Anyone Here Veg/Vegan? Let's Talk Fake Meat

[midwest07]

I am pescetarian, but I have never seen fake seafood products (well, except imitation crab but it's still fish based), so I think I can probably answer here.

Generally, I am not a fan of fake meat products and would caution you in using them to build most of your meals. For one, you can make a lot more interesting and tasty meals without them (this takes time, but find a few good cookbooks/online resources to help you). And two, they are still processed foods and you will have a healthier diet if you build you meals around real vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, etc.

They are, however, useful if you really do miss the taste and texture of meat. It will help keep you to your goals if you want to stay vegan/veg. I tend to like Morningstar products and they are easy to find. The bacon is the exception, it's terrible. I buy their spicy black bean burgers and the "grillers", which are 1/4 lb "hamburgers" that honestly taste a lot like grilled burgers to me. But it's been 10 years since I had a real burger so I could be kidding myself!

[ckinla]

I will only eat veggie burgers (not soy burgers), which I really don't classify as faux meat. Otherwise, I will not eat it, including tofu. The concept/taste/texture all skeeve me out.

[mrssavy42112]

My fav is Field Roast also. I like the apple sage 'sausage' and the celebration roast. They're quite heavy, though, so I can only have a small amount at a time.

I've found that with meat substitutes, they can't be too realistic. If it tastes too real, I get freaked out & can't eat it. Also, I can't eat anything with a smoky flavor. Regardless of the texture, if it tastes smoky, it tastes too real to me & I flip. Strange, I know.

[lightbulbsun]

Morningstar Farms black bean burger is really good. I also like their chicken patties. Gardin has some yummy things, but in general I don't eat much fake meat because it's pretty processed and high in sodium.

I cook a lot with 3 grain tempeh. It's not really a fake meat, but it's a great source of protein. Seitan (wheat protein) and tofu (soy protein) are also good substitutes.

I also love cooking with quinoa and beans. Also high in protein and versitile.

Some good recipe blogs are Oh She Glows and Hungry Hungry Hippie. I also follow vegetarian times on pinterest, and they have a lot of yummy recipes. Good luck!

[everafter07]

Gardein Beefless Tips in stir fry are delish, even DH thinks so. Gardein tenders are also pretty good.

MorningStar stuff is pretty much always good, esp the black bean burgers. The meat crumbles are ok, a little rubbery.

Tofu strips pan fried with seasonings are really good too. We make those with a veg and mac and cheese or fries for an easy dinner.