In the United States, there are many individuals who are vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarians, by definition, are people who do not consume meat, and sometimes other animal products due to various reasons (including health reasons). Because of this, average vegetarian women live 6.1 years longer than women who eat meat. Additionally, vegetarian men live 9.5 years longer than men who eat meat. Needless to say, there are health benefits to being a vegetarian. There is a difference between vegetarians and vegans. Vegans, by definition, are individuals who do not eat meat or use animal products. Therefore, they are in a constant search for vegan friendly meat products, and vegan friendly makeup products. Although a difference exists between vegetarians and vegans,their similarity of not eating meat causes them to not be able to eat burgers, tacos, chicken, and various meat products. But, fear not, vegetarians and vegans! There is a chicken substitute, a beef substitute, and various meat substitutes for your next meal! Time to get cooking!
Chicken Substitute
If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, you know it can be difficult to find a meat substitute that is delicious, filling, and flavorful. However, as the years progress, and vegetarianism and veganism is becoming more widespread, there are many options for chicken. If you desire chicken-like meals here are some substitutes you should know about for your next meal.
Tofu: Tofu is an excellent substitute for chicken. Tofu is a food product that comes from soybeans. This makes tofu high in protein, and also high in calcium. So, it’s very good for you, health wise. Tofu is an ideal product for chicken substitutes, because it absorbs all flavors of the items you’re cooking with! For example, when tofu is seasoned with spices or marinades, it completely takes on that flavor. If you’re in the mood for a barbecue chicken-esque dish, tofu can taste like barbecue sauce. If you’re in the mood for a grilled buffalo chicken-esque wrap or sandwich, tofu can take on the spicy flavor! There are many possibilities with tofu as a chicken substitute.
Seitan: Seitan is a made from wheat gluten. Similar to tofu, seitan is high in protein. Seitan is ideal if you want to grill or fry your meals. It’s also an ideal chicken substitute.
Beef Substitutes
Textured Soy Protein: Textured soy protein is soy flour that is defatted. It can take on the flavor and texture of ground beef depending on how you season it, and how you cook it. Textured soy protein is ideal for meals such as tacos, burgers, spaghetti, and chili! Yum!
Lentils: Some individuals consider this product the most common or traditional substitute, but lentils are a great substitute for beef! You can use lentils in tacos, soups, and casseroles!
Various Beans: If you’re on the hunt for inexpensive meat substitutes, beans work! Just like tofu and seitan, beans are a very high protein source. Additionally, they are delicious when used in nachos, meatballs, and lasagna.
Other Meat Substitutes
Tempeh: Some may think that tempeh and tofu are very similar. However, tempeh is much more harder than tofu, which is known for it’s soft and squishy texture. Tempeh is essentially fermented soybeans. Unlike tofu, it has a flavor instead of taking on the flavor of seasoning. Tempeh is rich in protein, various vitamins, calcium, and fiber. You can also cook tempeh in various ways, such as grinding it, slicing it, or steaming it. This substitute is ideal for fish.
Mushrooms: A specific mushroom is ideal for a meat substitute, and that mushroom is unami. The unami mushroom is meaty in taste and texture. They’re a delicious and filling substitute for many, many dishes.
Other Vegetables: There are other vegetables that can replace meat in any recipe. Eggplant, much like unami mushrooms has a meaty flavor. Therefore, this vegetable is ideal for meat substitution. Cauliflower and beets can also be used to substitute meats in many dishes. They are hearty, delicious, savory, and extremely versatile.
Are you ready for your next meal?