For die-hard and true meat lovers, veganism can be quite a tough lifestyle to adopt. After all, the basic idea or aim behind this school of thought is to abstain from eating animals or any animal-derived ingredients and products.
However, as hard or difficult it is, numerous incredible plant-based meat alternatives will successfully satiate your appetite and won’t make you feel like you are missing out on a lot! It won’t feel or taste the same, but those plant-based options eventually end up growing on you a great deal.
Take a look at some of the best plant-based meat alternatives for all the vegans out there.
Tofu
This has to be one of the most classic meat alternatives, as it is made of soaked soy beans that are later turned into a smooth puree with the help of water. The liquid content of the puree is then heated, boiled, curdled, and pressed into slabs.
While plain tofu doesn’t taste anything like meat, you can stir-fry it to the point where it browns a little and becomes crispy. Add some spices to it, and you will taste pork or ground chicken when you eat it.
That’s the beauty of tofu- it is a super versatile ingredient and can make you come to second servings because it tastes so delicious!
Seitan
This is yet another super popular and enjoyable meat alternative and is also referred to as “wheat meat.”
Seitan is made of hydrated gluten and is used as a meat substitute in numerous food dishes. The main reason why vegans enjoy it is not only because it is super tasty, but it adopts a very similar consistency, look, and texture to that of meat once it is fully cooked.
It also features a very savory taste, which is often compared to the taste of bland chicken. All in all, seitan’s popularity as a plant-based substitute for meat is more because of its meaty texture than the overall taste.
Mushrooms
If you are particularly looking for that obvious meaty taste, mushrooms are your best bet. They are ideal meat alternatives mainly because of their rich meaty and earthy flavor that is absolutely delicious.
While there is a whole variety of mushrooms out there, Portobello and cremini mushrooms are the closest to meat and are commonly featured in numerous recipes and dishes as a replacement for meat.
Lentils
Ever since the whole idea of veganism came into existence, lentils have been the go-to option for most people to get that meat-like flavor. The best thing about lentils is that firstly, they are available in many varieties, and secondly, you can do so much with them! From lentil tacos and burgers to lentil stews and meatballs, the sky is the limit!
Bottom Line
These plant-based products will truly cover up the absence of meat in your life as a vegan. More importantly, though, the less meat you eat, the better it is for your body because meat consumption has been linked to many diseases and illnesses.
