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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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!

  • 22+ Jackfruit Recipes
  • 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

What can I do with textured vegetable protein? ›

Textured vegetable protein is most commonly used as a vegan meat alternative. Because its texture closely resembles meat, TVP can be used in similar ways that ground beef would be. Work it into a delicious chili recipe or use it as a meat replacement in homemade lasagna.

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.

What are the disadvantages of TVP in the diet? ›

Possibility of consuming other harmful ingredients — Because TVP is found in mostly processed foods, you're likely to consume additives, preservatives, lots of sodium and added sugar, and other unwanted ingredients if you consume a lot of products that contain it.

How can I make my TVP taste better? ›

You can also simmer the TVP in broth with the same pan you cooked your onions in; this will enhance the flavor of the TVP immensely. Then, add the rest of your sauce ingredients and let the mixture simmer until flavorful.

Can you eat TVP without cooking it? ›

You can eat it 'raw,' it's chewy but not tough like dehydrated chicken. It's pretty bland though. It has a weird smell, but not offensive. However, it doesn't taste weird (even raw).

What are 3 advantages of textured vegetable protein? ›

4 health benefits of TVP
  • High in protein: TVP is a rich source of protein with 51.5 grams of protein. ...
  • High in fiber: A hundred grams of TVP has 33.9 grams of total carbohydrates, making it a dietary staple. ...
  • Lowers the risk of diseases: Many people want to know if eating TVP lowers their risk of cancer or other diseases.
Aug 17, 2022

Is TVP high in estrogen? ›

Soy protein-containing foods, like tofu, textured vegetable protein and edamame, do not significantly increase estrogen levels in people of any sex. Soy may have mild, beneficial anti-estrogenic or estrogenic effects, depending on your time of life.

Is TVP healthier than tofu? ›

Tofu does not contain nearly as much protein per serving as TVP – 1 ounce of tofu contains 2 g of protein – but I still rank it as a higher quality protein because it is far less processed.

How long does TVP last in the fridge? ›

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 bad for IBS? ›

* Many meat-based recipes such as tacos, sloppy joes, chili, etc. can be easily adapted to IBS guidelines by substituting TVP (textured vegetable protein, a soy food available in health food stores) for the ground beef. Simply eliminate the cooking oil and season the TVP as you would the meat.

Is TVP high in histamine? ›

​ Textured Vegetable Protein (Textured Soy Protein) and other additives may best be avoided on a low histamine diet. Textured Vegetable Protein (Textured Soy Protein) may trigger the release of the body's existing histamine.

Is TVP the same as pea protein? ›

The most widespread TVP are made using soy, wheat or pea proteins and mixtures thereof.

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.

Can you eat TVP without rehydrating? ›

Before using TVP, you need to rehydrate it with hot water or broth. Then, it's easy to use as a plant-based alternative to ground meat in dishes like meatballs, burgers patties, or chili. Even if you don't follow a plant-based diet, you can still add TVP to your meals to add texture and nutrients.

How long does TVP need to cook? ›

Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetable broth has absorbed and the TVP is tender and chewy. If it gets a bit dry just add a splash more vegetable broth. Or if it is too wet continue to simmer a little longer until the vegetable broth is absorbed.

What are vegetable proteins used for? ›

Proteins are large, complex molecules composed of chains of amino acids. They are essential for many functions of our organism: help to manufacture, regenerate and maintain organs and all tissues such as skin, nails and tendons.

How can TVP be used in cooking? ›

Textured Vegetable Protein® is an excellent alternative to meat and a vegan source of complete protein. TVP® easily absorbs the flavors of any recipe and makes delicious chili, tacos, meatballs and more. Note: Once TVP® has been rehydrated, it must be kept refrigerated.

How do you use vegetable protein powder? ›

Sprinkle it on your food

Adding protein powder directly onto your food is a great way to add a nutritional boost to your meals without changing the flavour too much. Try sprinkling protein powder onto a salad, stir-fry or roasted vegetables.

Does textured vegetable protein need to be cooked? ›

Because it is a dehydrated product, TVP needs to be reconstituted in hot water or broth for about 10 minutes or more in the cooking process before it becomes palatable.

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