Description
Craft your own savory, plant-based spam with this easy-to-follow recipe. Achieve the perfect firm texture and umami flavor you crave, ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed well and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free if using GF vital wheat gluten)
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon beet powder (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine crumbled tofu, melted coconut oil, and soy sauce. Mash thoroughly until mostly smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional beet powder.
- Combine and Knead: Add the wet tofu mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead gently for 2-3 minutes on a clean surface until cohesive.
- Form Loaf: Shape the dough into a rectangular loaf, similar in size to traditional spam. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil, sealing the ends.
- Steam: Place the foil-wrapped loaf in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 45-60 minutes, ensuring water doesn’t run dry.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from steamer and let cool completely in foil on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, unwrap, slice, and pan-fry for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins