18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (2024)

by Alena

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (1)

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Skip the meat and make these easy TVP recipes bursting with texture, flavor and plant-based protein. Healthy and tasty ideas for the whole family!

Textured vegetable protein is one of those affordable and versatile vegan ingredients that make plant-based recipes super meaty.

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (2)

free 7-day vegan meal plan

Your next week of eating is planned out with these quick and delicious vegan bowls, meal prepping steps & full grocery list.

It’s usually made of dehydrated soy and can be flavored in many ways to create protein-packed meals from tacos to pizza, pasta and other family-friendly choices.

From little granules to larger chunks or soy curls, TVP comes in many shapes and sizes!

The following picks are great for budget-friendly weeknight dinners, parties and everything in between! Enjoy.

Easy TVP Recipes

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18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (3)

Vegan Carne Asada Tacos

Photo Credit:nosweatvegan.com

TVP works super well for plant-based taco meat! Together with a smokey, citrusy marinade that’s deep in flavor, crunchy veggies, vegan queso and salsa, they’ll make your next taco Tuesday unforgettable.

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TVP Sloppy Joes

Photo Credit:www.plantpowercouple.com

Looking for a fun, family-friendly meatless dinner? These vegan sloppy joes are perfect when served on a big fluffy roll with baked potato wedges or spicey chips. Plus, they are really easy to make!

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Easy TVP Meatballs

Photo Credit:wholefoodsoulfoodkitchen.com

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these hearty plant-based meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make with less than 10 simple ingredients! Meat-eaters and kids will love them.

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High-Protein Vegan Burgers

Photo Credit:makeitdairyfree.com

Wow any veggie skeptic with these thick and hearty TVP patties! They are easy to make, packed with protein and will be your new favorite.

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Vegan Bacon Bits

Photo Credit:nosweatvegan.com

If you’ve ever heard “I couldn’t go vegan because of bacon”, then this TVP recipe will be for you! Make delicious, healthy, protein-packed vegan bacon bits out of TVP and common pantry spices.

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Flavorful Nacho Pizza

Photo Credit:thestingyvegan.com

You’ll love this pizza crust slathered with guacamole and topped with vegan taco meat, veggies, jalapeños, cilantro and vegan sour cream! One of the best uses of TVP for sure.

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Meaty Vegan Moussaka

Photo Credit:mypureplants.com

Layers of roasted eggplant slices, a hearty tomato-based ragú with vegan ground meat, and a creamy white bechamel come together for this crowd-pleasing meaty vegan recipe! Prepare it for the whole family.

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18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (10)

Red Lentil Curry

Photo Credit:myquietkitchen.com

This somewhat non-traditional red lentil curry uses TVP alongside simple pantry spices and an Instant Pot for extra convenience! It’s comforting, full of flavor and requires only 5 minutes of preparation.

9

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TVP Breakfast Sausage Patties

Photo Credit:www.myplantifulcooking.com

Incredibly chewy and meat-like, these vegan breakfast sausage patties are smoky, savory and flavorsome. Plus, they store well, are freezable and high in protein!

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Meaty Vegan Burrito

Photo Credit:thestingyvegan.com

Try this super hearty vegan burrito with mashed pinto beans and textured vegetable protein smothered in herbs in spices! This delicious meal is ready in under 30 minutes and really budget-friendly.

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Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

Photo Credit:veganonboard.com

Make delicious comfort food vegan-friendly with this easy spaghetti bolognese recipe! It’s the perfect fusion of authentic Italian flavor and vegan cuisine and so hearty.

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TVP Lasagna

Photo Credit:www.elephantasticvegan.com

Let’s take a look at more Italian recipes that can be made with the help of textured vegetable protein! This lasagna has a hearty filling and requires basic ingredients like garlic, onion, TVP, tomato puree and spices.

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Vegan Fish Fillets

Photo Credit:fullofplants.com

Did you know that you could replicate fish with the help of soy granules? This unique recipe idea results in tender and flaky fish fillets that come quite close to the real deal.

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Vegan Tuna Noodle Casserole

Photo Credit:thehiddenveggies.com

Another seafood classic! This vegan tuna casserole is real comfort food: made with creamy noodles, mushroom soup, vegan tuna, green peas and a golden breadcrumb topping.

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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Photo Credit:vegamelon.com

These stuffed peppers are a wonderful family-friendly dinner idea with a tender and chewy TVP filling and melted vegan cheese topping. Only 10 minutes of prep time needed!

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TVP Chili Sin Carne

Photo Credit:dailydish.co.uk

Make this protein-packed bowl of comfort for a healthy midweek family dinner or your next party! It’s incredibly flavorful and tastes even better the next day.

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Stir-Fry with Soya Granules

Photo Credit:whereismyspoon.co

Use up any veggies from your fridge to make this colorful stir-fry with soy granules and a flavorful chili sauce. It takes only 12 minutes on the stove and tastes best when served over rice!

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Easy Vegan Tamales

Photo Credit:www.veganblueberry.com

Mexican tamales are such comfort food! One of the best fillings is a mixture of textured vegetable protein, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast and soy sauce. Simple and delicious!

More Recipes

Here are more vegan-friendly meaty recipes!

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  • 20+ Eggplant Recipes
  • 22+ Recipes with Hummus
  • 25+ Silken Tofu Recipes
  • 45+ Quinoa Recipes

Did you like these recipes and make any of them? Let us know in the comments below and leave a rating. You can also Pin this article here or share it on social media!

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (21)

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein)

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Skip the meat and make these easy TVP recipes bursting with texture, flavor and plant-based protein. Healthy and tasty ideas for the whole family! The following Hungarian goulash is a flavorful and easy one-pot dinner idea that’s great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Easy Vegan Goulash

  • 1 cup TVP (100 g)
  • 2 cups low-sodium veggie broth (480 ml)
  • 2 large potatoes, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cups low-sodium veggie broth (720 ml)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 14-oz cans crushed tomatoes (800 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Put the TVP into a medium-sized bowl and cover with 2 cups of hot vegetable broth. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, put a large pot over medium heat and add potatoes, carrots, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, canned tomatoes and all spices. Mix well to combine, then bring to a boil.
  3. Once the TVP has soaked for 15 minutes, add it with the soaking liquid to the large pot together with the bell peppers. Stir to combine and cook for 20-30 more minutes.
  4. Check with a fork to see whether the potatoes have softened, then adjust your goulash to taste preferences.
  5. Serve with pasta, bread or rice.

Notes

  • Add some cooked beans or lentils for even more protein!
  • If you have extra time, roast the spices before starting your goulash.
  • Find 18+ more vegan TVP recipes in the article above!
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: ¼ recipe
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 426Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 698mgCarbohydrates: 100gFiber: 24gSugar: 28gProtein: 31g

Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated automatically, their accuracy is not guaranteed. Just focus on whole plant-based foods and eat until satiety!

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Legumes Beginner Recipes Dinner Family-Friendly Protein

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (22)

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (23)Alena Schowalter is a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with her husband, she founded nutriciously in 2015 and has been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages towards a healthy plant-based diet. She’s received training in the fields of nutrition, music therapy and social work. Alena enjoys discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature and creating new recipes.

18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to eat TVP every day? ›

In short, the answer is yes. While TVP is a processed food, it's derived from a healthy ingredient and provides a complete source of plant-based protein essential to one's health. That being said, like anything, TVP should be enjoyed in moderation. Additionally, it should not be your only source of protein.

Do you need to soak TVP before cooking? ›

When learning how to cook with TVP, you must first rehydrate it in liquid. Luckily, rehydrating textured vegetable protein is incredibly easy. To rehydrate your TVP, pour boiling water or broth over the desired amount and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, or until it's reached the desired texture.

How to make TVP taste good? ›

Rehydrate: Since TVP comes dehydrated, the first step will always be to rehydrate it in hot water or vegetable broth. For this recipe, regular veggie broth works fine, but if you have beef-style vegan bouillon cubes, they will boost the umami factor a lot!

What is the difference between textured vegetable protein and textured soy protein? ›

Textured or texturized vegetable protein (TVP), also known as textured soy protein (TSP), soy meat, or soya chunks, is a defatted soy flour product, a by-product of extracting soybean oil. It is often used as a meat analogue or meat extender. It is quick to cook, with a protein content comparable to some meats.

What are the downsides of TVP? ›

What are the disadvantages of TVP? The main disadvantages of including this product in your diet include: Difficulty digesting soy properly — When soy is not fermented (soaked and sprouted), it can be hard to break down due to antinutrients it contains, which block some of its minerals from being absorbed.

Does TVP raise blood sugar? ›

Good source of fiber

With 3 grams of fiber in every serving, TVP is an excellent way to bump up your fiber intake when added to your diet ( 1 ). Fiber slows the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream. This can help stabilize your blood sugar levels after you eat ( 8 ).

How much does 1 cup of TVP make? ›

A: The ratio for TVP is 1 cup TVP to 1 cup water which equals about 1 pound of meat, and it is not flavored.

How much dry TVP equals a pound of meat? ›

To replace 1 lb of ground meat: use 1/3 lb of TVP and 1 1/3 cups of boiling water or broth. Place dry TVP in a bowl and pour boiling water or broth over the granules.

Does TVP taste like ground beef? ›

As soon as I tested out the TVP I knew I immediately wanted to make vegan taco meat with it as it has the perfect texture, and when seasoned correctly tastes just like ground beef tacos- but better!

How do I add flavor to my TVP? ›

We recommend hydrating your TVP for this recipe in broth to increase its flavor. One of our favorite ways to improve the taste of the TVP is to add spices directly to the liquid you're rehydrating the TVP with; our favorites include a few tablespoons of taco seasoning, bay leaves, or a little hint of seasoned salt.

How long does TVP last in the fridge? ›

That said, when it comes to rehydrated versions, Nutriciously shares that it can be stored in the fridge for about five days — or better yet — it can be frozen, which will extend its shelf life for up to three months.

Can you eat TVP without cooking it? ›

Here's some things I learned while cooking, eating, and playing with TVP: You can eat it 'raw,' it's chewy but not tough like dehydrated chicken. It's pretty bland though.

How to cook textured vegetable protein? ›

Microwave. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and cook on high for 5–6 minutes; check after 2 minutes and add a little more liquid if needed. You can prepare a double batch, enough for two or three recipes, and the cooked TVP® will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Is TVP the same as pea protein? ›

Through mapping the market landscape, the main sources of TVP are soy, wheat, and pea proteins that are chiefly used in meat alternatives. TVP are available as low- (LM-TVP) and high-moisture (HM-TVP) extrudates/textures which are different in structure, form, storage, and functionality.

What is TVP protein alternative? ›

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is made from defatted soy flour. and is used as a vegan substitute for mince. It is full of protein and has virtually no fat.

Is TVP as healthy as tofu? ›

The only problem with TVP is that it's a highly processed food, which is why I rank it lower than tofu and tempeh. It's best to think of TVP as cheap protein. I use it as filler in veggie burgers, chili, and soups, to add some extra texture and protein. I do not recommend living on the stuff – it's not “health food.”

Is Bob's Red Mill TVP good for you? ›

Textured Vegetable Protein is a highly nutritious soy product. It's rich in complete protein and contains no fat, so it is an excellent alternative to meat.

Can TVP go bad? ›

TVP has a long shelf life; kept dry in an airtight container, unflavored products last indefinitely. Flavored varieties can be kept in a sealed container in your pantry for up to a year. Leftovers of dishes made with TVP should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within three or four days.

Is TVP high in salt? ›

The sodium content of vegetarian protein varies a lot. Protein foods such as unflavoured tofu, tempeh, TVP (textured vegetable protein) and Quorn are very low sodium choices.

References

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