This big guide of Vegan Meat Recipes has all kinds of recipes for all kinds of proteins: from tofu to soy curls to seitan, etc. and even meat substitutes that aren’t high in protein (jackfruit, mushrooms). Whether you’re looking to replicate a certain flavor or you just want to eat more vegan protein, this guide has everything you’ll need!
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Hey Internet, the inspiration for this article/guide actually came from getting less-than-nice comments on social media. Every time I post something that’s meant to be an alternative to meat, and it does well (like my vegan pepperoni), I get all kinds of comments from people telling me to just call it what it is.
Well I tell people, if I did that, I wouldn’t be describing the actual flavors and no one would be able to find it. Spicy seitan log doesn’t cut it. Sorry.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using the phrase vegan meat recipes. It’s vegan recipes that are formulated to taste like meat. But without the cruelty or cholesterol.
Anyway, today I’ve compiled a list of my best vegan meat recipes featuring some sort of vegan protein (or vegetable) as a substitute for meat.
I think you’re going to love everything on this list!
But first, a few questions to answer, based on ones I’ve received on my recipes.
Why do vegans want their food to taste like meat?
First of all, this is a generalization. Lots of people eat a vegan diet for a lot of different reasons.
Some people don’t even like the taste of meat, so they don’t want their food to taste like meat. Those folks will probably have a more whole food diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes.
Other folks in that category may not mind the taste of meat but may also just be eating vegan for their health. There’s a lot of research out there to support this, but that’s not the point of this article.
Let’s turn to a different group of vegan and plant based eaters: those who are vegan for the animals and for environmental reasons. Eating vegan is better for the planet and it also reduces animal cruelty and suffering.
That doesn’t mean that we don’t like the taste of hamburgers, hotdogs, pepperoni, etc. That means that we want to enjoy those things without causing undue suffering to animals and the environment.
So if we can purchase or create a plant based version of those meats, we can still live consciously and enjoy the foods we want to enjoy.
Also, based on my research, there are a lot of people searching for vegan meat recipes, vegan chicken recipes, vegan beef recipes... by these phrases (or more specific ones like vegan ham or vegan steak). So clearly people want to use these terms even if just to find recipes for vegan versions of their favorite foods.
Which meat alternative is the best?
That’s purely subjective, honestly. One person may like seitan the best, and another person might prefer mushrooms or jackfruit.
From my own personal experience and from what I’ve heard in online vegan communities (and from vegan friends in real life), seitan is the most similar to meat.
There are various methods and stock ingredients, but the bottom line is that seitan is made from wheat gluten, the predominant protein in wheat. This means that seitan is NOT gluten-free.
But more about that later.
Although I believe seitan is the meatiest, I actually prefer soy based meat products like tofu and soy curls.
Soy curls are a dehydrated soybean product. I have lots of soy curls recipes and FAQs if you’re interested in learning more.
And if you prefer tofu, I also have a big compilation of tofu recipes.
Let’s go over some of these in more detail. If you’re not interested in one of these, keep scrolling until you find one that interests you.
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Seitan
What is seitan?
Seitan is made primarily by washing flour (sounds crazy, I know) with water, until all the starch is removed and you’re left with just the protein of the wheat. This mass is then usually flavored and manipulated (by hand, usually by knotting, braiding, and stretching the dough) and cooked until it resembles meat.
Most of the recipes you’ll find (including on my site) take a short cut and use vital wheat gluten, which is a protein based flour used to skip the lengthy washing process (a multi-step arduous endeavor). Some seitan-makers believe that using purchased vital wheat gluten is not a pure form of seitan making.
I prefer to think of it as a shortcut that, while it may compromise slightly on texture (you may not get vegan meat that is shreddable), it can be worth the time and effort it saves.
Personally, I have a disability in my hand that affects my dexterity, so I primarily focus on vital wheat gluten recipes that make it possible to make seitan in 1-2 hours (or less, depending on the recipe) as opposed to a several day process.
Seitan is among the highest in protein and best texture for vegan meat recipes and meat alternatives, but it can also be the most labor intensive and time consuming process.
If you’d like to learn more about seitan, check out The Seitan Society.
Tofu
Tofu is made from soybeans, just like soy milk, edamame, miso, and tempeh. It is classified is a bean curd product.
It is made by drying the soy beans, soaking them and crushing them, and boiling them. The mixture is separated into a solid pulp (which is referred to as okara) and liquid which is soy milk. Salt coagulants help separate the mixture to keep the solids and liquids separated.
Soy is actually very healthy (unless you’re allergic, of course). Myths perpetuated by the media make some people think that soy contains estrogen which is not true.
Soy contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones. Soy consumption has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer and to increase kidney function. If you’re interested, I highly recommend reading more about tofu nutrition.
I learned all about soy and its benefits when I got my certification in Plant Based Nutrition from eCornell, a subject I’m very passionate about!
Tofu is a high protein, low fat legume based (soybeans are legumes) vegan protein. Many cultures in Asia have been eating it for hundreds of years.
Today, in many places, we can purchase many different kinds of tofu. From super firm vacuum sealed tofu that is ideal for baking and air frying to silken tofu (no curds) which is silky and smooth making it perfect for sauces, tofu is an incredibly inexpensive and versatile meat alternative.
I love using super firm tofu for dishes like sweet and sour tofu and salt and pepper tofu. I even stuffed it to make vegan cordon bleu!
Tofu that is silken or soft is ideal for blending into my nut-free vegan mayo or tofu sour cream.
Firm tofu, which is not as soft as silken but has more water in it than super firm, is perfect for a softer texture that isn’t too wet, such as vegan ricotta and vegan goat cheese.
Check out my big list of tofu recipes if you’d like to try some new ideas.
Tempeh
Is tempeh the same as tofu? No. They are both soy products but there are a few key differences between them.
What is tempeh? Tempeh is a block or cake of fermented soybeans bound together during the culturing and fermentation process. It is considered one of the healthiest soybean products because of this process (fermented foods are fantastic for your gut, FYI).
What does tempeh taste like? Tempeh has a slightly nutty, somewhat savory and earthy flavor. It is far firmer than tofu.
Tempeh is often bitter if not cooked correctly. The best way to cook tempeh is to steam it for 5-10 minutes BEFORE doing anything else to it. Some people move directly onto the cooking process after that, by adding a sauce or seasoning and baking or sautéing the tempeh.
Tempeh can be sliced, crumbled, or grated into any recipe to punch up the protein and “meatiness.”
The other great thing about tempeh is that it is pretty inexpensive and relatively easy to find.
Soy Curls
I absolutely love soy curls. They’re inexpensive, incredibly versatile, last a long time, gluten-free, and VERY quick to make.
Most of my soy curls recipes take between 15 and 30 minutes to make. I’m actually writing a whole e-book about soy curls!
Soy curls are a healthy meat alternative made by boiling and then dehydrating whole soybeans. This is a natural method and is less processed than other options out there (such as TVP which is defatted soybean flour).
Soy curls can be purchased online from Butler Foods, the only company (as far as I know) who makes these. There are other similar dehydrated soy products but none just like soy curls.
My three favorite soy curls recipes (at least the ones on my site… don’t even get me started on the ones in my book… YUM) would have to be the Vegan General Tso’s Chicken, Vegan Chicken and Dumplings, and Vegan Chop Suey. But also Soy Curl Bacon and Vegan Carne Asada... don't make me choose!
Did you know I have books? Visit my shop page to see the various e-books I have available. My best seller is Plant-Based Jewish Recipes, and I’m in the middle of a second volume of that as well as a new book in the works that focuses on one of my favorite gluten-free vegan proteins.
TVP
What is TVP? TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein.
It comes dehydrated just like soy curls and will last on a shelf (though many folks refrigerate or freeze these products to make them last longer. And it’s easy to inject flavor into TVP like soy curls.
TVP is defatted soybean flour that is then constructed into little granules (or chunks or whatever form you find them in). It’s a byproduct from the soybean oil extracting process.
So it is more processed than other soybean products. That isn’t inherently a bad thing. It’s up to you to decide what level of processing you’re OK with.
TVP is perfect for vegan meat recipes where you don't want big chunks.
So I've found TVP is great for bulking up chili. I like to use it to make vegan bacon bits, vegan chorizo, and meatless crumbles. I also love it as a vegan meat sauce for pasta.
Vegan meat alternatives that aren’t high in protein
There are a few vegetable based options that I think are worth mentioning here. These options are not really all that high in protein (although all vegetables have some protein), but they’re worth mentioning because some lend themselves really well to vegan meat recipes.
Mushrooms are fantastic in certain recipes for meat. King oyster mushrooms, for example, make great vegan scallops.
Portobellos are great for fajitas, portobello bacon, or portobello mushroom steaks.
Shiitake mushrooms are very meaty and perfect in stir fries.
And I used oyster mushrooms in this early recipe that I still love—vegan chicken teriyaki with Brussels sprouts.
Next up, you’ve probably heard of jackfruit! Well I guess this is a fruit, not a vegetable, but it is actually awesome as a vegan meat replacement.
When you use jackfruit, you want to buy the kind that is called either Young Jackfruit or Green Jackfruit. This is unripe jackfruit and it doesn’t have much of a flavor, making it perfect for vegan meat recipes.
Do not buy fresh ripe jackfruit for this purpose—it’s far too sweet and will overwhelm the other flavors.
I use jackfruit in quite a few of my recipes, including this awesome vegan chicken salad as well as this vegan chicken cucumber salad and this cozy jackfruit stew.
Jackfruit is easily shredded, making it perfect for vegan shredded chicken.
Eggplant is one other option folks like to use to replace meat (I hate the term “fake meat”). I haven’t used it much myself, but many people enjoy cutting eggplant into large chunks and using it in their cooking.
I also want to mention protein isn’t everything! If you are eating a plant based diet and consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains, you’re going to get enough protein.
The only diets that lack protein are those that lack calories. Eat enough calories and you’ll be OK when it comes to protein.
Store Bought Vegan Meat Recipes
Being vegan is SO much easier now than it used to be. When I was 15 I was lucky if there was maybe one vegan meat alternative and one vegan cheese alternative... and they weren't that good.
But nowadays, you can find all kinds of ready-made vegan meat at many stores these days. And most of them are REALLY delicious. Of course, personal preferences differ, but if you try all of them you'll likely find at least one you love.
Vegan meat alternatives can be found at major grocery chains such as Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, Giant, and more. Vegan meat products can also be found at big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Meijer. They can also be found at specialty markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and your local health food stores.
What kind of vegan meat products are available in stores? I'm glad you asked.
There's all kinds of burger patties, sausages, plant based ground meats, chicken nuggets and recently some non-breaded style vegan chicken products have appeared, sandwich slices (like deli meat), hot dogs, bacon, and much, much more.
Our personal favorites are Beyond Meat Sausage and Impossible Meat Chicken Nuggets. My husband really loves these, although I personally have to limit my consumption of them since I have a sensitive stomach (to oil, mostly).
We've even created recipes using some of our favorite products, such as our Beyond Meat Meatloaf and Vegan Sausage Pasta.
These products can be expensive, but they are convenience foods first and foremost. If you're looking to save money on a vegan diet, I recommend you limit your consumption of these items and use them as a special treat once in a while, like for date night or if you're having a get-together.
There are so many less expensive options out there (see the sections above and the recipes below!) which can be much more budget friendly. And if you're really pinching your pennies, try some of the bean and lentil dishes below and others on my site like my hearty lentil vegetable potato stew, vegan stew with dumplings, and black beans and rice for really low-budget vegan meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seitan is a high protein vegan meat alternative made using the protein of wheat—it is made by washing flour or blending pre-made vital wheat gluten, flavoring it, and cooking it until it resembles a certain type of meat (chicken, pork, beef, etc.).
Seitan is made of gluten, the main protein found in wheat. Gluten is a combination of proteins prolamin and glutelin. Seitan’s gluten content makes it unsuitable for celiac and gluten-intolerant people.
No. Seitan and bread have very different textures and tastes. They’re also cooked differently. Seitan does not contain yeast. It does not rise. It is not fluffy. It is flavored and cooked differently than bread.
No. It won’t taste good at all. Definitely needs to be cooked!
Not necessarily. Seitan has more protein than tofu, but it depends on what texture, flavor, and application you’re looking for. It also highly depends on personal preference. Let’s use sausage as an example. Want something that crumbles? Go for tofu, like with my tofu-based vegan sausage crumbles. Looking for something more solid you can stick in a bun? Try my seitan-based vegan sausage links.
Tofu is a soybean product made from drying, soaking, crushing and cooking the soybeans.
Tofu tastes like nothing, really. It is perfect for soaking up flavor. If you want to inject flavor into tofu, you’ll either need to buy super firm tofu (which comes vacuum sealed; NOT in a tub of water) or press your firm tofu (with a tofu press or heavy objects) to rid it of excess water. Then you can use marinades, spice rubs, sauces, etc. to flavor the tofu.
Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. It is generally considered to be the healthiest soybean product. It is a little less versatile than seitan or tofu. It is a little challenging to cook for some folks. You must steam it first to get rid of any bitterness.
No. Soybeans contain what are called phytoestrogens. They do not raise the estrogen level in humans. Cultures in Asia have been eating soy for centuries. I highly recommend this source on tofu nutrition.
I like this question. But it’s hard to answer! I think I’d have to say my personal favorite is soy curls. They’re quick, versatile, and very easy to make and inject the flavor you want. You can also cook them with little to no oil if you want, which makes them easy on my stomach (which is sometimes sensitive). Mr. Zardyplants says his favorite is also soy curls but with seitan as a close second. We’ve been testing and photographing soy curls recipes for the last 4 months though, so I’m sure that’s impacting his decision!
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Vegan Meat Recipes
This big list of vegan meat recipes contains all kinds of dishes made with meat alternatives like tofu, seitan, soy curls, jackfruit, and more. Check out this super versatile list of satisfying vegan entrees featuring meat alternatives.
Seitan Recipes
Affectionately referred to as 'wheat meat,' seitan is made by separating out the protein in wheat and creating something from the protein known as gluten. Seitan is either made directly by washing the flour multiple times (ridding it of all its starch) and manipulating it, adding spices, etc. OR seitan can be made from vital wheat gluten, a dried and ground form of the wheat. Either way, seitan is incredibly versatile and high protein vegan meat alternative.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Juicy, tender, and satisfying, this Vegan Brisket is a perfect dinner main or holiday centerpiece. Slow roasted so it’s fork-tender, this seitan brisket will have vegans and non-vegans raving.
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.
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!).
Meaty, salty, and savory, this delicious Vegan Salami is easy to make at home without any fancy equipment. It makes the perfect addition to any sandwich, vegan charcuterie board, pizza, or just a delicious snack with crackers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Move over store-bought vegan chicken replacements, these Seitan Chicken Nuggets are AMAZING and taste BETTER than composite chicken alternatives, and even better than meat products. Super packed with protein with simple ingredients, these chicken nuggets are super easy to make, freeze well, and create an easy snack or meal to feed even the pickiest of eaters.
These delicious vegan schnitzel are tenderized with a meat mallet and baked in a flavorful marinade, then breaded and baked again for a tasty yet healthy protein-packed meal. You can choose to pan fry them in oil if you like, or air fry for a crispier texture!
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.
Tofu Recipes
The dishes below feature tofu as the star of the show. Tofu is a gluten-free protein made from processing soy beans and it is super versatile and highly underrated in our opinion. Our first thought when someone says they hate tofu is 'but do you know how to cook it properly?' We are not being snarky; there is a legitimate learning curve to cooking tofu. Here are some of our favorite tofu recipes to help you master that challenge. If you're looking for even more things to do with tofu (including cheeses and sauces), check out our big list of tofu recipes.
Vegan Cordon Bleu is crispy on the outside, chewy, and loaded with gooey vegan cheese and smoky vegan ham on the inside. This easy tofu recipe is satisfying, incredibly delicious, and fancy enough to serve guests yet easy enough to make any night.
Crispy and flavorful, this Panko Tofu is incredibly easy, quick, and versatile. Add it to your favorite bowl, pasta, or salad for a satisfying main or dip it in your favorite sauce for a great snack or appetizer.
Crispy and delicious Salt and Pepper Tofu is a super easy snack or meatless main you can make with only a few ingredients and in a short amount of time. Chewy and flavorful, this tofu is baked or air-fried, not fried in oil so it’s lighter but still as tasty as the salt and pepper dishes you may have encountered at Chinese restaurants.
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.
Crispy, tender, and flavorful, these Vegan Schnitzel are actually made from tofu and they’re incredibly delicious. This easy meat alternative comes together in just 15 minutes, can be made in one of three ways (instructions provided), and is the perfect protein for any meal.
This Easy Crispy Tofu is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy tofu. If you’ve never tried making it crispy, or if you’ve struggled, check out one of the three methods I’ll share in this post for the best crispy tofu ever.
This delicious Honey Garlic Tofu is a super easy and flavorful dish. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetable for a fantastic and satisfying meal.
This hearty and delicious Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu Meal is made on one or two sheet pans (depending on how many veggies you want!) and is super hands-off. Loaded with crispy BBQ tofu, the BEST crispy potatoes, surprisingly delicious roasted onions, roasted asparagus, and sweet corn, this is a meal that’s perfect for guests, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep.
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.
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.
Light, crispy and spongy in a good way, this Puffed Tofu does not disappoint. It’s great for a variety of different meals and it’s super quick and easy to make!
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.
Chewy, smoky, and a little spicy, these Vegan Sausage Crumbles are made from TOFU and are so versatile yet incredibly easy to make. They’re gluten-free, sugar-free, nut-free, and, of course, utterly delicious.
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.
Saucy, sweet, and spicy, this creamy Bang Bang Tofu is a fun vegan twist on a popular appetizer. It’s so protein packed and easy to make that it can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main course.
Delicious and filling, this Vegan Salmon is easy to make in two different ways: bake it for an easy, hands-off meal or pan sear it and enjoy a crispy “skin” on top with a moist and flaky interior that will impress everyone.
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!
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.
Deliciously smoky, sweet, and chewy, this Baked BBQ Tofu is super easy to make and is delicious alongside any meal or a great topper for salad, pasta, and more. Bake it, air fry it, pan cook it, or grill it, this protein-packed side dish will push its way right into the spotlight.
Tempeh Recipes
Tempeh is a block or cake of fermented soybeans bound together during the culturing and fermentation process. It is considered one of the healthiest soybean products because of this process. It can be bitter, so try one of the recipes below to make flavorful and delicious tempeh.
This copycat of an awesome sandwich you can buy at Whole Foods is very similar to a BLT but with avocado too! This satisfying vegan sandwich uses smoky tempeh strips, avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a delicious lunch.
Smoky, saucy, and delicious, this bbq tempeh is great for your next cookout... or dinner anytime. It so easy to make and you can use your favorite bbq sauce or more homemade vegan bbq sauce.
Tempeh is fantastic in vegan chili as it adds that meaty texture and tons of plant-based protein. This chili is easy to make and very cozy.
Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing with Tempeh Sausage and Veggies is a fantastic healthy and easy Thanksgiving recipe. It’s packed with goodies like smoky tempeh sausage crumbles, dried cranberries, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.
This maple dijon baked tempeh has a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor thanks to the maple mustard sauce it's drenched in. Serve these strips with your favorite dipping sauce, or with a starch like rice or mashed potatoes.
Indonesian fried noodle dish Mie Goreng (or Mee Goreng) is sweet, savory, and loaded with deliciousness. These noodles feature tempeh, fried tofu slices, vegetables, and a delectable sauce.
Smoky, chewy, and crispy, this tempeh bacon is delicious and pretty darn healthy too. Use it in sandwiches, pastas, and more.
Creamy and delicious, this Vegan BLT Pasta is my favorite sandwich reimagined as my favorite dish: pasta! This easy and delicious recipe features my tempeh bacon.
These tender little bites of pan-fried tempeh are delicious and very similar to popcorn chicken. You can spice them how you like, but these ones are flavored with Chinese five-spice and are super flavorful. They'd be great dunked in vegan teriyaki sauce or vegan sweet and sour sauce.
Spicy, crispy, and chewy, these spicy little buffalo nuggets are made from tempeh and are totally delicious. I highly recommend serving them with vegan ranch dressing or vegan garlic aioli.
Tempeh and walnuts create a super delicious taco meat in this easy recipe. Make your next taco night a meat-free meal with this easy vegan taco meat recipe.
It's super easy to make tempeh in your air fryer in this simple and delicious recipe. This protein-packed snack takes less than 15 minutes to make.
Coated in a delicious sticky vegan teriyaki sauce, this teriyaki tempeh is a delicious meal with rice and veggies. This wholesome dish is perfect for anyone trying to fit a few more veggies in their diet.
Delicious seasonal fall vegetables are roasted up and served with pasta and seasoned tempeh crumbles in this flavorful pasta dish. This feels-fancy recipe is actually pretty easy and perfect to serve family or guests.
Spicy tempeh nuggets is the best way to describe Indonesian sambal goreng tempeh. But another way to describe it is delicious! Enjoy these spicy tempeh cubes with your next veggie stir fry and some rice.
Soy Curls Recipes
Soy curls are a healthy meat alternative made by boiling and then dehydrating whole soybeans. I love soy curls because they're inexpensive, versatile, they last a long time (especially if you can store them in the freezer), and they're also gluten-free! Check out my favorite soy curls recipes.
This super tender, sweet and tangy Vegan BBQ Chicken is made from soy curls and it’s unbelievable! Super hands off, this 3 ingredient recipe is the perfect vegan protein for any sandwich, salad, or meal. It also works great for meal prep!
This super cozy Vegan Chicken and Stars Soup comes together in just 30 minutes and is super delicious and warming. This soup is amazing all year round, but it is especially perfect for chilly or rainy weather.
This saucy and delicious Vegan Pepper Steak comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a healthy weeknight meal. It’s made with tender but chewy soy curls (or any vegan meat sub you like), crisp and fresh bell peppers, and coated in an umami sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Tender yet chewy and packed full of flavor, this Vegan Carne Asada is the perfect filling for tacos or burritos but also delicious with some rice and veggies. This protein-packed gluten-free and vegan meal is one your family and guests will love.
Packed with flavor and fun to make, this Vegan Shawarma Bowl is the customizable bowl of your lunch, dinner, or meal prep dreams. Loaded with homemade Vegan Shawarma (gluten-free!), hummus, pickled red onions, harissa, and other goodies—you can build a bowl (or do it in a flatbread!) according to your tastes.
Chewy, smoky, and delicious, this Soy Curl Bacon is easy to make and super versatile. Use it in a vegan BLT wrap like I have here, or add it to your favorite sandwich, breakfast, or pasta.
Cozy, creamy, and delicious, this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect easy to make comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stew is loaded with giant fluffy dumplings, tender vegan chicken, veggies, and a delicious broth to satisfy your taste buds and your tummy.
One pan and only three ingredients make this incredible Vegan Chicken Teriyaki that’s the perfect dish on your table in 20 minutes or less. Use homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce—this truly luscious and delicious meal might become your new go-to.
This incredibly delicious and quick Vegan Chop Suey is a SAUCY vegan chicken stir fry loaded with tons of veggies and flavor. Healthy but tastes better than takeout, this dish is perfect for an easy dinner and makes enough for leftovers to take to work or school the next day.
Cozy, savory, and perfect for fall, this Vegan Cream of Chicken Soup is hearty, healthy, and stick-to-your-ribs satisfying. Whether you make up a big pot to eat throughout the week, serve to your family with crusty bread, or freeze for a snowy day, this soup is sure to become your new household favorite. Did we mention it takes only 30 minutes to make?
Savory, spicy, and a little sweet, these Vegan Drunken Noodles are the ultimate Thai-inspired dish. These noodles are packed with so much flavor and yet they only take 20 minutes to make!
This sweet and spicy Vegan General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious veganized Chinese takeout inspired dish. Gluten-free and packed with flavor and vegetables, this fast and easy dinner is as healthy as it is tasty!
These Vegan Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps are perfect for lunch or dinner, or even as a snack. They’re customizable and easy to assemble so they’ll please the whole family, and they’re ready in less than 20 minutes!
Delicious and fun, this Vegan Rasta Pasta recipe is inspired by an original Jamaican dish and is an easy, quick meal to make on weeknights or when you’re short on time. Featuring vegan chicken and surrounded by fettuccine, bell peppers, green onions, homemade jerk seasoning, and vegan parmesan cheese to create a flavorful meal you’ll be proud to serve.
Cozy, flavorful, and hearty, this Vegan Orzo Soup is super easy to make in 30 minutes or less! It has a lemon chicken soup vibe and it’s packed with veggies, vegan protein, and SO MUCH FLAVOR you might not have leftovers.
This easy, 20 minute Vegan Chinese Curry is loaded with healthy vegetables, vegan chicken, and lots of tasty sauce! Enjoy it over rice, noodles, on its own, and feed a large family or enjoy leftovers, since like most curry the flavors get even better the next day!
TVP Recipes
TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein. It comes dehydrated just like soy curls and will last on a shelf and even longer in the freezer. TVP is perfect for vegan meat recipes where you don't want big chunks, like ground meat.
Chewy, flavorful, and satisfying, this Easy Vegan Meat Sauce for Pasta will become a new household favorite. Make a single or multiple batches easily and save in the freezer for a quick meal later.
Satisfying and oh-so-delicious, this Easy Vegan Ragu is a plant protein-packed weeknight meal. It only takes 30 minutes to make this family-friendly, hidden veggie, healthy recipe.
Smoky, chewy, and packed with flavor, these Vegan Bacon Bits are so easy to make and go great on everything! Top baked potatoes, salads and more or throw it into soups, chili, and pasta for a flavor and texture boost.
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.
These meatless crumbles make the perfect vegan ground beef alternative in any dish! Throw these nut-free veggie crumbles together in less than 10 minutes and enjoy a delicious smoky and rich flavor.
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!
Creamy, cozy, and seriously delicious, this Vegan Hamburger Helper tastes just like the original stuff you got in a box, but better because it’s healthy! It’s also fast, super easy, and requires only one pot to make, so it’s sure to become a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Truly Plant-Based Meat Recipes
When I say "plant-based meat recipes," I really mean that these recipes are made with plants standing in for meat. Really, I'm talking about mushrooms, jackfruit, lentils, and beans. The power of plants!
Savory, lightly spicy, and super flavorful, these Vegan Birria Tacos are loaded with jackfruit birria, vegan Mexican cheese, and fried up with the flavorful stew used to cook the birria. This is an incredible meal or appetizer to serve guests, family, friends, or even just a fun and indulgent meal to make for yourself!
These easy vegan Portobello Mushroom Steaks are juicy and meaty, but totally meat-free and healthy! Marinated and oven-baked, my mushroom steaks are perfect along side any vegetable or grain.
Cozy, hearty, and flavorful, this Jackfruit Stew is a super easy and comforting meal. It’s packed with veggies, quick to make, gluten-free, and healthy without sacrificing good flavor.
Smoky and packed with umami flavor, this easy vegan Mushroom Lentil Pâté is the perfect appetizer or snack (it’s gluten-free too!). It keeps well in the fridge and is a great feels-fancy dish but is simple and quick to make. If you ever enjoyed chopped liver spread, it tastes similar to that (but way better in my opinion, not that I'm biased lol).
Watermelon Tuna is watermelon that’s marinated and baked in a savory brine that really makes it taste like sashimi-style vegan ahi tuna! It’s tender and luscious, not at all like the watery sweet fruit everyone knows. Give it a try!
These rich and flavorful Easy Vegan Scallops are served in a flavorful garlic butter sauce over pasta with sun dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This dish feels fancy enough for date night or a dinner party, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Smoky, chewy, and packed full of flavor, this Portobello Bacon is super easy to make and perfect for all your vegan bacon needs. Use it in for sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pasta, salad, and more.
These sweet, crispy, addictive Vegan Gluten-free Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings make for a healthy and delicious snack, meal, or party food. Kid-friendly too!
Fresh yet filling, these delicious Vegan Fish Tacos are a crazy fun 30 minute meal. They use hearts of palm as the base for the breaded vegan "fish" and are loaded with fresh goodies like creamy avocado, tangy red cabbage, and a spicy chipotle aioli, these vegan tacos are like a flavor explosion in your mouth.
This creamy Vegan Gnocchi Soup is so cozy and easy to make in under 25 minutes. It tastes just like the Olive Garden classic but with chickpeas instead of chicken without sacrificing any flavor.
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.
This Vegan Lobster Roll is a fun and healthy twist on the New England classic. The perfect sandwich for summer, this recipe is perfect for vegans and folks allergic to shellfish—and it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
This cheesy, creamy Vegan White Cheddar Mac Bake is what dinner dreams are made of especially with mushroom-based bacon pieces! Delicious, rich, satisfying, and great for picky eaters, this is awesome mac and cheese bake is actually a healthy meal in disguise.
These delicious baked Vegan Crab Rangoon are a healthy and easy twist on a traditional take out appetizer. Hearts of palm and chickpeas are the base of these baked or air fried snacks.
Tender and delicious, these are the Easiest Vegan Meatballs ever, and they’re made from beans! 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!
This savory and hearty Vegan Smoky Shepherd’s Pie is packed with lentils and mushrooms and is the ultimate cozy dinner, perfect for a weeknight or special occasion. Easy to make, customizable, and healthy, this delicious and classic dish is a great, budget-friendly, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
These vegan cheeseburger sliders are seriously made of lentils and they're SERIOUSLY amazing. Protein-packed lentils are combined with smoky mushrooms, caramelized onions, oat flour, and spices to create an oil-free, delicious patty that's perfect for sliders, burgers, "meatballs," and meatless ground.
This refreshing and flavorful Vegan Ceviche is a delicious but fishless version (using hearts of palm) of a traditional Peruvian dish. It makes a great appetizer or meal, especially for a gathering, when served with tortilla chips or in lettuce cups.
Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying, this Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip made from white beans is the perfect vegan appetizer or snack. Serve this quick and easy dip at a party or enjoy it at home with some chips and/or veggies.
Bursting with flavor, this easy and quick BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Vegan Coleslaw is a great family lunch or dinner, but also perfect for an outdoor gathering. Young jackfruit cooks while the vegan coleslaw is put together, enabling this dish to clock in at just 15 minutes to make.
This creamy, refreshing, and delicious Vegan Chicken Salad made with jackfruit and is a quick and easy meal you can make for yourself, your family, or even a barbecue or potluck. It’s gluten-free, oil-free, and ridiculously tasty in a sandwich or with some fresh vegetables!
This super fast jackfruit-based Vegan Shredded Chicken comes together in just 10 minutes with 4 pantry ingredients and is incredibly versatile. Spice how you like and use it in any dish—t’s gluten-free and soy-free to boot.
A healthy twist on a classic, these Easy Vegan Tuna Melt Sandwiches might become your new favorite lunch. Made from wholesome, plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and ready in 15 minutes or less, they're a delicious protein-packed upgrade to grilled cheese.
This jackfruit-based Vegan Chicken Cucumber Salad is delicious any time of the year, but particularly yummy in warmer weather. It also makes an easy dish to batch prep on Sundays for easy work or school lunches all week. Mix it up by wrapping some in a tortilla, or serve it over rice for a heartier meal.
Comforting, nostalgic, and delicious, this Vegan Tuna Casserole is a healthy take on a family favorite. Made from a simply delicious cheesy sauce, chickpeas, noodles, peas, onions, garlic, optional celery, and breadcrumbs, this satisfying meal is ready in 30 minutes!
Store-Bought Vegan Meat Recipes
There are all kinds of great vegan meat alternatives at the stores nowadays! I've compiled a few of my favorite recipes using store bought vegan meat substitutes below.
This juicy, tender, satisfying Beyond Meat Meatloaf is beyond delicious. Made with simple ingredients, this vegan meatloaf is the perfect family dinner for an average meal, a special meal, meal prep, and everything in between.
This Vegan Sausage Pasta is one of our favorite go-to quick vegan dinner recipes. It’s satisfying, easy to make, loaded with flavor, and tastes super indulgent.
Delicious and loaded with protein and veggies, this Vegan Meat Lover’s Pizza features a trifecta of vegan meats. This one is a palate pleaser and makes for a great meal that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Kristen
What a fabulous collection!