Make vegan meat yourself - 7 tips for vegan meat substitutes

Meat alternatives play a big role - especially when starting a vegan diet. It's not just about imitating a certain taste.

But rather to find meat-free alternatives that are fundamentally tasty, balanced and, at best, sustainable. To do this, you can use high-quality meat substitute products such as our offerings from GREENFORCE or make your own vegan meat.

When meat products, fish, etc. are no longer available, substitute products take their place. Firstly, it's about not giving up on certain dishes. This benefits, for example, anyone who is switching to a vegan diet and wants to make it easier for themselves.

Taste is also relevant, as is a consistency that is as similar as possible to ensure the right “ mouth feel ”.

Secondly, what counts with modern meat substitute products are the nutrients they contain, which are intended to enable you to have a balanced plant-based diet. Vegan protein sources, for example, are important for this.

Thirdly, the focus is on achieving a better environmental balance than meat products allow . This includes the procurement of raw materials and ingredients as well as the location and conditions of production. Regionality and the necessary use of resources play a fundamental role.

With our Greenforce products we bring exactly these three aspects together. For example, you can enjoy our mix for vegan bratwurst or our mix for vegan meatballs without meat.

Fish replacement products should also not be missing from our range. How about our vegan fish sticks ? You can implement what many of us remember from our childhood menu in a plant-based and delicious way.

And do you need an egg substitute? Then bring even more variety to your plate with our vegan egg for scrambled eggs and omelettes .

Of course, your creativity shouldn't be neglected. That's why, in addition to many high-quality products, you'll also find suggestions for your own recipes. For example, would you like to make vegan mince yourself? We have the right ideas.

This includes:

• Soybeans: This is what makes soy meat, tofu or tempeh.
• Legumes: peas, lentils, broad beans, lupins
• Seitan (wheat)
• Sunflower seeds
• Walnuts
• Mushrooms: for example king oyster mushroom, portobello or shiitake
• Jackfruit

Other typical ingredients found in substitute products include:

• modified starch
• Locust bean gum
• Xanthan gum (an additive listed under the European approval number E 415, is used for thickening and gelling)
• Fats such as rapeseed oil
• Salt and various spices
• Flavors

Attention: It always depends on the end product and what is ultimately included. As well as the difference between conventional and special organic products . That's why meat alternatives cannot be assessed across the board - for example with regard to their nutritional content.

By the way, we make our Greenforce meat substitute products based on peas.

Exception : our vegan gyros meat , which is based on wheat protein. In any case: 100 percent vegan and 100 percent made in Germany.

Many legumes , such as peas or broad beans, can be grown regionally. This means shorter transport routes overall. Pulses also benefit agriculture. Among other things, they promote soil fertility, require relatively little fertilizer and have a moderate water requirement.

When it comes to the production of meat substitute products or homemade “ plant meat ,” legumes offer a wide variety. Kidney beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils, etc. can be used as a meat alternative in different ways.

For example, you can use lentils or kidney beans to make plant-based mince for vegan bolognese or meatballs.

Homemade products have many advantages. You can go according to your individual taste and always know what is contained in your final product. Whether schnitzel, meatballs or minced meat : plant-based cuisine offers you many preparation options as a substitute for otherwise meat-heavy dishes.

When choosing vegan substitute products, you essentially have two options.

• You specifically use a meat substitute that comes close to the taste and texture of the meat.
• You consciously choose a plant-based alternative that you know will taste different. Ultimately, that's exactly what matters - that you like it.

When it comes to vegan substitute products, it depends on what you specifically want to prepare. Accordingly, you can produce your plant-based “ meats ” as needed.

Since this is rather tasteless per se, you can season the dough directly or marinate the finished seitan.

There are no limits to your imagination. From classic spices such as salt and pepper, which are typical for meat-based dishes, to exotic spice pastes - whatever tastes good is allowed.

This also applies to the further processing of plant-based meat products. Whether boiling, steaming, frying or baking - Seitan opens up a wide variety of recipes. From schnitzel to goulash to burgers and sliced ​​meat - meat-free is very easy with Seitan.

To keep it even easier, you can also buy special gluten flour. It no longer contains any starch , which is why you can make Seitan yourself more quickly.