Spicy vegan salami that’s meaty, smoky, packed with flavour and truly irresistible. It’s easy to make, with a perfectly chewy texture, you may have a hard time believing it’s vegan!
The Italian in me couldn’t help myself and I had to try a vegan cured meat, AKA vegan deli and boy oh boy does this ever impress!
I’ve fed this to skeptics and they were completely blown away, and I know you will be too.
This is my first recipe on the blog using vital wheat gluten, but I promise, there will be more to come! 🙂
EDITED Jun 2021 to add: And more to come there was. Try my seitan hot dogs too!
How to make it
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Firstly, don’t be alarmed by the ingredient list. As you can see, most of the ingredients are spices and seasoning which provide the absolute best flavour to your vegan salami.
Combine all the dry ingredients and whisk together in a bowl. (photos 1-2)
Then combine the wet ingredients in another bowl and whisk to combine. (photo 3)
Now pour the wet into the dry. (photo 4)
Mix with a spoon until mostly combined and then transfer your mixture to a clean surface or cutting board. (photos 5-6)
Then knead the dough for 1-2 minutes to get everything fully combined. (photo 7)
Divide your dough into two equal pieces and roll each one into a 6 inch log. (photo 8)
Now wrap each of your vegan salami in parchment paper and then foil, twisting the ends to keep the foil sealed. (photos 9-10)
NOTES: Don’t fuss over making your vegan salami perfectly shaped. They will get smooth as they cook. The parchment paper is not necessary, but useful if you prefer not to have foil directly touching your food.
Bake for 45-55 minutes and then carefully unwrap and let your vegan salami cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to use it?
Slice it up and use it as a vegan pepperoni for your pizza.
Or use your vegan deli in a sandwich with your favourite vegan cheese.
You can also serve it up on charcuterie board with olives, grapes, crackers and so much more!
Common Questions
You will find this ingredient in the health food section of your grocery store, health food stores, or on Amazon (affiliate link).
No. There is no sub for vital wheat gluten and this ingredient is VITAL to the outcome of this vegan salami recipe.
Although it’s a processed ingredient, it’s quite nutritious too. Plus it’s relatively low in calories and fat, but high in protein, so fits well as part of a healthy diet.
Keep refrigerated in a sealed container or zip top bag for up to 1 week. Or you may freeze for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to knead and mix your dough very well for even flavour and best texture.
- Don’t spend too much time fussing over perfectly shaped salami. It will appear bumpy before baking, but gets nice and smooth while it cooks.
- If you don’t like having foil touch your food, use parchment paper between your salami and aluminum foil layer.
- For mild vegan salami, simply omit the chili flakes, but keep in the black pepper for best flavour.
More vegan Italian recipes
- Vegan Pasta e Fagioli
- Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
- Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Pasta Aglio e Olio (Pasta w/ Garlic & Oil)
- Vegan Zuppa Toscana
- Pizza Caprese w/ Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.
Buon appetito
Rosa
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or your choice of neutral flavoured oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Then combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk to combine.
- Pour the wet into the dry and start mixing until mostly combined and you have what resembles dough. Then transfer to a clean surface or cutting board and use your hands to knead and press the dough for 1-2 minutes. It should feel soft and look well combined.
- Now cut your dough into two equally sized pieces and roll them out into salami shapes that will be about 6 inches long. It doesn't have to be perfect, it will get smooth as it cooks. Then wrap each salami with parchment paper and then aluminum foil, making sure the foil is long enough to overlap and then twist the ends. (See process shots above for a visual.)
- Place the wrapped salami on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway point.
- Remove from the oven and gently peel the foil to see if the salami appear smooth and poke with your finger to test its firmness. They should feel firm, but still give a little to pressure. They will firm up more as they cool.
- Let cool completely, then slice and enjoy with pizza, in sandwiches, on a charcuterie board, or as a snack.
Steaming Instructions
- Follow steps 2-4 above to prepare your salami. Then add 1-2" of water to a large pot that will fit your steamer basket, WITHOUT the water touching your basket. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to maintain a low boil and place the salami inside your basket.
- Cover and steam for 45-60 minutes, keeping an eye on your water to make sure it doesn't completely evaporate. Start checking on them around the 45 minute mark. Gently remove the foil, the salami should appear smooth. You may give it a poke with your finger or tongs to test firmness. They should feel firm but still give a little to pressure. They'll firm up more as they cool.
- Let cool completely, then slice and enjoy with pizza, in sandwiches, on a charcuterie board, or as a snack.
Kim
Tried this and it’s wonderful! Thanks for sharing this. 🥰 everybody loves it.
Rosa
So happy to hear that Kim. Thanks so much! 🙂
Maggie
Super easy and fast! I had everything in my pantry. Don’t be intimidated by the number of spices. Comes together quickly. Can’t wait to use it on pizza if it lasts that long. Almost ate a whole stick still warm from the oven. Great recipe!
Rosa
So happy you enjoyed Maggie! Thanks so much for the review. 🙂
Vanessa
This recipe is amazing and so simple! I have already done it twice in as many days! It’s delicious on its own, but today I put some slices in a toasted sandwich and it was amazing! Next I want to try to vary the spices to make a mock chorizo for a paella. Thank you so much for the inspiration. PS: I will be trying more of your recipes soon! Vanessa
Rosa
Hi Vanessa, thanks so much for the review. Thrilled you enjoyed the salami! Let us know how it goes if you end up experimenting further. 🙂
Rebecca
This is the best vegan sausage recipe I have used to date. (I ground the fennel in a coffee and spice grinder so I think that gave it more of a sausage taste.) It’s also an easy recipe. I appreciated the baking option, which is what I used. I’ll be making this a lot. I used it in a sausage, veggie, and vegan cheese sub. Thank you!
Rosa
Thrilled you enjoyed Rebecca! Thanks so much for the review. 🙂
Yodamom
I love this salami recipe. It’s perfect for pizza, sandwiches and crackers. I’ve made it at least a dozen times now and have adjusted the spices a bit to my taste. It’s just so easy and good. Thank you
Rosa
Yay! So excited to hear that! Thanks very much for taking the time to leave a review. 🙂
Amanda
Hi Rosa,
What size cup do you use? Is it 200mls? And your tablespoon? Is it 15mls?
Ta,
Amanda
Rosa
Hi Amanda, 1 cup = 250 mls and 1 tablespoon = 15 mls. Enjoy the salami! 🙂
Justin Hamilton
Everything about this is straight forward and a great starting dish for anyone not familiar with cooking seitan. I added a little extra fennel and some roasted garlic as we love strong flavors.
The texture and bite to the sausage is spot on to the real thing.
So far we’ve used it on crackers with vegan cheese, topping on pizza, and a used it as a garnish for a black bean soup. My four year old has been devouring it as well.
Rosa
Fantastic! Thanks so much for the review Justin. So happy you’re enjoying the salami. 🙂
Rebecca
This is the best vegan sausage recipe I have used to date. (I ground the fennel in a coffee and spice grinder so I think that gave it more of a sausage taste.) It’s also an easy recipe. I appreciated the baking option, which is what I used. I’ll be making this a lot. I used it in a sausage, veggie, and vegan cheese sub. Thank you!
Craig Uhler
This is an amazing dish. Got it perfect first time. We have a local company that makes a spicy chorizo that is vegan. It is amazing. This set of instructions exceeds at a fraction of the cost. THANK YOU!!!!
Rosa
So happy to hear that Craig. My pleasure, thrilled you enjoyed!
melinda j douthitt
Any subs for wheat gluten? I’m allergic to wheat.
Rosa
Unfortunately, there’s not a good sub for the wheat gluten.
Janet
Tastes like the real thing. My aunt made them for me and they are amazing.
Rosa
So glad to hear that, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Mark R
Rosa, I am transitioning to a more plant based diet and have been making my own charcuterie for years. This looks intriguing. Do you think it could be rolled tightly and placed in a smoker to cook without the foil or parchment paper? Or is the wrapping essential to hold the shape? Thanks
Rosa
Hi Mark, I haven’t tried smoking it, so I’m not sure. It should work but since I haven’t tested it, I’m not sure on timing. As for wrapping it, yes it’s essential to hold the shape, otherwise it may puff up in spots.