The 10 best vegan meat alternatives to FU. Tofu is the classic alternative to meat and has been one of the basic sources of nutrition in Asia for centuries. Soy pieces and minced meat are very economical and easy to prepare ingredients. You might not think of tofu or tempeh as vegetables, but they're plant-based and made from soy.
TVP, or textured vegetable protein, is also made from soy. Seitan is made from wheat gluten. The meat in any recipe can be replaced with one of these plant-based options. Tofu is the perfect substitute for chicken, whether you prefer crispy tofu nuggets, Moroccan chops in lemon and olive sauce, or chunks of Chinese food like Kung Pao tofu.
Tempeh is wonderful for fish dishes because it has a flaky texture. Try it in “Crab Cakes” or to make breaded fish steaks. It can also be ground to serve as ground beef for meatballs or tempeh tacos. The TVP comes in all shapes and sizes and can replace any meat, including ground beef.
Try it in this Chik'n salad with blueberries and pistachios or in Meatless Tacos. Seitan can be flavored to taste exactly the same as beef or pork. You won't believe the delicacy offered by a plate of balsamic seitan ribs on barbecue or a thick, juicy seitan steak in Beurre Blanc sauce. When you want that meat flavor, that umami, mushrooms are the best.
Its flavor is rich, earthy and meaty, especially Cremini or Portobello mushrooms. They are healthy and filling and can replace meat in any recipe. My favorite way to eat mushrooms is to sauté them in vegan butter and add thyme, black pepper and balsamic vinegar. I then serve them over polenta unless I stack them on a crispy roll to make a French sauce sandwich.
Try the mushrooms in this mushroom Stroganoff or as a vegan lamb burger. Impress your dinner guests by serving them mushrooms stuffed with walnuts and Portobello Wellington. Perhaps the best-known meat substitute on my list, tofu, is another food of Asian origin that you might also know as soy curd. Impossible burgers are all the rage, with global franchises such as The Cheesecake Factory adding vegan options and Burger King adding vegan burgers.
Now that vegetarianism and veganism have become popular lifestyles, many restaurants have vegan and vegetarian menu options.
