It’s almost Christmas of as Phoebe Buffay called it, “needless turkey murder day” so what do vegans and vegetarians eat for Christmas dinner instead? I have actually been eating Thai food for the past few Christmases because I always hated roast dinner! Of course, lots of other vegans and vegetarians are less picky than I am and will want a more traditional Christmas dinner – minus the meat. Here are seven vegan alternatives to turkey for Christmas so you can enjoy the festivities without feeling like your losing out. This list includes both “fake” meats and natural alternatives so there’s something for everyone. There are also some soy-free options!
Vegan Alternatives To Turkey
Tofurky
Tofurky is one of the most popular vegan alternatives to turkey, and is one of the oldest vegan meat alternatives as it’s been around for over 35 years! It’s a soy based meat substitute made from tofu and is filled with a stuffing made from bread crumbs, herbs and spices. It’s one of the options that’s the closest to eating an actual stuffed turkey for Christmas.
Nut Roast
You can buy a store bought nut roast or make it yourself. This is one of the more natural vegan alternatives to turkey, especially if you DIY it, as it’s a loaf made from nuts, grains, vegetable oils, brothers, herbs and spices.
Here are some nut roast recipes to get you started.
Quorn
Quorn do plenty of alternatives to meat and chicken including a turkey roast which is perfect for Christmas dinner but it should be noted that their turkey roast is vegetarian and not vegan as it contains eggs. So, if you want a Quorn Christmas then you’re going to have to opt for one of their chicken products instead.
Quorn is made from a fungus so some people are iffy about them – Christmas is one day a year so I think it’s fine to break out the fake meats but it’s up to you!
Oupmh!
Oumph! is a small-ish brand that makes fake meats from soya protein. I had it before and the flavour is very neutral but the texture is quite meaty which makes them a great vegan alternative to turkey for Christmas – just make sure you season it well!
As far as meat alternatives go, I was really impressed because it had more “normal” ingredients than their competitors, which probably explains the neutral taste, but as I said, the texture makes up for it and you can add whatever flavours you want.
Tofu
Tofu is a meat-free staple for a reason. It absorbs the flavour of spices or marinates so it can become a stand in for almost anything which makes it great for a turkey alternative! Maybe try a stuffed tofu recipe!
Soy is one of the very few “complete” plant based proteins so it has all your essential amino acids!
Check out this tofu turkey dinner.
Burmese Tofu
A lot of people don’t like soy or are allergic to it, which is fine! Burmese tofu is tofu made from chickpeas! It doesn’t taste the exact same as regular tofu, but the flavour is still neutral enough that you can season it into a perfect vegan alternative to Turkey for Christmas.
Try swapping some burmese tofu in place of regular tofu in Christmas recipes!
Seitan
Seitan is another soy product, it’s tougher and firmer than tofu so might be a more suitable vegan alternative to Turney for Christmas if you want to season is or make a stuffing to roll it over.
Check out this seitan turkey roast.
What’s your meat-free Christmas dinner like? Have you tried any of these vegan alternatives to turkey over the holidays? Best of all, these leftovers will still be great in your vegan “turkey” curry after Christmas, of the endless “turkey” sandwiches.
While you’re here, don’t forget about the desserts & beverages!
SIMPLE 5-MINUTE VEGAN GINGERBREAD LATTES – CHRISTMAS IN A CUP
VEGAN PEPPERMINT MOCHA RECIPE – LIKE A CANDY CANE IN A MUG
10 DELICIOUS VEGAN COFFEE DESSERTS FOR COFFEE ADDICTS WITH A SWEET TOOTH
EXTRA CHOCOLATEY VEGAN AVODACO MOUSSE
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays, and please please please let 2021 be a better year! Stay safe.