In this guide about TVP, I’m going to share with you what the acronym is, where to buy it, how to use it, and not to mention my favorite recipes using TVP! Let’s start!
When I became vegan 10 years ago, I started veganizing classic, traditional recipes. And since I live in Austria (Schnitzel is our national dish, you get how meat-centric our cuisine is) I needed a good alternative to all the meat in my various dishes. And I found it using TVP (= Textured Vegetable Protein).
It was an easy switch and allowed me to indulge in all the traditional foods I grew up with without the need for meat.
TVP definitely helped me transition to a vegetarian diet, making the process of adopting a plant-based diet much easier. Now, after 10 years, I still love food made with TVP and always have different types of TVP in my house.
I love TVP because
- it could be Stored at room temperature – like forever,
- this is cheap,
- It expands when cooked, so it Does not require much space Time to save it
- and his versatile!
What is TVP?
TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein, also often called soy meat, soy chunks/grains/slices. It is made from defatted soy flourwhich is extracted in form (eg granules, flakes, chunks, slices, strips, nuggets,…).
Since there are so many different types, they can be used for all kinds of recipes – I’ve included my favorites below!
Where to buy TVP?
TVP is available in health food stores and supermarkets (often in the bulk, vegan or healthy sections). I have also seen them in Asian and Indian stores or ordered them online
You may not be able to find all sizes of TVP, but they are becoming more and more popular and should pop up in more stores over time.
Nutritional information
As the name already implies, it is high in protein (in fact much more than meat). It is rich in soy protein and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron and magnesium. This too Naturally gluten-free.
How to use TVP
For slices, chunks and strips, it’s best to cook them in water or veggie broth until they’re soft and almost doubled in size. It will take about 5-10 minutes.
For the grains, put them in a pot, add just a drop of water and cook on medium to low heat until the water is absorbed. The grains should be soft and any type of ‘meaty’ sauce can be used. Because of its smaller sauce, it cooks much faster than a larger TVP.
15+ Awesome Vegan Recipes Using TVP
Recipes with soy beans
Skip the expensive store-bought burger patties and make your own high-protein, healthy, you-know-exactly-what’s-in-there burgers!
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These high-protein vegan meatballs are made with TVP (short for textured vegetable protein, also known as soy protein or soy granules). They’re flavorful, easy to make, and freezer-friendly!
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Beautiful pasta + creamy cashew carbonara sauce + flavorful TVP bacon = a match made in heaven! This totally unproven, but delicious vegan carbonara pasta dish needs to be on your dinner table soon!
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Lahmakun is a Turkish pizza topped with minced meat, onion, garlic, tomato, red pepper and parsley. My vegan version of this dish!
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This is the perfect smoky and ‘meaty’ tomato dip to serve with tortilla chips! Thanks to soy beans, no one will know it’s actually vegetarian!
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These vegan bacon bits are made using TVP (soy granules). You can enjoy them in tacos, burritos, salads, sprinkled over pasta, or in sauerkraut, which needs extra flavor and crunch!
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Soybeans are the perfect substitute for traditional meat bolognese sauce! This Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese is quick to make, tastes like the real deal and no one will even think it’s vegan!
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This very “meaty” tasting vegan lasagna with homemade nooch cheese contains soy beans. Vegan cheese sauce is made with nutritional yeast flakes. So much fun! No one will notice this lasagna is vegan.
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If you want a meaty vegetarian chili, TVP soy granules are the way to go! This Chilli Con TVP will convince even the most stubborn meat eaters! It’s perfect for parties because it can be prepared ahead and is a real crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe with slices/medallions
Vegan Schnitzel Recipe Made with TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). It’s delicious and tastes just like the real deal!
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This vegan fried TVP chicken is made by wrapping TVP slices in rice paper, dipping them in egg substitute and flour, and finally pan-frying until golden and crispy.
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A plant-based alternative to a chicken sandwich. Flavored TVP (textured vegetable protein) slices with purple garlic slaw on homemade pretzel buns. This is burger perfection.
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With recipe strips/curls/chunks
You can make really easy and delicious vegan gyros using soy chunks. It’s perfect for a gyros platter with rice and yogurt sauce or as a wrap!
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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 a complete Indian-inspired feast!
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Vegan Chicken Tacos Recipe Using TVP Soy Strips as a Chicken Substitute Served on homemade tortillas with salad, avocado, tomato and cilantro coconut sauce.
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Be sure to bookmark or pin this page, so you’ll always have TVP recipes on hand!
Let me know, have you tried TVP? What is your favorite recipe with textured vegetable protein?
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