Smoked Tofu Sausages

Maison Marmite is introducing its very first homemade vegan sausage recipe! This smoked tofu version lays the groundwork for many future variations, such as gourmet hot dogs or flavorful stews. These sausages can be enjoyed both hot and cold, paired with mustard, pickles, or simply sliced into a salad. Their firm texture and smoky taste make them a delicious and versatile alternative.

The key to this recipe lies in proper kneading. It’s essential to mix the dough just enough to activate the gluten, but not too much, to prevent it from becoming overly elastic and difficult to shape. Kneading for 2 to 3 minutes is enough to achieve a homogeneous, slightly elastic dough. If it feels too sticky, add a little wheat gluten, but sparingly, to avoid making the sausages too firm. For a firmer texture, knead a little longer, but if you prefer softer sausages, just mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

In the recipe below, we suggest using heat-resistant plastic wrap to shape the sausages before steaming. However, aluminum foil is also a great alternative. It helps maintain the shape of the sausages and withstands steam cooking perfectly. To prevent direct contact with acidic ingredients like vinegar, you can first wrap the sausages in parchment paper before covering them with aluminum foil. This method ensures even cooking and optimal structure without altering the flavors.

Finally, one of the standout ingredients in this recipe is liquid smoke, which adds a deep, grilled-like aroma. It can be found in organic stores, Asian markets, or vegan specialty shops. An alternative is lapsang souchong tea infusion, known for its naturally smoky notes. Whether you use one or the other, this smoky touch is essential for an authentic and flavorful result. These sausages are just the beginning of an exciting new culinary adventure for Maison Marmite!

Smoked Tofu Sausages

These sausages can be enjoyed both hot and cold, paired with mustard, pickles, or simply sliced into a salad. Their firm texture and smoky taste make them a delicious and versatile alternative.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Apéritif, Appetizers
Cuisine Internationale
Servings 6 sausages

Ingredients
  

To blend

  • 200 g firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower or canola oil
  • 100 ml water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for umami)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (or 1 tablespoon of lapsang souchong tea infusion)

Flours and starches

  • 100 g wheat gluten (vital wheat gluten)
  • 40 g chickpea flour (or blended oat flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

Blend the base:

  • In a blender, add the crumbled tofu, oil, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and all the spices.
  • Blend until you get a smooth paste.

Prepare the dough:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and cornstarch.
  • Gradually add the blended mixture and mix by hand until you get a soft, pliable dough.
  • Important: Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to activate the gluten. This ensures a firm and uniform texture after cooking. Avoid over-kneading, as it can make the sausages too elastic and hard to shape.

Shape the sausages:

  • Divide the dough into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a sausage shape and wrap them individually in parchment paper or heat-resistant plastic wrap.
  • Twist the ends tightly to maintain their shape. You can also tie the ends or use heat-resistant tape to seal them.

Steam cooking:

  • Place the sausages in a steamer basket and steam for 40 minutes over medium heat. This step helps them firm up and set their texture.
  • Cooling: Let the sausages cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before consuming or grilling. This enhances the flavors and improves the texture.

Grilling or pan-frying option:

  • Just before serving, you can grill or pan-fry them with a little oil to achieve a golden and caramelized texture.

Tips and Variations

  • For a firmer texture: Add a bit more wheat gluten.
  • For a softer texture: Slightly increase the amount of tofu and reduce the gluten.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace the gluten with chickpea flour and a binder like ground flaxseeds mixed with water, but the texture will be more crumbly.
  • Homemade smoking alternative: Briefly smoke the sausages in a smoker or barbecue with damp wood chips for an even deeper smoky flavor.
Keyword sausage, Tofu
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A recipe proposed by Maison Marmite