This huge compilation of High Protein Vegan Meals is a great resource for any vegan or vegan-curious person who wants to up their protein intake. Make sure to pin or bookmark this page for later and share with your friends.
Hey Internet, are you wondering how to get protein as a vegan? Maybe you’re trying to explain it to someone else, or maybe you just want to increase your personal protein intake.
This article is a good resource for vegan protein.
Below, I’ll answer a few commonly asked questions about vegan protein, common vegan protein sources.
There’s also a HUGE roundup of awesome high protein vegan meals from myself and creators around the web (used with permission of course).
Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor, nutritionist, registered dietician, or scientist nor can I advise anyone on a diet or anything intended to treat or cure any condition. Please take the following information as inspiration only and please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions about vegan protein
The answer is very simple: plants! All plants have some protein--even a white potato or an apple.
But more specifically, the main vegan protein sources are beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, certain ancient grains, edamame, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and dehydrated soy options (such as soy curls or TVP).
There are also fortified options popping up all the time including protein powders, nutritional yeast, non-dairy milks, and more.
The simple answer is no. As long as you’re getting enough calories, you’re getting enough protein.
Calorie needs vary between individuals, their total daily energy expenditures (TDEE), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and goals (lose weight, gain muscle mass, etc.). However, it’s possible and easy to get plenty of protein even on a modest amount of calories.
For example, say 1600-1800 calories-- that's quite a low calorie regimen that I’ve often followed to lose weight and still maintained enough protein (under the advisement of a registered dietitian). I actually eat more calories and lose weight easier that way nowadays, but that's beside the point.
While fitness-minded individuals may wonder something like ‘How do vegans get 100g protein?’ the truth is that no one really needs that much protein in a day.
Adults of a healthy weight only need between 45 and 55 grams of protein in a day. Protein deficiency is unlikely unless one isn't eating enough food overall, or has trouble absorbing protein.
Please consult a healthcare professional if you have questions about how much protein your body needs.
Read more from a scientific perspective here.
If you’re interested in reading a really good, thorough analysis on protein, I highly recommend the book Proteinaholic by Dr. Garth Davis.
High Protein Vegan Recipes
Looking for high protein vegan meals? Check out the long comprehensive list below and definitely pin, share, and bookmark this page for quick reference.
High Protein Vegan Meals
Looking to up your protein intake? Just feel more satisfied when eating higher protein vegan meals? Check out this list of recipes for including more plant based protein in your life.
Tofu Recipes
Love tofu? Here's some great recipe ideas for including more in your diet. Here's an even longer list of tofu recipes if you're interested.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Sweet, tangy, and delicious, this easy Sweet and Sour Tofu is better than takeout and healthier too. Make it in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients and no food coloring.
Tofu Adobo
A vegan take on the Philippines’ national dish, Tofu Adobo is savory, sweet, tangy, rich, and completely delicious. Tofu has met its match with this easy and flavorful meal.
Sticky Tofu
This ridiculously delicious Sticky Tofu might just be one of the best things I’ve ever made. It’s incredibly easy to make, customize, and it goes with basically everything.
Lemon Basil Tofu - Plant-Based on a Budget
Simple, flavorful, and inexpensive to make, this delicious lemon basil tofu will become a new household favorite.
Tofu Buddha Bowl
Healthy, flavorful, and satisfying, this easy Tofu Buddha Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner and is super versatile. Fit this bowl to your tastes and macros, and it’ll become a household favorite in no time.
Tofu Poke Bowl
This fresh and delicious Tofu Poke Bowl couldn’t be any easier to make at home and features delicious baked sesame ginger tofu. Customize it however you like and prep enough to enjoy all week for quick and easy but healthy meals.
Vegan Cottage Cheese
Creamy, tasty, and easy to make, this Vegan Cottage Cheese is protein-packed super versatile. Enjoy with fruit, stuffed in tomatoes, or as part of another dish for a low fat and protein-rich meal.
Vegan Tom Kha Soup (Thai Inspired)
Rich, cozy and PACKED with flavor, this easy Vegan Tom Kha Soup is a Thai-inspired recipe that is simple and quick to make. Customize the heat (or make it not spicy at all), the veggies, and the protein for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Vegan Peanut Butter Noodles with Crispy Tofu
This creamy peanut noodles is cooked in a rich peanut sauce and topped with crispy tofu cubes! Hearty and filling, this noodle dish is vegan and high protein.
Vegan Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Chinese Takeout Inspired)
Delicious Vegan Beef and Broccoli is savory, satisfying, and family friendly. Skip the takeout and make this delectable yet healthy dish in less than 30 minutes.
Easy Tofu Scramble with Veggies
This easy tofu scramble with veggies takes only 10 minutes to prepare and makes a nutritious and delicious savory breakfast. Build your own scramble with veggies, vegan cheese, etc. eat as is, in a wrap, or as a sandwich!
Easy Vegan Orange Chicken
This sticky and delicious vegan orange chicken uses tofu and is incredibly easy to make. In under 25 minutes you can have a tasty entree that's both healthy and decadent, as this recipe contains zero refined sugar or oil!
Easy Vegan Spanish Paella
This super easy vegan Spanish paella is a delicious 40 minute dinner packed with plant-based protein and wholesome ingredients. Extra firm tofu is marinated in olive brine for a seafood flavor and baked until crispy, then added to the delicious rice and vegetable mixture in this classic Spanish dish.
30 Minute One-Pot Weeknight Tofu Vegetable Curry
Quick and easy, this hearty Weeknight Tofu Vegetable Curry utilizes shortcuts like frozen veggies to have dinner on your table in just 30 minutes. It makes tons of leftovers and freezes well, but doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Vegan Kung Pao Chicken
Full of sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and savory flavor, this Vegan Kung Pao Chicken is completely amazing and easy to make. This Kung Pao is better than takeout, and it’s better for you but it does NOT compromise on incredible flavor.
Seitan Recipes
The meaty texture of seitan is awesome. As long as you're not gluten-free, check out this extensive collection of seitan recipes.
Vegan Steak
Tender, flavorful, and protein-packed, this Vegan Steak is easy to make and absolutely delicious. This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and only requires a few ingredients and some spices to make a super juicy and simple seitan steak.
Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
This easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak recipe is ridiculously delicious and makes a fun lunch or dinner to share -- or not! Packed with melty, gooey vegan cheese, a realistic but healthy homemade meat substitute, and some yummy veggies, this is a truly satisfying seitan sandwich recipe.
Vegan Corned Beef
Rich, tender, and meaty, this Vegan Corned Beef is delicious for dinner, sandwiches and more. Packed with a whopping 25g of protein per serving, this vegan meat alternative is low in fat, contains zero cholesterol, and is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Vegan Pastrami
Moist, rich, tender, and meaty, this Vegan Pastrami is the ultimate sandwich filling. Packed with protein and more importantly FLAVOR, this seitan pastrami melts in your mouth and will satisfy your cravings.
Vegan Seitan Gyros
Easy vegan seitan gyros in under an hour, loaded with veggies and fresh vegan tzatziki sauce and most importantly, FLAVOR! This Greek-inspired meal is perfect for a family, or enjoying throughout the week for easy lunches or dinner.
Vegan Beef Stew
Rich, hearty, and comforting, this Vegan Beef Stew is the perfect cozy dinner. It is packed with vegetables, vegan beef chunks, and a savory broth full of flavor and pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread.
Instant Pot Seitan
Make your life easier by trying this Instant Pot Seitan that tastes like beef and is super versatile for any dish including stir fry, lunch meat, steak, and more! With 30 grams of protein, zero cholesterol, and under 200 calories per serving, this delicious seitan is a healthy meat alternative. Stove top instructions also provided.
Vegan Drumsticks
Roasted, crispy, and delicious, these vegan drumsticks are easy to make and high in plant-based protein. Perfect for a holiday meal, appetizer, or fun weeknight main, these tender seitan drumsticks take vegan to a whole new level.
Seitan Chicken
This Seitan Chicken is quick and easy to make and PACKED with plant-based protein and flavor. Shape it any way you like and cook it any way you like to veganize virtually any dish that calls for chicken meat.
Vegan Cajun Pasta
Creamy, spicy, and flavorful, this Vegan Cajun Pasta may just be your new favorite dinner. Use a chickpea or lentil based pasta for more protein. For EVEN MORE PROTEIN, top as pictured with the above seitan chicken (instructions included on how to crust it in cajun seasoning).
Seitan Turkey
Decadent yet healthy, this home cooked Seitan Turkey is moist, packed with flavor, and has an awesome meaty texture. This vegan turkey recipe is perfect for a holiday centerpiece, easy meal prep, or even just a nice main dish for a family dinner.
Vegan Pepperoni
Bold, flavorful, smoky, and a little spicy, this Vegan Pepperoni is obscenely close to the real thing but without any animal cruelty or cholesterol. Use it on vegan pizza, in sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or just eat it on its own because it’s downright delicious!
Vegan Sausage
Tender, flavorful, and protein-packed, these vegan sausages are easy to make and perfect for all your sausage needs. Grill ‘em and serve in buns or throw in your favorite pasta or soup--this seitan sausage is a winner.
Vegan Ham
Smoky, sweet, and satisfying yet healthy, this Vegan Ham is the perfect holiday centerpiece or family dinner. It’s moist, packed with flavor, has a great meaty texture and is also great for meal prep or leftovers (hello, sandwiches!).
Whole Food Plant Based Recipes
Looking to get your protein from whole, unprocessed foods? This section is for you.
Lentil Mushroom Loaf (gluten-free)
This firm, savory, satisfying Lentil Mushroom Loaf is the perfect main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a dinner party, or any occasion. With its classic sweet and smoky flavor, it is sure to please the whole family.
Peanut Butter Protein Baked Oats
Start your morning with a soft, cake-like Peanut Butter Protein Baked Oats made with 100% plant-based ingredients!
Vegan Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice
Easy vegan Instant Pot black beans with rice on the side, this meal is absolutely delicious, filling, and pantry-friendly. Perfect for meal prep, freezes well, sticks-to-your-ribs, inexpensive, and packed with plant-based protein and necessary vitamins / minerals.
Vegan Power Bowl with Maple-Dijon Dressing
This delicious vegan bowl features onion, garlic, squash, arugula, quinoa, grape tomatoes, beans, avocado, and a delectable maple-dijon dressing.
Vegan Omelette
Protein-packed and full of eggy flavor, this loaded Vegan Omelette is satisfying and delicious. Make it in just 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients and any fillings you like for a customizable and quick yet wholesome breakfast.
Vegan Chorizo
Flavorful, easy to make, this Vegan Chorizo is packed with plant-based protein. Make it in just 10 minutes and use it for burritos, tacos, bowls, and more.
Vegan Goulash (American)
This lush and cozy Vegan Goulash is a tasty bowl of pasta, veggies, and beef alternative. It’s easy to make in one pot in less than 30 minutes and has very simple ingredients. It’s also ridiculously delicious and will please the whole family, even picky eaters, young or young-at-heart!
Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale
This Tuscan white bean skillet with kale is packed full of protein and takes only 30 minutes to whip up! The perfect one pot meal for busy weekdays.
Everyday Vegan Crockpot Chili
This Everyday Vegan Crockpot Chili is the perfect chili recipe for those nights when the weather starts to turn. Easy and delicious, throw all the ingredients into the crockpot at the start of the day and have dinner ready for when you get home.
The Easiest Vegan Meatballs (Gluten-Free)
Tender and delicious, these are the Easiest Vegan Meatballs ever, and they’re also gluten-free! Made of wholesome ingredients, these little bean balls are great in any kind of sauce, whether it’s part of your entree or you’re sticking toothpicks in them and serving them at a party!
The Best Teriyaki Tempeh
This Teriyaki Tempeh is restaurant quality. The teriyaki sauce is easy to make, and the tempeh is full of protein!
Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup - Supergolden Bakes
This cozy soup is loaded with protein packed beans and lentils. Perfect for chilly weather.
Vegan High Protein Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
This loaded kale salad features lentils and quinoa for protein as well as cauliflower and sweet potatoes for fun textured elements. Top it all off with a garlic tahini dressing for a flavorful and satisfying high protein vegan meal.
Vegan Protein Pancakes
These delicious protein-loaded pancakes are easy to make and pack 15 grams of protein per serving of 3 pancakes!
Vegan Tuna Casserole
Comforting, nostalgic, and delicious, this Vegan Tuna Casserole is a healthy take on a family favorite. Made from a simply delicious cheesy sauce, noodles, peas, onions, garlic, optional celery, and breadcrumbs, this satisfying meal is ready in 30 minutes!
Green Lentil Curry
Cozy and easy to make, this inexpensive green lentil curry is loaded with protein and fiber.
Vegan Tuscan Butter Bean Ragout
This vegan Tuscan Butter Bean Ragout is the perfect cozy and easy meal. Pair it with brown rice or quinoa for even more plant-based protein. It is perfect for using up scrap veggies in the fridge, meal prep, or quick and wholesome meal for family.
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons and Pickled Onions
This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons and Pickled Onions is a delicious twist on a classic salad. This salad is also protein-packed, super satisfying, and takes less than 15 minutes to throw together!
Vegan Instant Pot Dal Makhani Indian Madras Lentils
This madras lentils recipe is so easy and handsoff when you make it in your pressure cooker. Makes for a lovely lunch or dinner when served with naan and a drizzle of cconut milk or cashew cream!
Turmeric Broth Soup with Wild Rice and Vegetables
This easy Turmeric Broth Soup is a powerhouse of healthy ingredients including wild rice, lentils, tomatoes, cauliflower, and flavorful spices including turmeric, curry powder, and cumin. A comforting vegan and gluten-free soup recipe perfect for chilly nights.
Creamy Chickpea Curry
A healthy vegan Chickpea Curry packed with flavor to cozy up with any night of the week. Serve with white rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce and enjoy any night of the week!
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