Who says that eating plant-based has to be complicated? Making delicious meat-free food is easy, healthy and economical – not to mention incredibly delicious. If you’re a newbie plant-based cook or simply don’t think cooking is really your forté, we are here with a collection of 15 incredibly easy recipes to prove to you not only CAN you cook using plant-based ingredients, but you can also make some pretty impressive meals at that.
After you whip up these 15 recipes like a champ, don’t fret – there is no shortage of recipes on One Green Planet. See the 10 Easy Vegan Recipes Everyone Should Know, 20 Easy, Vegan Recipes to Inspire You and Your Family and 25 Vegan Recipes That Will Make You Forget About Meat, Dairy and Eggs for Good to get started. For even more, take a look at these 15 recipes that are some of our easiest, most delicious recipes to help you cook meat-free.
1. Double Black Bean Tofu Cheeseburgers
These Double Black Bean Tofu Cheeseburgers taste more like beefy burgers than bean burgers. There is a crispy crust on the outside while inside they are tender and just so delicious. You won’t miss the meat with these burgers.
2. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
These Cauliflower Buffalo Bites are a crowd-pleaser for any event. Serve these with celery sticks, carrots, and plant-based blue cheese dressing.
3. UnTuna Wraps
This is an amazingly easy, off the hook-tasty recipe. These UnTuna Wraps are the meat-free version your classic tuna salad. It’s actually uncanny how much this olive and walnut based dish tastes like tuna … and that’s a promise.
4. Portobello Mushroom Steaks
This juicy, Portobello Mushroom Steak will satisfy your meaty cravings and fill you up. Sauteed with onions, balsamic vinegar, mirin, and herbs it’s a quite the impressive meal!
5. Chicken-less Burgers
These Chicken-less Burgers are actually pretty simple to make. Made with chickpeas, these hold up well and the poultry seasoning makes them taste just like your favorite chicken burger but even better!
6. Vegan Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Yes, you can eat meat-free and still indulge in a big Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. It’s amazing how meaty jackfruit is and this sandwich is cheesy, delicious and so satisfying.
7. Walnut ‘Taco Meat’
You can have 100 percent raw, gluten-free and meat-free tacos! This Taco “Meat” is made from a walnut base and is absolutely incredible. Put it on tortillas with some homemade salsa, cashew sour cream, and guacamole or make it an entirely raw meal and serve it on leave of cabbage or lettuce.
8. Pumpkin Seed Cannellini Meatballs With Zucchini Spaghetti
If you have spaghetti, you have to have meatballs. These Pumpkin Seed Cannellini Meatballs are perfect with zucchini spaghetti or any pasta you like. It’s a really delicious and very healthy meat-free meal.
9. Classic Breakfast Links
These Classic Breakfast Links have a firm texture and crispy outside. Just the way a good sausage should be with a great chewy texture. Enjoy these little links with pretty much anything. They have a light beany flavor and pair really well with a tofu scramble and some fresh fruit.
10. ‘Crab’ Cakes
This ‘Crab’ Cakes recipe really mimics the taste of crab but features hearts of palm to keep them meat-free. They are easy to make and they’re baked so there’s no frying mess here. Serve with vegan tartar sauce to kick it up a notch.
11. Tempeh Burger Pizza
This Tempeh Burger Pizza deserves a standing ovation. It brings together two favorites – burgers and pizza – into one delicious dish. Meat-free and easy to make, be sure to grab seconds of this pizza before it disappears.
12. Shiitake Asparagus Stir Fry With Toasted Cashews and Wasabi Avocado Cream
There’s no need for take-out when you can make your own Chinese food at home. This Shiitake Asparagus Stir-Fry with Toasted Cashews and Wasabi Avocado Cream has so many amazing flavors. It can be varied in endless ways, with different kinds of vegetables. Just use what you have at home and what’s in season.
13. Maple Sriracha Tempeh Bacon BLT With Creamy Dill Mayo
This Maple Sriracha Tempeh Bacon BLT is a meat-free version of the classic sandwich. The tempeh is smoky, spicy with a touch of sweetness from the maple. It pairs perfectly with the creamy dill mayo.
14. Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon
Here’s a meat-free take on the classic dish of beef bourguignon. This Mushroom Bourguignon is so easy – just swap out the bacon, beef and beef stock for mushrooms, spices and vegan broth and voila! Same dish, happier body, happier planet, happier cows.
15. Carrot Dogs
Not only do these Carrot Dogs look like hot dogs but they even taste like hot dogs. What a great idea to enjoy a hot dog without meat, soy, gluten or any “mystery” ingredients. Delicious food was never so simple and so healthy.
If you’re going to give meat-free living a try, start with these recipes. You’re sure to surprise even yourself with how simple and phenomenally delicious plant-based cooking can be!
Lead image source: Tempeh Burger Pizza
