This easy vegan tofu deli meat is the vegan sandwich solution that you have been looking for! It’s simple to make, packed with protein, and is a fraction of the price of store-bought vegan deli meat.

A sheet pan full of shaved marinated tofu roasted to make vegan deli meat out of tofu.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, get more amazing vegan recipes that will satisfy your cravings!

Save Recipe

Why make vegan sandwich meat from tofu

I have been packing vegan lunches for my boys for over 15 years now, and one of the hardest things to find is affordable vegan protein for sandwiches. This shaved tofu sandwich meat has solved this problem for us. It’s packed with protein and flavor, and sliced so thin that it achieves the texture of traditional deli meat for a fraction of the price.

This plant-based deli meat has 18 grams of protein per serving, tastes great either warm or cold, and may be the best vegan sandwich filling you will ever eat! Additionally, it’s a great gluten-free and vegan alternative to seitan-based deli meats.

Shaved tofu is so delcious, I usually need to make a double batch since my family devours it right off the cookie sheet as soon as I take it out of the oven.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • High-Protein Tofu – or extra-firm tofu that has been drained and pressed.
  • Bragg’s Liquid Aminos – or tamari. You can also use soy sauce, but please note that it is not gluten-free, which may be a consideration for you.
  • Liquid Smoke (hickory flavored) – I use the Colgin brand. Please note that other brands may have a stronger flavor. You can also swap this out for smoked paprika if you don’t have liquid smoke.
  • Smoked Paprika – for flavor.
  • Garlic Powder – for flavor. You can also swap this out for onion powder or use half of each.
  • Cayenne – just a dash is optional for a bit of spice.
  • Cooking Oil – Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or light olive oil, will work to prevent the shaved tofu from sticking to the cookie sheet.

Helpful tools

  • Use a mandoline to cut the tofu into very thin pieces. If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a peeler to slice the tofu into thin shavings.
  • A large sheet pan is necessary to allow the shaved tofu room to spread out and become crispy.
High-protein tofu sliced with a mandoline on a cutting board.
Slice the tofu thinly with a mandoline or peeler.

How to make tofu deli meat

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 2 – Drain a block of high-protein tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Then use a mandoline or peeler to slice the tofu into thin shavings and place them into a shallow container.

Tofu marinade mixed in a glass measuring cup.
Mix the marinade ingredients.
Marinade poured over shaved tofu in a glass contanier.
Pour the marinade over the tofu.

Step 3 – Combine vegetable broth, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper to make a tofu marinade. Stir well, then pour it over the shaved tofu and let it sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Step 4 – Grease a sheet pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then pour the shaved marinated tofu onto the pan, including the marinade liquid.

Marinaded shaved tofu spread out on a sheet pan before cooking to make tofu deli meat.
Spread out the shaved marinated tofu on an oiled sheet pan.
A top view of marinated shaved tofu after it has cooked on a sheet pan.
Bake until the marinaded is absorbed and the edges are crispy.

Step 5 – Spread the tofu out evenly, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes. Cook until the excess liquid has been absorbed and the edges of the tofu begin to get crispy.

Step 6 – Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days for use on sandwiches and wraps.

Use this tofu deli meat to make a grilled tofu sandwich, or use it to create a vegan Philly cheesesteak or a flavor-packed tofu banh mi.

Pro Tips

  • You can prep the tofu up to 2 days ahead and let it sit in the marinade until you are ready to bake it.
  • Watch the shaved tofu closely towards the end of cooking, as it is sliced so thin that it can burn quickly.
  • If you don’t have a mandoline, a standard vegetable peeler will work well for slicing the tofu into super-thin slices.

Can I make this tofu meat without oil?

The oil keeps the tofu sandwich meat from sticking to the cookie sheet during baking. You can make it oil-free by baking it on a piece of parchment paper, but the oil helps crisp the edges. To reduce oil, you can also spray the shaved tofu with a bit of oil before baking.

A close up of tofu deli meat cooking on a sheet pan with a spatula scooping some up.

More vegan deli meats

If you’re looking for a more meat-like vegan deli meat, try my seitan recipes, such as vegan turkey, vegan ham, vegan bologna, seitan corned beef, and vegan roast beef, and slice them thin. You can also make a vegan corned beef from tofu.

Storage

Refrigerate: This tofu deli meat will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container. I like to make a big batch on Sundays and have vegan sandwich meat for the rest of the week.

Freeze: You can freeze this tofu sandwich meat in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, it will slightly alter the texture of the tofu during freezing and thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

A shaved tofu sandwich cut in half and stacked on a blue plate.
Tofu sandwich

More high-protein vegan sandwiches

Tofu sandwich meat recipe

A sheet pan with shaved marinated tofu to make a vegan tofu deli meat.
Diet
Gluten Free Icon
High Protein Icon
Nut Free Icon
Vegan Icon
5 from 2 rating

Tofu Deli Meat

Yield: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Author: Monica Davis
Shaved tofu marinated and baked to make a delcious and affordable vegan deli meat.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (16oz) package high-protein tofu
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos, or tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper, optional for spice
  • 2 tablespoons light olive oil, or other neutral-flavored oil

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • Drain a block of high-protein tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Then use a mandoline or peeler to slice the tofu into thin shavings and place them into a shallow container.
  • Combine vegetable broth, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper to make a tofu marinade. Stir well, then pour it over the shaved tofu and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 days in the fridge.
  • Grease a sheet pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then pour the shaved marinated tofu onto the pan, including the marinade liquid.
  • Spread the tofu out evenly, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping after 15 minutes.. Cook until the excess liquid has been absorbed and the edges of the tofu begin to get crispy.
  • Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days for use on sandwiches and wraps.

Notes

  • You can prep the tofu up to 2 days ahead and let it sit in the marinade until you are ready to bake it.
  • Watch the shaved tofu closely towards the end of cooking, as it is sliced so thin that it can burn quickly.
  • If you don’t have a mandoline, a standard vegetable peeler will work well for slicing the tofu into super-thin slices.
Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 316mg, Potassium: 230mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 134IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 78mg, Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!

📌 Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for new vegan recipes!