a few drops of red food colouring (optional for colour)
  • 1 and ½ cups vital wheat gluten
  • whole cloves (for decorating- optional)

For glaze:

  • 1 teaspoon better than beef bouillon
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 and ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. To make mock ham: Drain tofu, wrap in paper towels and squeeze out extra moisture with your hands. Break into chunks and add to food processor with rest of ingredients EXCEPT GLUTEN and process until smooth like a puree
  2. Now add vital wheat gluten evenly over the top and mix until just combined, it's ok if you see a bit of flour on top.
  3. Turn dough onto counter and knead 20-25 times and form into a ham shaped loaf.
  4. Wrap tightly and completely with a large piece of tin foil and place in a steamer insert of a steamer pot. Fill the base of the pot with water making sure it doesn't touch the steamer insert. Cover and steam for 1 hour. Flip half way though cooking time and add more water if it's getting to low
  5. While ham is steaming preheat oven to 375° and whisk the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
  6. To glaze and bake:Unwrap ham, place on cutting board. Score the ham in a crisscross pattern (shallow cuts) and decorate with whole cloves if desired. Place in a small casserole dish (just a little bigger than the roast) pour over the maple glaze. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes basting generously with the glaze every 10 minutes. Remove from oven spoon over more glaze. Cool for a couple minutes, slice and serve. Enjoy any night of the week or with all the holiday fixings likevegan scalloped potatoes, ormashed potatoes,gravy,stuffing,cornbread,roasted vegetables,pumpkin piefor dessert! or slice thin for ham sandwiches! Mmm. For step by step photos see above post

Notes

  • To make ahead of time: Yes you can make up to 1-2 days before hand (just the steaming method) cool to room temperature wrap and refrigerate. To reheat let sit out on counter for 20 minutes, make the glaze and follow baking instructions. FYI- once steamed the ham is ready to eat.
  • To store and freeze: It will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes great, I like to portion and slice it first then wrap in plastic wrap add to a container and freeze.
  • Gluten free: No this recipe can only be made with vital wheat gluten there are no substitutions. So it is not gluten free. if you're looking for gluten free main dish try myVegan Meatloafmade with impossible burger
  • Instant Pot: you can use instant pot instead of steaming. Place foil wrapped ham on rack inside the Instant Pot. Add 2 and ½ cups of water. Close lid, set pressure valve to sealing, select the steam option Set it to 30 minutes. Press start. Once done let pressure release naturally.

Cooking method inspired by Hidden Veggies

  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 Minutes
  • Category: Mains, Vegan Holiday Recipes,
  • Method: Stovetop and oven
  • Cuisine: American, Canadian,

Keywords: vegan ham, seitan ham, Tofurky roast,

More Mains

  • Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
  • Sweet and Savory Summer Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
  • Vegan Tofu Salmon Rice Bowl
  • The Best Vegan BBQ Ribs

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristine

    Made this yesterday for Easter and it turned out great- definitely will make this again!

    Reply

  2. Melissa

    Hi, how many packages of tofu did you use for the ham in your pictures? Thanks

    Reply

    • Bonnie

      I made this today. We have been vegan for 7 years and my husband misses ham. My whole kitchen smelled like baked ham while it was cooking. It tastes so good!!! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply

  3. Sarah Rolph

    I am new to vegan food. I don't know what seitan should taste like and I don't think this recipe actually tastes like ham. Having said that, it really does taste very good indeed and the recipe was very easy to follow and the end result looked just like your picture. I look forward to trying more of your recipes.

    Reply

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Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan) (2024)

FAQs

How to make seitan not rubbery? ›

I some times add a tablespoon of potato starch or cornstarch, this adds consistency without making it too rubbery or hard (don't knead as much).

Is it better to boil or steam seitan? ›

Boiling seitan makes it have a brainy spongey texture, frying seitan (without first steaming it) makes it rubbery and spongey, baking it makes it dry and rubbery. Steaming seitan, on the other hand, will yield the perfect meaty, juicy, chewy, yet tender seitan every single time.

What is a vegan substitute for ham hocks? ›

For those adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, smoked paprika emerges as a potent and flavorful replacement for ham hocks. This versatile spice introduces a smoky undertone that can mimic the essence of traditional split pea soup.

Is it cheaper to make your own seitan? ›

The best part is that making seitan at home is easy, and it's much cheaper than buying pre-made or store-bought seitan.

What are the disadvantages of seitan? ›

What are the cons?
  • Not suitable for those with gluten-sensitivities or coeliac disease.
  • Doesn't absorb much flavour.
  • High amounts of sodium (salt) in the packaged product.
  • Seitan is hard to source unlike other vegetarian protein alternatives meaning you may have to venture to a specialty vegetarian “butcher”

Why does my stomach hurt after eating seitan? ›

Digestive Discomfort: Seitan is high in protein and can cause digestive discomfort in some people, especially if consumed in large quantities or if the digestive system is not used to high-protein foods.

Is it OK to eat homemade seitan everyday? ›

Eat it sparingly,” he says. “It's not necessarily a once a day thing, and if you think you need a plant-based option I'd actually suggest tofu over seitan.” That said, Mora says there's no denying that folks can benefit from adding seitan to their menu—especially since it comes in a variety of flavor profiles.

What is the best flour for seitan? ›

For a better flavor and a cheaper price, try washing the flour and make your seitan from bread flour! The brand of bread flour doesn't matter. Choose a high protein flour for a larger yield. You can make this with all-purpose flour, however you will have a smaller yield.

Who should avoid seitan? ›

While seitan is a versatile plant-based protein, people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or gluten allergy should avoid it. Premade seitan can also be high in sodium, so it's important to read the nutrition label if you monitor your sodium intake.

How to add ham flavor without ham? ›

For a smoky ham or bacon flavor, there is a liquid hickory smoke flavoring, or a smoked paprika. For a more general kind of meaty taste that can imitate chicken or pork, I like nutritional yeast flakes.

What do vegetarians eat instead of ham? ›

1 Vegan Ham With Seitan

Because of its meaty texture and appearance, seitan is a common ingredient in vegan ham. This recipe combines it with tofu to get a really juicy, chewy result that even looks almost identical to the real deal.

What are the best meat substitutes for vegans? ›

Vegetarian Meat Alternatives Ranked From Best to Worst
  1. Texturized Soy Protein. This is a no-brainer – texturized vegetable protein, also known as texturized soy protein, wins in overall meat-like texture and taste. ...
  2. Tofu. ...
  3. King Oyster Mushrooms. ...
  4. Seitan. ...
  5. Jackfruit. ...
  6. Tempeh. ...
  7. Cauliflower. ...
  8. Beans and legumes.
Apr 21, 2022

Why is my seitan so rubbery? ›

Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy. Conversely, undercooking can make certain cuts feel tough. Aging Process: Steaks that are not properly aged can be less tender. At Heartstone Farm, our grass-fed beef is aged 14 days for optimal tenderness.

What is healthier seitan or tofu? ›

However, while seitan is an excellent plant-based protein alternative, tofu is a complete protein (seitan lacks the amino acid lysine). Unseasoned tofu is typically lower in sodium than store-bought seitan, which can be processed with salt, sugar or other flavors added.

Why add chickpea flour to seitan? ›

chickpea flour - This tenderizes the seitan by disrupting the gluten formation. You can also use other types, such as oat flour or all-purpose. nutritional yeast - Adds umami and also helps tenderize the seitan.

Why is my seitan too chewy? ›

I often have people message me that the texture of their setian is off/gummy/soft or anything but right, and most of time it is because they did not let it rest. Seitan, much like myself, appreciates a nice long nap. If you don't let it rest, do not expect the texture to be what you are wanting.

How to prevent seitan from getting spongy? ›

The absolute GOLDEN rule here: Don't boil! Simmer. SUPER important so we're telling you upfront. If you cook your seitan in boiling water, you'll have a spongy texture where all the bubbles have penetrated it.

How do you make seitan meaty texture? ›

Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes so it develops strands of gluten – this is what gives seitan its meaty texture.

How do you tenderize seitan? ›

Unwrap the seitan and place it in an airtight container. Pour in 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth and 2 teaspoons of tamari, then refrigerate the seitan overnight in the marinade. The next day, the seitan will be tender and juicy, perfect for use in various recipes!

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