If you are looking to give up on meat and adopt plant based diet, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your favorite dishes also. There are many plant-based substitutions available that can be easily used in your favorite dishes like burgers, meatballs or buffalo wings and still taste the same or may be even better.

Let us look at some of the plant-based meat substitutions that you can easily used use in various dishes.

1. Tofu

Tofu is a product manufactured from curdled soybeans and is one of the most popular meat replacements. This soy-based protein source is available in a variety of firmness levels, ranging from silky to super-firm. Tofu absorbs flavors from sauces and surrounding ingredients and can be used in scrambles, smoothies, stir-fries, and other tofu recipes. Tofu is an excellent substitute for chicken, whether it’s Crispy Tofu Nuggets, Moroccan Cutlets in a Lemon-Olive Sauce, or pieces for Chinese dishes like Kung Pao Tofu.

2. Lentils

Lentils are an excellent substitute for ground beef. Lentils are also high in protein and fiber. Lentils can be used in meatballs, burgers, stews, and tacos. You make a beautiful vegan-friendly supper by using a wide range of colors, from black and brown to red and green.

3. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the way to go for that meaty flavor. Cremini and Portobello mushrooms, in particular, have a deep, earthy, and meaty flavor. They are nutritious and satisfying, and can be used in place of meat in any recipe.

4. Eggplants

Eggplant, like mushrooms, resembles meat, especially when sautéed, baked, or grilled. Ground eggplant can be roasted and used in burgers. Eggplants are high in protein and fiber, as well as potassium, dietary fibre, magnesium, iron, calcium, protein, and vitamins A, B6, and C.

5. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is an excellent plant-based option that has 6 grams of fiber and nearly 6 grams of protein per serving. It’s also high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. Technically, jackfruit is a fruit, but it may be used in place of meat in savory meals. You may buy it whole or sliced up in a can. Jackfruit is ideal for barbecue sandwiches, stir-fries, and other dishes using beef, chicken, or hog.

6. Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that gives digestive health advantages. Because tempeh is created by soaking, simmering, fermenting, and molding soy beans into a block, it has a meaty texture and may be cut up and cooked in a variety of ways. Tempeh is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, yet high in protein and minerals like as iron, calcium, and B vitamins. Tempeh is delicious steamed, grilled, pan-fried, baked, and other ways. Try it on a sandwich, on top of a salad, or skewered on kabobs.

7. Seitan

Seitan is a luscious meat replacement made from essential wheat gluten that has a similar feel to chicken. Seitan is very tasteless on its own, thus it is frequently flavored with soy sauce, herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast. Try it in a stew, shredded into tacos, or marinated and grilled alone.

8. Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are fantastic. They are cheap, healthful, and satisfying, and there are numerous varieties to select from, including black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, aduki beans, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas, to mention a few. They’re high in protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. There are several methods to prepare beans, so feel free to experiment with them on a regular basis.

9. Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be the star of any dish if properly seasoned and cooked. Cauliflower may be used in Asian recipes such as Cauliflower Manchurian and even Buffalo wings in place of chicken. Cauliflower Piccata may be made by slicing the cauliflower into steaks. Cauliflower may also be used to make pizza crust.

10. Beet

Beets are sweet and delicious, and they go nicely in burgers, tacos, stews, soups, salads, and other savory foods. Beets can also be used in desserts. Beets are a terrific meat alternative since they are high in vegetable protein, magnesium, fiber, iron, vitamins B6 and C, calcium, and potassium.

As you can see, the alternatives for replacing meat in your meals are nearly unlimited. You have to just experiment with your creativity and find various ways to relish your favorite dishes by substituting meat with the plant based sources.

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