If you're looking for some recommendations on meat-free, high-protein meals, you've come to the right place. Whether you're vegetarian or vegan, or simply trying to cut down on your meat intake for whatever reason, these meals will satisfy your appetite and keep you feeling full throughout the day.
Here, animal protein is replaced with everything from beans to eggs, to seitan and cheese. Let's dig in!
This recipe comes together with really inexpensive ingredients — like black beans, stock, and lots of spices — and the result is creamy, filling, and makes for excellent leftovers.
Recipe: Healthy and Hearty Black Bean Soup
tasty.co I won't go so far as saying this is better than Chipotle, but there's something about lentil walnut "taco meat" that's texturally irresistible. Load it up with tortilla chips, a corn and bean mix, and extra guacamole, and it gets pretty close.
Recipe: Vegan Burrito Bowl
sweetpotatosoul.com If you want a vegetarian dish that'll make you feel like you're eating takeout, check out this seitan recipe. Seitan sometimes gets a bad rep because many people don't know what it is (high-protein wheat gluten), but personally I love it for its super-chewy and meat-like texture.
Recipe: Mongolian Seitan and Broccoli
yupitsvegan.com This classic vegetarian dish is a favorite among meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Replace the chicken buillon for a veggie one for a completely meat-free meal. Make sure to stick to the recipe, lest you end up with a runny egg salad.
Recipe: Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
tastesbetterfromscratch.com If you've ever tried the national Brazilian dish known as Feijoada, then you know what an explosion of flavor is. This vegan variation mimics the flavor with a clever combination of liquid smoke, smoked paprika powder, soy sauce, and savory mushrooms.
Recipe: Vegan Feijoada
cheapandcheerfulcooking.com Chili powder, paprika, and maple syrup transform tofu into a savory crumble you'll wish you made double portions of. Add sliced avocado and sour cream for even more flavor.
Recipe: Vegan Tofu Tacos
noracooks.com These are great to make a lot of in advance and pop in the microwave (or eat cold) on your next lazy night. Pair them with tahini or ranch.
Recipe: Chickpea Fritters
feelgoodfoodie.net Personally, smashed chickpea sandwiches make the perfect intact beach or picnic food, particularly when they're made with hearty, crusty slices of bread. They'll hold up even after a morning spent in your picnic bag, and will fill you up after an hour spent swimming with your friends.
Recipe: Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
vanillaandbean.com Don't let your eyes deceive you: This scramble is egg-less and composed solely of pressed firm tofu, nutritional yeast, soy milk, and spices. It's great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and pairs perfectly with rice or tortilla wraps.
Recipe: Tofu Scramble
jessicainthekitchen.com If you have a bit of leftover kimchi, I swear you can turn any smattering of ingredients into a dish. Take this recipe, where collard greens, broccoli, beans, and rice come together for the perfect last-minute dish.
Recipe: Rice, Beans, and Greens
thekoreanvegan.com To make this traditional Mexican dish, roast green poblano peppers directly over a gas stove. Then, drop them in a plastic bag and let them sweat for five minutes. You can then finish the sauce by blending the roasted peppers (with skins peeled off) with onion, garlic, and milk.
Recipe: Espagueti Verde (Spaghetti in Poblano Sauce)
muydelish.com Black bean burgers were my gateway vegetarian food, and they'll forever be one of my favorite BBQ foods. Here, potato starch and bread crumbs make sure those patties stay crispy with every bite.
Recipe: Black Bean Burger With Slaw
thekoreanvegan.com Four ingredients are all you need to make this ricotta gnocchi a reality. To serve, you can dress it up with something as simple as butter and Parmesan, or your favorite jar of pasta sauce.
Recipe: Ricotta Gnocchi
gimmesomeoven.com What's your favorite protein-rich vegetarian meal? Share in the comments! View comments