This is more of a public service announcement.
Think of it as a recommendation and nothing more. No preaching. No nothing.
I would have liked to have read about this recommendation a while back as I searched for alternatives to meat.
I'd also like to add that I'm not a full-on vegetarian or vegan, but I've been trying to limit my meat imprint on the earth, so I've been experimenting with the options out there.
To date, the best and most convincing alternative to eating beef is a product by Gardein. The texture and flavor IS beef to me. Just had it in a meat[less] sauce lasagna and I swear to the gods I couldn't tell the difference. Like not at all. And I was TRYING to tell the difference.
So, if you've been curious about it, give it a whirl. I'm planning on trying the other varieties from this company. We've been BIG Morning Star brand vegetarian products people, but this is the first time the texture was the real deal and I didn't feel like I was eating a computer's interpretation of what meat must taste and feel like (similar to Seth Brundle's steak in THE FLY).
13 comments:
Try the Beyond Meat products. The less animals products you eat, the better it is for the Earth, you, and the animals.
Thanks. Will do.
Have a look for TVP crumbles/granules. Same texture as ground beef, but flavourless so you can make them taste like anything. They're also cheaper than most fake meats. I hydrate mine in an equal amount of heated stock and then just cook your meal as per usual.
We have some Gardin chipotle black bean burger now in the freezer. It’s good! A little shredded cheese on top and I don’t need a bun!
Long-term vegan here. I usually avoid the fake meat products, but the Gardein fish does wind up in my grocery basket from time to time as I do miss the flavor and texture of fish tacos. Also the Field Roast brand makes some excellent sausages in a variety of flavors that give some tooth and protein punch to a dish, though I would not say they are particularly meat-like. I’ve learned to go without mostly, and sometimes fill the gap with unprocessed stuff. One awesome trick is adding a half cup of quinoa to a soup or chili about halfway through the processs; doesnt’t really affect the flavor but gives whatever you’re throwing it in a nice texture.
Thanks, guys!
I've been vegetarian for over 18 years & have tried most (if not all) of the Gardein products. I've never been disappointed with any of them. I second Patrick Nottingham's suggestion for Beyond Meat products. Their Beyond Burgers & Beyond Sausage are spectacular. Another one I've enjoyed is a UK brand called Quorn - specifically their meatballs & their roast (so much better than Tofurky roast). Enjoy your discoveries! It's so much easier now to find tasty alternatives to meat than it used to be! :) Heath Cole / nynekats
Thanks!
Another multi-decade vegetarian household weighing in here...I have to second some of the votes for Beyond Meat and Quorn (lover their tenders, and their roast is front and center for all of our holidays)
However, for day-to-day meals, when I employ meat analogues, Gardein is definitely at the top of my list.
I find they are especially good for 'comfort food' type applications. Especially true for me in the fall and winter.
Our favorite of their products is their 'Beefless Tips'. I tend to thaw them about 30 minutes in advance to make it easier to cut the pieces in half. If you want to give them a whirl, they work really well in a stew (brown them first, then build the stew up)
As another poster mentioned, I would also recommend their 'Fishless Fish'. It's always a hit around here, and we enjoy them in a traditional 'fish and chips' application, as well as fish tacos over the summer.
Some other honorable mentions that have earned a permanent place in my fridge / freezer:
-Lightlife Smart Sausages (anywhere you might use Italian sausage)
-Lightlife Gimme Lean Veggie Sauasage (perfect in chestnut dressing!)
-Morningstar Meal Starters Chik'n Strips (quesadillas, soups, wraps)
Best of luck on your adventure!
Huge thanks for all of that.
I've been looking to massively cut down on the amount of meat I consume, so this has all been very valuable information
Gardein's Fishless Fillets are really good, too!
The impossible burger is amazing if you can get your hands on it. They have it at white castle but it doesn't totally do it justice. Find a good restaurant that serves it. It is going to be hitting stores soon. Also Have a heart has awesome cheese if your looking for that as well. I have been a vegetarian for 12 yrs.
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