Do you want to add more plant-based dishes to your menu? A lot of protein is the key to creating satisfying vegetarian and omnivore-friendly dishes. Protein provides a feeling of fullness and slows down digestion. It also satisfies the appetite. This guide will introduce you to some of the most well-known plant-based protein options and give you tips for how to make them part of your favorite dishes.
Are Plants Rich in Protein?
All plants contain protein. However, some plants have more protein per ounce than others. Because they are high in protein, the plant-based alternatives on this list are great meat substitutes. Although it is easy to create a meal entirely from plants, it will not be as satisfying if it lacks protein. Continue reading to find out the best plant proteins you can add to your meal.
How to add vegan proteins to your menu?
You can offer substitutes for popular dishes on your menu to make it easier to offer meat alternatives. Many restaurants list the protein options next to each menu item to make it easier for customers to choose. To give your customers more protein, offer the option of adding chickpeas or baked tofu to your house salad. You can list the substitutes for meat in your burritos or tacos by listing the plant proteins, such as seitan, meatless crumbles or seasoned lentils. To expand your options for plant-based foods, you don’t need to come up with new recipes. Instead, offer variations on the ones you already love.
Different types of meat substitutes
There are many options available for everyone in our list of meal replacements. We also included whole foods like beans and grains. Not everyone will be a fan of tofu. You don’t need to make new vegan recipes with our guide. Just find the best plant-based proteins for your current recipe.
Tofu
Although tofu is becoming more common on menus, it can still be intimidating for the uninitiated. You don’t need to be intimidated by it! Tofu is a great substitute for beef, chicken, and pork in stir-fry dishes. For a satisfying plant-based scramble, you can either put a marinated tofu plank in a crusty hoagie roll or crumble seasoned tofu with herbs and vegetables.
Different types of tofu
Tofu can only be cooked correctly if you choose the right tofu.
- Silken tofu It is best to avoid silken tofu if you’re using it for a cream dessert or sauce. Silken tofu is a custard-like substance that can bind eggs or dairy ingredients in baked goods and pureed recipes. It is packaged in an aseptic package that is shelf-stable so that it won’t be found in the refrigerator.
- Regular tofu This is the tofu you will need to substitute meat in your stir-fries or curry dishes. This tofu retains its shape even after being sliced. It requires refrigeration, but not the silken variety.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a soybean product that looks and tastes like tofu. However, it has a different texture and taste. Whole soybeans are cooked and fermented before being pressed into a cake to make tempeh. Tempeh has a bitter and nutty taste. You can cut it into cubes or slices or even make it crumbly. The main thing that sets tempeh apart is it is rich in healthy probiotics and its protein content.
Yuba
Yuba, a soy product not as well-known as tempeh or tofu, has a unique texture. Also known as beancurd sheet or tofu skin, yuba is created when soy milk heats and a layer is formed on top. This thin layer is then removed, and the product is packaged in sheets or long strips resembling noodles.
Seitan
Seitan, pronounced “say-tan”, is a protein source made without soy with a texture similar to meat. It is made from vital wheat gluten, a flour-like ingredient that consists mainly of gluten and a small amount of starch. This means that seitan cannot be used in a gluten-free diet. However, it can be used as a meat substitute for soy allergies.
Seitan can be found in many plant-based products, such as holiday roasts, vegan deli slices, and other fake meats. Its chewy, meat-like texture sets it apart from other soy products. It is easy to prepare and requires less preparation than tofu. It absorbs seasonings and marinades very well.
Soy Curls
Butler Foods is the exclusive manufacturer of soy curls, a trademarked meat replacement. Because they are minimally processed, these protein-packed strips differ from soy products like tofu or tempeh. Butler Foods says that soy curls can be made by boiling whole non-GMO soybeans in water. They are free from any other preservatives or additives.
Meatless Ground and Crumbles
Vegetable crumbles or meatless ground are the most versatile plant-based protein options. Although there are many vegan crumbles and ground brands, most are made with high-protein ingredients such as soy, brown rice, and peas. When used in certain recipes, the texture of plant-based crumbs mimics ground beef.
Veggie Burgers
It is not as easy as you might think to make your veggie burgers. It cannot be easy to combine the ingredients without eggs or dairy-based products. Although you might have a healthy mixture of vegetables and beans, it will start to crumble once the patty is on the grill. Many veggie burgers made at home don’t have that meaty texture customers want in a plant-based burger.
Thanks to the battle between Impossible Foods & Beyond Meat, there are many high-quality vegetable-based burger options. The veggie burger of today is meaty and savory. It cooks up exactly like a beef hamburger.
Plant-Based Chicken
Many plant-based food businesses are now attempting to sell chicken alternatives. Faux chicken nuggets and patties are being replaced by meatier and more delicious options such as strips, tenders and cutlets.
What is Plant-Based Chicken?
Each brand has its recipe. However, most plant-based products made from chicken are made with soy protein or pea proteins that replicate the texture of real meat.
What is Walnut Meat?
Walnut meat is a combination of walnuts, mushrooms, beans and seasonings. It has the appearance and taste of ground beef. A few ingredients are all you need to make a batch of walnut meat. Once the walnuts are pulverized, add them to a pan. Brown the walnut meat in the same way as ground beef. You can use the walnut meat for tacos, nachos, or to make plant-based meatballs. The same process can be used with almonds and hulled sunflower seeds.
