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In this guide about TVP, I’m going to share with you what the abbreviation stands for, where to buy it, how to use it,and last but not least my favorite recipes using TVP! Let’s get started!
When I went vegan 10years ago,I started veganizing classic, traditional recipes. And because I live in Austria (Schnitzel is our national dish, you go figure how meat-focused our cuisine is)I needed a good alternative for all the meat in the various dishes. And I found itby using TVP (= Textured Vegetable Protein).
It was an easy switch and allowed me to indulge in all the traditional dishes I grew up with without the need for meat.
TVP definitely has helped me transition to a vegan diet, it made the process of adopting a plant-based dieta whole lot easier. Now, 10years in,I still love meals made with TVP and I always have a stash of various types of TVP at home.
Table of Contents
- I love TVP because
- What is TVP?
- Where to buy TVP?
- Nutritional info
- How to use TVP
- 15+ Awesome vegan recipes using TVP
- Recipes with soy granules
- Recipes with slices/medallions
- Recipes with strips/curls/chunks
I love TVP because
- it can be stored at room temperature – like forever,
- it is inexpensive,
- it expandswhen cooked, so it doesn’t need much space when storing it
- and it’s versatile!
What is TVP?
TVP stands forTextured Vegetable Protein, often also called soy meat, soya chunks/granules/slices. Itis made out ofdefatted soy flour, which is extruded into shapes (such as granules, flakes, chunks, slices, strips, nuggets,…).
Because there are so many different kinds, they can be used for all kinds of recipes – I’ve included my favorites below!
- Chunks – this kind is great for stews and goulash.
- Slices or medallions – are perfect for vegan schnitzel or TVP burgers.
- Strips or curls – you can use it in curries like butter ‘chicken’ or bread it like ‘chicken’ strips.
- Granule, crumble, or mince – this type is ideal for meaty bolognese, lasagna, or chili.
Where to buy TVP?
TVP can be found in health food stores, and supermarkets (often in the bulk, vegan, or healthy section). I’ve also seen them in Asian and Indian stores, or ordered online.
You might not be able to find all shapes of TVP, but they are getting more and more popular and should pop up in more stores with time.
Nutritional info
As the name already suggests, it is high in protein (actually much higher than meat). It contains a wealth of complete soy protein and it’s a greatsource of dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. It’s also naturally gluten-free.
How to use TVP
For the slices, chunks, and strips, it’s best to cook them in water or veggie broth until they are soft and about double the size. This will take about 5-10 minutes.
For the granule, put them in a pot, add just a splash of water and let it cook on medium to low heat until the water has been absorbed. The granule should be soft and can be used in any kind of ‘meaty’ sauce. Because of its smaller sauce, it cooks much faster than the larger kinds of TVP.
15+ Awesome vegan recipes using TVP
Recipes with soy granules
Soy Protein Burger
Skip expensive store-bought burger patties, and make your own high-protein, healthy, you-know-exactly-what's-in-there-burgers!
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Vegan TVP Meatballs
These high-protein vegan Meatballs are made with TVP (short for Textured Vegetable Protein, also known as soy protein or soy granule).They are flavorful, easy to make, and freezer-friendly!
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Vegan Cashew Carbonara Pasta with TVP Bacon
Pretty pasta + creamy cashew carbonara sauce + flavorful TVP bacon = a match made in heaven! This totally unauthentic, but delicious vegan carbonara pasta dish needs to be on your dinner table soon!
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Vegan Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Lahmacun is a Turkish Pizza topped with minced meat, onions, garlic, tomato, red pepper, and parsley. This is my vegan version of the dish!
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Vegan ‘Meaty’ Tomato Dip
This is the perfect smoky & ‘meaty’ Tomato Dip to serve with Tortilla Chips! Thanks to soy granule, no one will know that it’s actually vegan!
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Vegan Bacon Bits
These vegan bacon bits are made using TVP (soy granule). You can enjoy them in tacos, burritos, salads, sprinkled over pasta, or sauerkraut, pretty much anything that needs extra flavor and crunch!
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Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Soy granule is the perfect alternative for the traditional meaty Bolognese sauce! This vegan Spaghetti Bolognese is quick to make, tastes like the real deal and no one would think it’s vegan!
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Vegan Lasagna with Nooch Cheese
This very "meaty" tasting vegan Lasagna with homemade nooch cheese contains soy granule. The vegan cheese sauce is made with Nutritional Yeast Flakes. So yummy! No one will notice this lasagna is vegan.
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‘Meaty’ Vegan TVP Chili
If you want a meaty vegan chili, TVP (soy granules) is the way to go! This TVP Chili convinces even the most stubborn meat-eaters! It’s perfect for parties because it can be prepared ahead and it’s a real crowd-pleaser, or make a big batch for meal prepping.
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Recipes with slices/medallions
Vegan Schnitzel
Recipe for vegan Schnitzel made with TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). It's so delicious and tastes just like the real deal!
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Vegan Fried TVP Chicken
This vegan Fried TVP Chicken is made by wrapping TVP slices in rice paper, dipping them in egg replacement and flour, and lastly pan-frying them until golden and crispy.
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Vegan “Chicken” Garlic Slaw Burger
The plant-based alternative to a Chicken Sandwich. Flavorful TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) slices with purple garlic slaw in homemade pretzel buns. This is burger perfection.
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Recipes with strips/curls/chunks
Vegan Gyros with Soya Chunks
You can make really easy and delicious vegan gyros using soya chunks. It’s perfect for a gyros platter with rice and yogurt sauce or in wraps!
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Vegan Butter Chicken with Soy Curls
Did you know you can make a delicious vegan Butter Chicken with soy curls? It’s super rich and creamy! Serve it with fluffy Garlic Naan and basmati rice for the complete Indian-inspired feast!
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Vegan Chicken Tacos with a Cilantro Coconut Sauce
Recipe for vegan Chicken Tacos using TVP soy strips as the chicken alternative. Served in homemade tortillas with salad, avocado, tomatoes and a Cilantro Coconut Sauce.
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Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this page, so you’ll always have TVP recipes at hand!
Let me know, have you tried TVP? What areyour favorite recipes with textured vegetable protein?
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