Vegan Deli Meat

The Crispy Chef

This easy homemade vegan deli meat is budget-friendly, high in protein, and incredibly customizable! With a chewy texture and rich flavor, it’s the perfect plant-based substitute for classic deli meat. Slice it thin for sandwiches or cube it for a protein-packed snack.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Sandwiches

Cuisine Vegan

Servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups/spoons
Large Pot
Parchment paper
Aluminum foil
Knife or meat slicer

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
2 cups vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp chickpea flour
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt adjust to taste
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup vegetable broth
3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
For Cooking:
4 cups vegetable broth
2-3 bay leaves optional
1 tsp liquid smoke optional

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, chickpea flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and maple syrup.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir with a fork until a dough forms. Knead for 2–3 minutes until stretchy.
Shape the dough into a log or rectangle depending on desired style.
Wrap tightly in parchment paper, then in foil. Twist ends to seal.
Bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a simmer in a pot. Add bay leaves and liquid smoke if using. Simmer wrapped deli meat for 1 hour.
Remove from broth and let cool completely. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight best).
Unwrap and slice thin for sandwiches. Store in fridge or freeze for later.

Notes

For different flavors, adjust the spices or follow the variation ideas below.

Can be frozen for up to 3 months; slice before freezing for convenience.

Not gluten-free; see FAQ section in blog for GF alternatives.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 5gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword homemade seitan, plant-based meat, Vegan deli meat, vegan protein, vegan sandwich meat