Most commonly used as a plant-based meat alternative, textured vegetable protein isn't just a vegan food item. When it's not being used in animal-free products, it's used as a meat extender in dishes like soups, meatballs, chili, burgers and lasagna. A name trademarked in the 1960s, agricultural giant Archer Daniels Midland created textured vegetable protein (TVP) and still holds the trademark on the product today. Commonly known by other names like textured soy protein, soy meat or soya chunks, it's found in several health food store products and is easy to cook up at home. Use TVP to make chicken strips, soy sausage, meatloaf or burgers—the possibilities are endless!
While textured vegetable protein is commonly found in pre-made products, using it in homemade recipes is one of our favorite ways to cook with it! Continue reading to find out more about this wonder ingredient and discover textured vegetable protein recipes that you can begin making today with this complete guide.
What Is Textured Vegetable Protein?
Textured vegetable protein is a high protein meat substitute that's made primarily from soy flour. With little to no fat or cholesterol, it's a favorite amongst people watching their cholesterol levels. While it's possible to create a similar meat substitute from other foods, TVP undergoes a specific manufacturing process that focuses on isolating the soy protein from the other components in whole soybeans. The defatted soy protein is then compressed into granules, chunks or flakes and dehydrated before packaging. TVP comes in several flavors and sizes, and because it's widely available, it's popular among cooks of all skill levels.
How to Cook Textured Vegetable Protein
Textured vegetable protein can be used nearly anywhere you'd use ground beef; it will just need to be rehydrated first! To hydrate your TVP, you'll want to combine it with a liquid. On its own, TVP can be pretty bland in flavor, and while water can be used to rehydrate the protein, it's not the tastiest option. Textured vegetable protein takes on that taste of whatever you're cooking it with. Because of this, instead of using water, you may want to consider rehydrating your TVP with sauce, soup or vegetable broth.
Additionally, you'll want to choose your recipe beforehand and ensure that the seasonings you choose will work well with your recipe. If you're going to make lasagna, you will need to use the same herbs and spices to season your textured vegetable protein. For even more flavor, you can season your faux meat as it's cooking.
Worried about rehydrating your textured vegetable protein incorrectly? Hydrating TVP is a relatively straightforward process and only takes about 10 minutes in total. This quick-cooking time makes it a fast source of protein that you can add to several dishes. With a texture similar to ground meat, TVP works well in dishes like vegan casseroles and hearty chili recipes. Before purchasing your textured vegetable protein, you'll want to consider the consistency that would work best for the chosen recipe. From small chunks to thin flakes, there are several different types to choose from.
Who Can Enjoy Textured Vegetable Protein?
Textured soy protein is made from soy and can be enjoyed by nearly anyone! That being said, while textured soy protein is an excellent meat alternative, not everyone who's following a plant-based diet enjoys soy—and some people may even be allergic to it. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options to choose from. If textured soy protein isn't your meat replacement of choice, we recommend using a wheat-based alternative like seitan or swapping in vegetables for meat instead.
6 Delicious Recipes Using Textured Soy Protein
Textured Vegetable Protein is an incredibly versatile meat substitute making it an easy and delicious way to add protein and heartiness to several traditionally meat-based dishes. Continue reading to discover our favorite textured vegetable protein recipes and how you can begin cooking with this popular meat alternative.
Vegetarian Tacos
Turn your next taco Tuesday celebration into a plant-based one and use textured soy protein to replicate taco meat. Whether you're following a vegan/vegetarian diet or trying to eat less meat, these Vegetarian Tacos are the ideal recipe to ease you into the lifestyle. Because TVP takes on any flavor, taco seasoning, spices and fresh herbs can be used to create an actual meat-like flavor, making this plate one that everyone will enjoy.
Textured Vegetable Protein Lasagna
Lasagna is always a crowd favorite, and even more so when it's made with ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or making a plate to enjoy at your next family game night, this Textured Vegetable Protein Lasagna is an excellent dish to share with others. While ground beef is commonly used in traditional lasagna recipes, this recipe uses textured vegetable protein to mimic the flavor and texture, making it an entirely plant-based meal. Enjoy it as it is, serve it up with a side salad, or add a bit of extra nutrition to the dinner with roasted veggies.
Textured Vegetable Protein Burgers
Summer is in full swing, which means weekend backyard BBQs are back in business. For your next neighborhood barbecue, try something new and make these Textured Vegetable Protein Burgers. The ideal veggie burger, using textured vegetable protein will create a patty that has a meaty texture and holds together well when handled. This makes it easy for the burgers to withstand multiple toppings and condiments without falling apart. An excellent meal for kids and adults alike, when flavored correctly, it's hard to tell that these burgers are plant-based at all!
Textured Vegetable Protein Sloppy Joes
Turn your outdoor dining area into a fun-filled mess hall by making these Textured Vegetable Protein Sloppy Joes. A fun meal to make and put together, this sloppy joe recipe is the perfect opportunity to invite your kids into the kitchen to help. Tasty and filling, enjoying this meal is an excellent way to boost your protein intake while spending time with the family. They're full of flavor and sure to become a favorite for everyone at the table.
Textured Vegetable Protein Sausage Crumbles
Craving a hearty morning without the traditional breakfast meats that usually accompany it? By making these Textured Vegetable Protein Sausage Crumbles, you can create your dream breakfast and enjoy it too—completely meat-free. TVP sausage crumbles can be served as a side to pancakes or worked into a delicious omelet recipe. These sausage crumbles taste so great, why limit them to just breakfast food? Let your creativity run free, and add these crumbles to your daily lunch, dinner and snacks for an added boost of complete protein.
Vegan Biscuits Sausage and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are classic comfort food. And that comfort food is taken up a notch when sausage is added into the mix. If you are a fan of home-cooked meals, then a plate of Vegan Biscuits, Sausage and Gravy is sure to satisfy. Take your plant-based cookbook to the next level and recreate your favorite biscuits and gravy meal sans animal products. By using textured vegetable protein, you can create sausage-like faux meat so similar to the real thing your guests will have a hard time telling the difference. Dress it up with herbs and spices for a meal that will have everyone returning for seconds—no matter what diet they follow.
Textured Vegetable Protein Deviled Burgers
Just one burger recipe per list wasn't enough. Put a spin on traditional burgers and use textured vegetable protein to create these delicious Deviled Burgers. Made with TVP, red hot sauce, ground cumin, and tomato paste, they're sure to add some spice to your current menu—just make sure you have a glass of water to reach for! Once cooked, pair these burgers with whole wheat buns for a truly delicious meal.
Tip: Most store-bought Worcestershire Sauce contains anchovies, so make sure to use a vegetarian version if desired.
Now that you have a better idea of what textured soy protein is and how to use it, it's time to head to the kitchen. Using one of the six recipes above will quickly turn your plant-based journey into a more flavorful one. From sloppy joes to vegetarian tacos, there's a recipe on this list for everyone to enjoy. After you've mastered cooking with textured vegetable protein, we encourage you to get creative in the kitchen and try supplementing it in your favorite meals. Remember, with just a bit of flavoring and technique, you can work this meat alternative into nearly anything you'd like. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a flavor-filled and plant-based day!
Know of a delicious recipe that uses textured vegetable protein? We'd love to hear what you're whipping up with this plant-based meat alternative. Let us know your favorite TVP meals in the comments below!
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