Vegan Cajun‑Style “Turkey” Slices

🛒 Ingredients

• #Base Mixture;
• 1 cup vital wheat gluten (for firm meat‑like texture)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast,, 2 tbsp chickpea flour or soy flour,, 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder,, ½ tsp smoked paprika,, ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano.. Pinch of salt and black pepper
• #Wet Mix & Cajun Marinade;
• ¾ cup warm vegetable stock,, 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos,, 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar,, 1 tbsp Cajun spice blend (adjust heat to taste)
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for balance)
• #For Coating & Cooking;
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Extra Cajun spice for dusting

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, chickpea flour, and all the powdered herbs and spices until evenly combined.

2. 2

   Combine wet ingredients: Whisk warm stock, soy sauce, oil, vinegar, Cajun spice, and maple syrup in a separate jug until smooth.

3. 3

   Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a firm dough forms, then knead lightly for 2–3 minutes until elastic — do not over‑knead.

4. 4

   Shape & rest: Form the dough into a neat log or block shape. Wrap loosely in foil or parchment paper, leaving space for it to expand. Let rest for 30 minutes to set the texture.

5. 5

   Cook: Steam for 20–25 minutes, or bake at 180°C / 350°F wrapped for 25 minutes. Unwrap, brush with olive oil and extra Cajun spice, then bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until golden and firm.

6. 6

   Slice & serve: Let cool slightly, then slice thinly or thickly as preferred. Serve warm with sides, in sandwiches, or cold in salads.