Ham-Style Tofu Deli Meat Slices

These Ham-Style Tofu Deli Meat Slices are made with thin slices of tofu simmered in a smoky, savory marinade until perfectly tender and flavorful. Great for meal prepping easy vegan lunches throughout the week!

Our Homemade Vegan Deli Meat is one of our most popular recipes, but we’ll be the first to admit – it’s not exactly something you can throw together on your lunch break.

These Ham-Style Tofu Deli Meat Slices, on the other hand, are the quick and easy deli meat recipe you’ve been waiting for. Not only are they 100% vegan and gluten-free (no seitan!), but they come together in under an hour, require no special equipment, and are the easiest way to build a homemade vegan sandwich in no time. 

This recipe is inspired by the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in our Vegan Ham Roast. We took everything we love about that holiday favorite and repurposed it into a quick, everyday-friendly vegan lunch meat you can use in sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, and Vegan Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets! 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

• Tofu: For a meaty texture that holds up to slicing, use extra-firm tofu or super firm tofu. Softer varieties tend to crumble and won’t work as well here.
• Broth: We recommend using vegan beef broth for the best savory flavor, but a store-bought or homemade vegetable broth works great, too.
• Tomato paste: Adds a rich, umami flavor and gives these ham slices a more authentic color. 
• Dijon mustard: Adds a bright tanginess that balances the sweetness in the maple syrup and overall savory flavor profile.
• Nutritional yeast: Optional, but adds additional umami flavor that helps to mimic the richness of cured meat. 
• Soy sauce: Provides necessary saltiness and additional depth of flavor. If you are gluten-free, opt for tamari. Avoid coconut aminos – it is not salty enough! 
• Liquid smoke: Key for that smoky, “baked ham” flavor. A little goes a long way but makes a huge difference in the final flavor. 
• Spices: A simple blend of cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper builds a savory flavor profile and adds additional color to the tofu “ham” slices.
• Beet powder: Naturally contributes to the pinkish hue and mimics the look of real ham. 
• Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the savory, salty flavors and helps to add a nice glaze! 

How to Make Ham-Style Tofu Deli Meat Slices

1. Press the tofu if necessary. If you’re using super firm tofu, it’s already been pressed, so additional pressing isn’t needed. Extra-firm tofu requires pressing to release excess moisture. If you don’t own a tofu press, check out our favorite way to Press Tofu without a Tofu Press. 
2. Slice the tofu. You can use a vegetable peeler, a sharp knife, or a mandoline. Feel free to slice the tofu as thin or as thick as you like.
3. Make the tofu marinade. Combine all ingredients except the tofu and oil for cooking in a large bowl. Mix until uniform. 
4. Transfer to the skillet. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Lay out the tofu in an even layer and pour over the marinade. 
5. Simmer for 20 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 20 minutes.
6. Cool completely, then enjoy! Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator with any remaining marinade. Enjoy!

Storage Instructions

This vegan deli meat will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. We wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the tofu will change texture and lose some of its flavor. 

Quick Tips

• The firmer the tofu, the easier it is to slice! Extra-firm tofu works, but super-firm tofu is the easiest to handle. Look for tofu that’s vacuum-sealed rather than water-packed – it has significantly less moisture and will hold its shape better when sliced thin. 
• Simmer low and slow. The longer the deli meat slices simmer, the more flavorful they will be. If you find the liquid is evaporating too quickly, lower the heat! 
• Slice as thin as possible. You can technically slice this deli meat as thick as you’d like, but the thinner the tofu slices, the more flavorful each will be. If you prefer thick slices, you might like our Traditional Vegan Ham recipe better!

More Vegan Lunch Ideas You May Enjoy:

Lunch

Homemade Vegan Deli Meat

Lunch

The Best Vegan Chicken Salad

Dinner

Homemade TTLA Sandwich

Lunch

Vegan Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!

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