As the number of vegetarians and vegans in the United States increases, there is more demand for alternatives to meat. If you are looking to limit the amount of meat in your diet, you may not know exactly where to start. Read on to learn more about the best meat alternatives on the market.
Tofu
Perhaps the most famous meat alternative is tofu, a cultural staple of many East Asian countries. Made with fermented soybeans, tofu can be prepared in a number of ways to resemble meat or not. Tofu is a great addition to many dishes, like stir-fries, noodle bowls, and soups.
If you love ground beef in your recipes, you can season ground tofu and use it as an alternative. You can also bread and fry it for a more healthy and delicious snack.
Fortunately, tofu is a very healthy substitute and can add a lot to your daily nutrition. Tofu is rich in iron, calcium, and protein, and has very few calories compared to actual meat. For this reason, substituting tofu for meat is a balanced way to lower the number of calories you consume.
Of all the meat alternatives, tofu is a top choice for millions of people worldwide, and you might love it too.
Seitan
Seitan is a vegan meat alternative made with hydrated gluten, which you can mold into various recipes. It has a wide range of uses and is often used for cooking “vegan chicken wings.” This is done by molding seitan and preparing it like chicken wings, as it can resemble them.
Seitan is not recommended for those with gluten intolerances, but it can be delicious to others. Because it’s so simple, seitan can replace chicken, pork, and more in any recipe. With a few ingredients, you can easily make it at home on your stove.
Seitan is very rich in protein, with 75 grams per 100-gram serving. It also has a decent amount of calcium and iron, so there are health benefits to this substitute.
Overall, seitan is a great meat alternative to use in all kinds of recipes, so those who love cooking will find it useful.
Veggie Burgers
Hamburgers are one of the most popular foods in the United States, so there is no shortage of vegan options. Veggie burgers are a tasty alternative made with different ingredients such as tofu, soybeans, mushrooms, and more. There are many ways to prepare them, and some versions taste very similar to their meat counterparts.
You can make homemade veggie burgers with black beans and vegetables, though they require more preparation than beef burgers. Veggie burgers are a widespread menu item, so you can find them in restaurants everywhere.
Veggie burger patties are usually more nutritious than beef patties and often contain many vitamins and minerals. This alternative is great for those who love burgers but are also interested in eating less meat.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a common ingredient in all kinds of recipes, and they can replace meat in many cases. When prepared right, they can be a great alternative to ground beef for tacos and other dishes. With enough seasoning, they are also used instead of meat in pasta sauce.
There are 12 grams of protein in each cup of chickpeas, which makes them a good nutritional substitute as well. There are plenty of vitamins and minerals in each serving, so they make a great part of any diet.
Chickpeas are a versatile food for all types of dishes, and those looking for a meat alternative will appreciate them.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great vegetable for meat substitution, with a firm texture and neutral taste. For this reason, it can be seasoned and prepared in a way that makes it the perfect meat alternative. It also requires little preparation, unlike some other meat substitutes.
When chopped up finely and seasoned, it makes for good taco meat that resembles ground beef. Because of its texture, you’ll hardly notice the difference once you cook it. You can also make incredible cauliflower wings, which vegans love.
Cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable, and it can easily replace different kinds of meat. Because of its simple flavor, you can apply it to almost any recipe.
Altogether, this meat alternative is one of the best options you could choose. Cauliflower is a good choice for those new to preparing meat alternatives, as it is much easier.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a meat substitute made from fermented soybeans, similar to tofu. Tempeh differs from tofu with its chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is much more firm and dense, so the way you can use it is pretty unique.
Tempeh is often used in stir-fries, either chopped, grated, or crumbled into the dish. You can also eat it by itself, in sandwiches, chili, salads, soups, stews, and many more. Tempeh is a distinctive meat alternative as it can be prepared by itself for a delicious snack rather than a larger meal.
Tempeh has many nutrients and more calories than some other alternatives. Adding it to your diet will give you more magnesium, iron, calcium, protein, and vitamin B-6.
If you are looking for a new alternative to meat, tempeh is a good option for various recipes. With its nutritional value, remarkable flavor, and texture, you may find it to be a new favorite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of meat alternatives out there for you to try. No matter what kind of substitute you are looking for, there is bound to be one that meets your standards. In the world of vegan and vegetarian diets, there is a wide variety of food to enjoy.
