Types of Fake Meat and Meat Substitutes: Which is better?

Fake meat or meat substitutes have quickly gained popularity right now. Everyone seems to have an “impossible” meat substitute on their menu right now. So what happens when you want to make this stuff yourself? If you’re trying to cut back on your red meat and want to cook from home, here’s your guide to what to switch it out with:

Tofu
Tofu is a great substitute for meats including pork, chicken, beef, and seafood in recipes. It’s made from soybeans and is high in protein and calcium. Tofu has been a staple of Asian cuisine for ages, but most people think of tofu when they hear the words “vegetarian” and “vegan.”

Eating tofu and other soy foods every day is generally considered safe. That said, you may want to moderate your intake if you have:

Breast tumors: Due to tofu’s weak hormonal effects, some doctors tell women with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors to limit their soy intake.
Thyroid issues: Some professionals also advise individuals with poor thyroid function to avoid tofu due to its goitrogen content.

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Tempeh
Tempeh is firmer than tofu and has a more grainy texture. It is made from fermented soybeans and has a nutty flavor. It’s packed with protein as well as fiber, calcium, and vitamins. Tempeh has been known to be a bit bitter tasting, but many overcome it with seasoning or marinades.

Seitan
Yes, it’s pronounced like Satan, but it’s not of the devil (well, it depends on who you ask, lol). Seitan is processed wheat gluten and it is a great source of protein. Depending on how you flavor it, seitan can be similar to chicken, beef, or pork. Seitan has a dense, chewy texture that can hold up to grilling, frying, braising, or anything else you want to do with it. I’ve had it as a “bbq chicken” and it’s been pretty good.

TVP
TVP or texturized vegetable protein is an inexpensive, easy to use ingredient. It’s dehydrated soy, and once you rehydrate it, you can do just about anything with it. It comes in granules or chunks. You can use it for ground beef dishes, scrambles like breakfast bowls or tacos or meatloaf.

Jackfruit
Jackfruit may be a healthy tropical fruit, but its texture and mild taste make it a wonderful substitute for meat. Other than a slight sweet taste, jackfruit can be…

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…used for a lot of things from burgers to casserole dishes and it’s an actual fruit that hasn’t been processed–that’s definitely a plus.

Mushrooms
Yes, mushrooms. When you want a savory, meaty taste, then definitely try umami or portobello mushrooms (those are the big ones). Their flavor is rich, earthy, and meaty, especially cremini or Portobello mushrooms. I know it may not taste like meat, but they are tasty and delicious. Plus, they are healthy and filling

Beans
Beans and legumes are an inexpensive, healthy, and filling way to have a great taste without the actual red meat. You can choose from so many like black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, aduki beans, navy beans, chickpeas, split peas, peanuts and black-eyed peas, to name just a few. Beans make hearty soups, stews, and chilis that will taste meaty without the meat.

So which one is best? Just remember this, the more processed something is, the worse it can be for you. So if you want our opinion, still the food in it’s most simplest form that works best for your body (because everyone’s body is different).