• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cheeky Chickpea
  • Home
  • Instant Pot
  • Sign up
  • About Verna
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Sign up
  • About
  • Contact
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
  • Breakfast & Baking
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Gluten free
  • Mains
  • Salads
  • Sauces & Dressings
  • Snacks & Sides
  • Soups
  • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • All Recipes
    • Sign up
    • About
    • Contact
    • Instant Pot
    • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
    • Breakfast & Baking
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten free
    • Mains
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Snacks & Sides
    • Soups
    • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Mains

    Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan)

    Updated: Jan 20, 2023 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 69 Comments

    2519 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe
    vegan ham roast sliced in a platter

    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!

    vegan ham slices on a platter with a fork

    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!

    vegan ham sliced on cutting board

    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 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 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!

    step by step photos how to make vegan ham

    step by step photos baking and serving ham

    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 1/2 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.

    seitan ham sliced on a serving plate

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

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based  & Vegan Recipes❤️

    Want more Seitan Recipes? Check these out:

    • Best Vegan Steak Recipe
    • Best Vegan ‘Chicken’ Salad – Quick & Easy too!
    • Vegan Turkey Recipe
    • Vegetarian Salsbury Steak meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy (Meatball version)
    • Vegan Burger (Best Grillable Vegan Burger Ever!)
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    vegan ham roast on a platter sliced

    Best Vegan Ham Recipe (Seitan)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 21 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin 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)
    • 3/4 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
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 package (400 grams) extra firm tofu
    • a few drops of red food colouring (optional for colour)
    • 1 and 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
    • whole cloves (for decorating- optional)

    For glaze:

    • 1 teaspoon better than beef bouillon
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 and 1/2 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 like vegan scalloped potatoes, or mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cornbread, roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie for 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 my Vegan Meatloaf made 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 1/2 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,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

    More Mains

    • Easy Vegan Pad Thai
    • Mexican Tater Tot Casserole (Vegan)
    • Vegan White Chili
    • Vegan Biryani
    2519 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ewa

      January 11, 2023 at 7:50 am

      I did it!!!
      This vegan ham is Amazing! Perfect, dense consistence, easy to prepare recipe, stunning result! I didnt even think it will be this good, thqnk you very much!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Laura

      December 08, 2022 at 11:35 am

      Easy and delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna Rindler

        December 08, 2022 at 11:58 am

        I am glad you enjoyed it Laura 🙂 thank you for your feedback!

        Reply
    3. Carolyn

      November 24, 2022 at 10:22 pm

      Do you think k could use a package of tofu that I have in my freezer? Thanks

      Reply
      • Verna Rindler

        November 25, 2022 at 7:52 am

        Hi Carolyn, no pre-frozen and defrosted tofu won't work for this recipe, it won't blend properly, consistancy needs to be smooth. Hope this helps, enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    4. Laura Ridgeway

      July 28, 2022 at 12:13 pm

      could garbanzo beans be substituted for the tofu like the turkey loaf recipe?

      Reply
      • Verna

        July 28, 2022 at 7:12 pm

        Hi Laura, I have not tried, I imagine it could work just fine but I try to measure pretty accurately for seitan recipes so can't guarantee it. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Lisa

      June 27, 2022 at 8:18 pm

      Can you dice up the left overs and add it to a macaroni salad?

      Reply
      • Verna

        June 28, 2022 at 6:33 am

        Absolutley! the vegan ham would be wonderful in macaroni salad, Enjoy Lisa!

        Reply
    6. Susan

      April 26, 2022 at 5:05 am

      My husband is a huge fan of my seitan turk'y. A couple weeks ago I got my hands on some Orrington Farms Vegan Ham broth base so I made your ham..He loved it. I wasn't convinced he would forego his beloved turky for it but when I asked him today which deli meat I should make, he said "that delicious ham, please!". Yay! I was getting bored if turky sandwiches.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        April 26, 2022 at 6:50 am

        Oh that is so nice of you to say, Thank you so much Susan you made my day! What a nice compliment 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kim

      March 29, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      Hi, it's a great recipe and the flavor is really nice BUT mine turned out very spongy, not at all like seitan. Anyone know what I did wrong (and/or how I can fix it)? I did all according to directions, 30 minutes in the Instant Pot and then 30 minutes in the oven with basting every ten. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 29, 2022 at 3:03 pm

        Hi Kim sorry to hear that, next time you could try squeezing out more water from tofu or add a bit more gluten and bake a little longer. Try the steaming method next time that is my favourite cooking method. Hope that helps 🙂 Texture will improve the next day as well.

        Reply
        • Kim

          March 29, 2022 at 5:29 pm

          Okay, great! Thank you for responding so quickly! 🙂

          ★★★★★

          Reply
      • Kimberly

        December 03, 2022 at 1:17 pm

        Am I missing something or was there a mistake in asking for better than beef bouillon. I looked it up online and it looks like that has actual beef in there. I ordered the beef one but then it was substituted with the vegetable one. But what I'm seeing online is that the beef actually has beef. Is there a different product that you use rather than better than bouillon to keep it vegan?

        Reply
        • Verna Rindler

          December 03, 2022 at 4:15 pm

          Hi Kimberly, It is called 'Vegetarian Better than bouillon no beef soup base'. It is certified vegan. Hope that helps 🙂 It is also found in most grocery stores and Costco etc,..

          Reply
          • Kimberly

            December 03, 2022 at 4:41 pm

            Perfect ty! I bought a vegan ham boulion but I'm going to look for the vegetarian beef bouillon mentioned.

            Reply
    8. BP

      February 06, 2022 at 4:44 pm

      Turned out amazing, wow. I used a vegan ham boullion and it was wild. Thanks a ton

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        February 07, 2022 at 7:02 am

        You're so welcome! thanks for the feedback really appreciate it. I haven't come across vegan ham bouillon yet where did you find it?

        Reply
        • Nancy

          March 12, 2022 at 12:17 pm

          I just came across Orrington Farms' vegan ham flavored base in an online search for vegetarian ham-flavored broth/soup base. Wicked expensive on Amazon, but there may be other sources. I will be making your ham recipe using Better Than Bouillon vegetarian no beef soup base for St. Patrick's Day next week; attempts at vegetarian corned beef and pastrami have turned out less than stellar. I think the addition of tofu, which I recipes I've tried did not include, make me think this may be the one..

          Reply
          • Verna

            March 12, 2022 at 12:23 pm

            Enjoy Nancy!! Let me know how you like it 🙂 I have never made it with "ham" flavoured base. I can't find it here yet but I am very happy with the flavour as it is now and yes amazon prices are brutal sometimes! (oh and FYI my vegan corned beef is really tasty too!!)

            Reply
            • Nancy

              March 13, 2022 at 8:01 am

              Thank you, Verna! Going to give it one more go and try your vegan corned beef 🙂

            • Verna

              March 13, 2022 at 9:07 am

              Awesome enjoy Nancy! 🙂

    9. Sandra

      January 29, 2022 at 11:19 am

      I would love to try this, but I'm allergic to gluten - not just sensitive, but allergic. Is there an alternative? This looks so yummy.

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 29, 2022 at 12:23 pm

        Sorry Sandra there is no substitute for this recipe. Try my tofu steaks from my vegan gyro recipe! 🙂

        Reply
      • Dani

        April 16, 2022 at 10:29 am

        Hi I'm going to be making this, and your scalloped potatoes, today for our Easter Dinner. I was wondering if you think a powdered no beef bouillon will be a good substitution for the better than bouillon? Thanks in advance!

        Reply
        • Verna

          April 16, 2022 at 12:41 pm

          Hi Dani although I haven't tried it I am sure it would be just fine or use 'no chicken' if you like. Enjoy and Happy Easter!! FYI you can taste the wet mix before adding the gluten and don't worry if it tastes salty it's supposed to 🙂

          Reply
          • Dani

            April 16, 2022 at 1:11 pm

            Thanks so much for your reply! I did use the vegetarian beef bouillon I have. The ham is out of the instant pot and waiting to go in the oven now. My scalloped potatoes look DIVINE and like they are made with cheddar cheese, they came out such a beautiful orange colour. Also, I've made your seitan pepperoni and we loved it on my homemade pizza. Happy Easter to you!

            ★★★★★

            Reply
            • Verna

              April 16, 2022 at 1:30 pm

              Thanks for your feedback Dani!! xo 🙂

    10. Jessica

      December 14, 2021 at 12:36 pm

      I want to make this recipe this week but I can't find the No Beef Bouillon anywhere :(! Any suggestions for substitutes?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 14, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        You could try another brand? and they also sell the 'no chicken'- and vegetable variety too. or I bet miso would be a tasty sub?! Enjoy Jessica Happy holidays!

        Reply
    11. Tierra

      December 10, 2021 at 6:50 am

      Truly delicious! I make this ham for even my non vegan friends and they love it. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 10, 2021 at 3:01 pm

        What a nice compliment thank you so much! Appreciate you're feedback!

        Reply
    12. Jonathan

      November 21, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      This was incredible we are making it again over the holidays

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 22, 2021 at 5:35 am

        Thank you so much! So thrilled you enjoyed it. Really appreciate your comment

        Reply
    13. Jane

      November 21, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      My kids went nuts for this It's a keeper!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 21, 2021 at 4:34 pm

        So nice to hear! Thank you so much for the feedback so happy you all enjoyed it

        Reply
    14. Ann

      November 04, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Exceeded our expectations! Delicious

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 05, 2021 at 7:09 am

        Wonderful! glad you enjoyed it

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

    More about me →

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Categories

    Popular Posts

    • The Best Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake
    • Best Vegan Meatballs! (Impossible Burger)
    • 5 Minute Vegan Ramen (Instant Noodles)
    • Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe
    • Best Vegan Meatloaf Recipe! (Impossible Burger)
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Nutritional Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact
    • Affiliate and Photo Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Cheeky Chickpea