Tofu Turkey

Tofu Turkey Recipe with Sage and Yeast

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tofu turkey is a delicious and creative alternative to traditional turkey for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe provides a flavorful and satisfying option for those looking to enjoy a meat-free holiday meal.

History

Tofu turkey has been a popular dish in vegetarian and vegan cuisine for many years. It offers a plant-based alternative to traditional turkey, providing a similar texture and taste without the use of meat.

Ingredients

5 lb (2.27 kg) medium firm tofu
0.5 cup sesame oil (no substitutes)
0.25 cup tamari
5 tbsp veggie chicken seasoning
4 tbsp brewers yeast
1 tbsp Braggs Aminos (or substitute soy sauce)
3 tbsp sage or turkey seasoning
10 to 15 cups dressing

How to prepare

Mash the tofu well. For best results, blend a firm Chinese-style tofu with a smaller portion of Japanese-style tofu, such as Mori-Nu Firm.
Mix the tofu with all the ingredients except tamari, sesame oil, and dressing.
Line an 11-inch colander with a single layer of moistened cheesecloth.
Transfer the tofu to the colander and press it to flatten. Fold the edges of the cheesecloth over the tofu.
Place a cake tin or other flat object over the surface of the tofu and weigh it down with a heavy object (about 5 lb or 2.27 kg) to press the liquid from the tofu.
After the tofu has drained for 1 hour, hollow it out to within 1 inch of the colander.
Fill the cavity with your favorite stuffing and pack it in. Cover with the remaining tofu and pat down to make the surface flat and firm.
Oil a roast or turkey pan, place the pan over the colander, and flip it over so that the flat surface of the filled tofu faces down. Remove the cheesecloth.
Mix sesame oil and tamari to use as a basting liquid. Baste the tofu with the liquid.
Bake covered at 400°F (204°C) for 1 hour.
Remove the cover, baste again, and return to the oven to bake uncovered until the top becomes golden brown, about one more hour.
Baste again at least once during the remaining cooking time.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the stuffing for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor of the tofu turkey.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a firm Chinese-style tofu for the best texture and consistency.

- Pressing the tofu to remove excess liquid is key to achieving a firm and meat-like texture.

- Basting the tofu with a mixture of sesame oil and tamari adds flavor and helps to keep it moist during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tofu turkey with traditional holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the tofu to remove excess liquid helps to achieve a firm texture.

- Basting the tofu with a mixture of sesame oil and tamari adds flavor and moisture during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute soy sauce for tamari if needed.

- Use a different type of oil in place of sesame oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the tofu turkey up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tofu turkey with fresh herbs and serve on a platter with decorative holiday accents.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve tofu turkey with a side of gravy and a glass of red wine for a festive holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tofu turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tofu is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Tofu turkey is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is lower in fat and calories compared to traditional turkey.

Summary

Tofu turkey is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional turkey, perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a plant-based holiday meal option. With a flavorful stuffing and a golden brown crust, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Tofu Turkey. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of gold and red, and I was browsing through a quaint little cookbook shop in the heart of the city. The shop was filled with all sorts of cookbooks, from classic French cuisine to exotic Asian dishes. But it was a small, unassuming book tucked away in a corner that caught my attention.

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that intrigued me like no other. Tofu Turkey. I had never heard of such a thing before, let alone tasted it. The recipe called for marinating tofu in a savory blend of herbs and spices, then roasting it to perfection until it resembled the shape and texture of a traditional Thanksgiving turkey. It was a vegetarian twist on a classic holiday dish, and I knew I had to try it.

I purchased the book and rushed home to my cozy little kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. As I chopped and mixed and seasoned, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Who had come up with the idea of turning tofu into a turkey? I imagined a wise old chef with a twinkle in his eye and a passion for creating new and exciting dishes.

As the tofu turkey roasted in the oven, filling my kitchen with tantalizing aromas, I couldn't contain my excitement. When it was finally done, I pulled it out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown skin and tender interior. I sliced into it and took my first bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect harmony of herbs and spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had discovered something truly special.

Over the years, I have made this tofu turkey recipe countless times, each time tweaking it to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different marinades and seasonings. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all been amazed by its deliciousness. But the origin of the recipe has always remained a mystery to me.

It wasn't until years later, when I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins, that I finally learned the true story behind the tofu turkey recipe. Mrs. Jenkins was a retired chef who had traveled the world in search of new and exciting dishes. As we sat sipping tea in her cozy kitchen, I mentioned the recipe and how much I loved it.

Mrs. Jenkins' eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the tofu turkey," she said with a smile. "I remember the day I first discovered that recipe like it was yesterday. It was during my time in Japan, studying under a master chef who had a talent for combining traditional Japanese ingredients with modern techniques."

She went on to tell me about how she had stumbled upon the recipe in an old cookbook in a dusty corner of a Tokyo market. The cookbook had been written by a young chef who had been experimenting with vegetarian alternatives to traditional meat dishes. The tofu turkey was one of his most popular creations, loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

As I listened to Mrs. Jenkins' story, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude. The tofu turkey recipe had traveled from the hands of a young chef in Japan to the pages of a cookbook in a city shop, and finally into my own kitchen. It had brought joy and flavor to so many people, thanks to the creativity and passion of those who had come before me.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am reminded of the power of a good recipe. It has the ability to bring people together, to inspire and delight, and to create memories that last a lifetime. As I take another bite of my tofu turkey, savoring the familiar flavors and the memories they evoke, I am grateful for the journey that brought this recipe into my life. And I can't wait to see where it will take me next.