Vegan Substitutes For Beef: The Ultimate Vegan Beef Substitutes You Should Know
No one can deny how delicious and versatile beef is.
However, due to some diet restrictions, beef is often forbidden from their daily meals.
So what vegan substitutes can greatly substitute for beef?
In this post, we are going to list some of the best vegan-friendly ingredients that can replace your favorite beef cut and make your diet healthier.
What is beef?
Beef refers to the meat from a cow that is about two years old and above.
On the other hand, the young cow, known as a calf, produces meat that is called veal.
Due to the large size of the matured cow, beef is often sold in primal or subprimal cuts on the market, normally in a butcher shop or the meat section in most grocery stores or supermarkets.
Beef has a dark red color when raw and turns brown when cooked.
Depending on different cuts of beef (with more or less fat, tough or tender), there are various ways to cook this kind of meat.
Typically, beef is perfect to be pan-fried, stewed, baked, roasted, salted, or even smoked and dried to make beef jerky.
It can be fully cooked or medium-rare so that the meat is a little pink in the middle, juicy, and very flavorful.
Beef pairs well with gravies, mashed potatoes, toast, salads, fries, or any side dish you like.
Beef is a rich source of protein, iron, B-vitamins, and many other essential nutrients for our health.
However, it is typical red meat that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which might pose some risks to our heart health, and even create certain cancers if consumed too much in the long term.
Can you substitute beef with vegan alternatives in cooking recipes?
The fact has shown that there are many people who are looking for a vegan substitute for beef.
So, yes, beef can be easily replaced with vegan-friendly ingredients that can be purchased from any grocery store, supermarket, or organic store across the country.
Beef is great, but there are many reasons why people are seeking a way to swap or remove this kind of meat from their diets.
For example, beef is relatively expensive and packed with high saturated fat content which is harmful to our health in the long term.
Moreover, in some regions of India or other surrounding countries where Hindus live, the cow is considered to be related to sacred reasons.
Therefore, consuming beef is forbidden within this religion.
What vegan substitutes can you use in place of beef?
There are plenty of vegan substitutes for beef that are available on the market.
Check the following ideas to see what you can find in your local grocery store.
1. Seitan
Seitan is always one of the top choices to substitute for different kinds of meat, no matter if you want to use it in place of pork, chicken, or beef.
Seitan is mainly made from gluten from wheat, so it is not ideal for those who are not a fan of gluten-based products.
Seitan comes in different textures and sizes, so you determine what kind of beef you want to mimic by using seitan before making the purchase.
For instance, seitan powder or ground seitan is great to make vegan sausage, while seitan blocks can resemble the whole beef cut in baking or roasting recipes.
2. Tempeh
Tempeh is another option that can be easily found on the market.
It is made from fermented soybeans, so it is completely vegan.
Tempeh is considered more nutritious than tofu, another popular soy-based item.
Due to the neutral flavor, you can season and cook it with anything you like to achieve the desired taste.
3. Tofu
You can also use tofu as a vegan substitute for beef.
It is inexpensive, rich in protein, but low in calories.
If you are on a tight budget, this classic option is ideal.
To use tofu in your recipe to replace beef, you can opt for soft or extra firm tofu depending on specific recipes.
4. Black beans
Black beans are one of the most rich-protein ingredients that can be used as a great substitute to replace animal protein.
Black beans need time to become tender, so you can consider baking, stewing, or simmering them.
The most common way to serve back beans in place of beef is in burgers.
This kind of vegan burger is even available in many fast-food restaurants.
You can also make your own bean dishes with your favorite spices or marinades.
5. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are also a common ingredient in many vegan diets.
They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and calcium, making them ideal to replace meat like beef.
Chickpeas have a similar taste to beans, which is nutty and earthy.
The bottom line
If you are a vegan or just for some reason you need to find a vegan alternative to your favorite beef cuts, we hope this article has been helpful.
Whether it is ground beef or steak that you crave, there is no shortage of options that are meat-free.
Take your time to experiment with different vegan beef substitutes at home or in a restaurant to find out your favorite.