Vegan cooking has come a long way since the days of just salads and tofu. With plant-based options becoming increasingly popular, chefs are getting more creative in the kitchen. Here are five innovative vegan recipes to try out today.
1. Vegan BBQ “Ribs”
Ingredients:
– 1 can jackfruit, drained and shredded
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the shredded jackfruit with olive oil and the spice mixture.
4. Spread the jackfruit on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and brush the BBQ sauce over the jackfruit. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized.
This vegan BBQ rib recipe is perfect for those craving some classic summer flavors without the meat. The jackfruit has a meaty texture and when tossed in BBQ sauce and baked, it resembles traditional barbecue ribs.
2. Vegan “Egg” Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 block extra-firm tofu, crumbled
– 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the crumbled tofu, vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chopped celery and red onion, and mix until combined.
3. Serve on bread, in a wrap, or on top of a salad.
This vegan “egg” salad recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The crumbled tofu resembles eggs and is flavored with classic egg salad ingredients like mustard and celery.
3. Vegan “Cheesy” Cauliflower
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 2 tbsp vegan butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, steam the cauliflower florets until tender.
3. Drain the cauliflower and place it in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle nutritional yeast, vegan butter, salt, and pepper over the cauliflower.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the “cheese” is melted and golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This vegan “cheesy” cauliflower recipe is a great side dish for any meal. The nutritional yeast gives the cauliflower a cheesy flavor and a vegan butter gives it a creamy texture.
4. Vegan “Chicken” and Dumplings
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can vegan biscuits
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth and almond milk to a boil.
2. Add the diced carrots, frozen peas, diced onion, and diced celery to the pot.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the chickpeas to the pot and stir.
5. Tear the vegan biscuits into small pieces and drop them into the pot.
6. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the biscuits are cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
This vegan “chicken” and dumplings recipe is a great comfort food option for those who want to go meat-free. The chickpeas add protein while the biscuits provide a fluffy texture.
5. Vegan “Bacon” Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
– 1/4 cup coconut bacon or vegan bacon bits
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the coconut bacon or vegan bacon bits, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the maple syrup on top of the Brussels sprouts.
5. Sprinkle the bacon mixture over the Brussels sprouts.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy.
This vegan “bacon” Brussels sprouts recipe is a great side dish for any meal. The coconut bacon or vegan bacon bits add a smoky flavor while the maple syrup provides a sweetness that pairs well with the bitter Brussels sprouts.
Overall, these vegan recipes offer creative takes on classic dishes and are sure to satisfy even the most skeptical meat-eater. So, whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet or try something new, give these recipes a try today.