How to Make Plant-Based Deli Meat at Home! (Goodbye Yves 👋)

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Vital Wheat Gluten (Provides the chewy texture; sift if clumped)
• 1 package Firm Tofu (14‑oz block, drained and crumbled; press to remove excess water)
• 1 tablespoon Water (Helps blend ingredients)
• 1 tablespoon Miso Paste (Adds umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (Brightens flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Gives smoky turkey flavor)
• 3 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast (Adds cheesy, nutty notes)
• 2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Sage (Ground dried sage)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 teaspoon No‑Salt Seasoning (A blend of herbs and spices without added salt)
• 1 cup Water (for pressure cooker) (Creates steam; do not add to loaf mixture)

Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients

   Place 1.5 cups vital wheat gluten and the crumbled firm tofu into the food processor bowl.

   Time: PT5M

2. Add Flavorings and Blend

   Add 1 tbsp water, 1 tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp liquid smoke, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp sage, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tsp no‑salt seasoning. Process until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.

   Time: PT5M

3. Shape and Wrap

   Transfer the dough to a clean surface, shape it into a log about 8‑10 inches long, then loosely wrap it in a sheet of aluminum foil, twisting the ends to seal but allowing room for expansion.

   Time: PT5M

4. Steam in Pressure Cooker

   Place a trivet inside the pressure cooker, add 1 cup water, set the foil‑wrapped loaf on the trivet, seal the lid, and steam on high pressure for 1 hour.

   Time: PT1H

   Temperature: High pressure (≈15 psi)

5. Cool and Unwrap

   Carefully open the pressure cooker, remove the foil‑wrapped loaf, and let it cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before unwrapping. The outer skin will firm up as it cools.

   Time: PT10M

6. Slice and Serve

   Slice the cooled loaf into thin deli‑meat slices, use in sandwiches, or store for later.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

80

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

5 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

2 g