Tofu lunch meat is a more affordable alternative to store-bought vegan deli slices. It's gluten-free and easy to make with a fantastic texture and flavor!
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Now, I am not knocking store-bought vegan deli slices. I love a Tofurky moment. But the store bought stuff can be so pricey! This recipe costs less to make than the packaged kind, and it's fun to make!
Y'all, I tried SO MANY WAYS to make these tofu cold cuts. Seriously, I sacrificed many, many blocks of tofu to figuring out the easiest, most flavorful way to make tofu lunch meat.
And after testing all kinds of more involved techniques, I came back to the ol' slice-marinate-bake. You can't beat it for ease, and the texture is shockingly meaty!
Tofu cold cuts have a delicious flavor and incredible, firm texture. I can't wait for you to try them!
💖 Why You'll Love Tofu Lunch Meat
- cheaper per serving than store-bought vegan deli slices
- simple, everyday ingredients
- delicious, umami-packed flavor with firm texture perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacking.
- keeps for up to five days
- versatile! Feel free to add seasonings of choice to make it your own, like fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, etc.
- naturally gluten-free and nut-free with an oil-free option
✓ Ingredients and Substitutions
- tofu - Use firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe, and press the block really well.
- sauces - Soy sauce/tamari and ketchup/BBQ sauce/tomato paste add umami and delicious layers of flavor.
- spices - We are using a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. These seasonings give your tofu lunch meat its meaty flavor!
- olive oil - Adds moisture and makes the end result richer. Omit for oil-free.
🔪 How to Make Tofu Deli Slices
Press your tofu, if you haven't already. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
While the tofu presses, mix together all of the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. When the tofu finishes pressing, use a sharp knife to slice it into thin slices. You'll end up with about 16 slices total.
Spread out the tofu pieces on your baking sheet, and spread half of the marinade over one side, then carefully flip the pieces. If some pieces of tofu break during this process, no worries. They'll still taste amazing! Spread the rest of the marinade over the other half of the tofu.
Let the tofu marinate while you preheat the oven to 425° F.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Your tofu deli slices are ready when they are a little bit browned on the edges.
🫙 Storage Directions
Tofu lunch meat will keep for up to five days in a closed container in the refrigerator.
🍴 More Vegan Sandwich Fillings
📖 Recipe
🥪 Tofu Lunch Meat
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons ketchup or BBQ sauce or tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Press your tofu, if you haven't already. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- While the tofu presses, mix together all of the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. When the tofu finishes pressing, use a sharp knife to slice it into thin slices. You'll end up with about 16 slices total.
- Spread out the tofu pieces on your baking sheet, and spread half of the marinade over one side, then carefully flip the pieces. If some pieces of tofu break during this process, no worries. They'll still taste amazing! Spread the rest of the marinade over the other half of the tofu.
- Let the tofu marinate while you preheat the oven to 425° F
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Your tofu deli slices are ready when they are a little bit browned on the edges.
Got a question? Tried this recipe? Leave a reply!