Unusual Vegan Foods

Challenge 22

You’ve probably come across vegan burgers, hotdogs, cheese, and even bacon by now. But what about some of the more unusual and wondrous things that vegans are known for?!

Let’s start with tofu. We highly recommend checking out our Basic Guide to Tofu, especially if you haven’t cooked with it before. From stir-fries to bacon to hearty tofu schnitzels – there’s a lot you can do with this versatile ingredient.

Another tasty traditional food, that will be familiar to many of our Asian readers, is tempeh. Made from fermented soybeans, its umami-rich flavor is a must in Tempe Goreng Sambal or Nasi Lemak. But don’t neglect it as a hearty centerpiece in many other recipes, too! Want to know how good it can be? Check out this short video of Tabitha Brown raving about a ‘TLT’ sandwich!

If you’ve spent any time researching veganism, by now you’re probably wondering about nutritional yeast! Known as ‘nooch’ to many, you’ll find almost every vegan cheese recipe calls for it. If you’re not sure about it at first, try adding just a little to a good vegan cheese sauce and increase the amount slowly until you love it as much as we do.

Yeast extract will be familiar to our British and Australian readers (think Marmite and Vegemite), but might not be something the rest of you have tried. We’re afraid this is one of those love it or loathe it foods. But, a little can go a long way – add some to stews, nut roasts, or gravy, for a rich, umami edge that’s hard to replicate. And if you’re in the ‘love it!’ camp? Just spread a little on toast! 😋

You’re bound to already love seitan, even if you don’t know it yet – it often stars as veggie burgers, sausages, even fishless filets. Otherwise known as wheat gluten, it’s been around in China since at least the 6th century. And that’s exactly what it is – the gluten (protein) from wheat, so if you have gluten sensitivity, this is one to avoid. If not, it’s so easy and satisfying to make your own seitan recipes at home.

Also growing in popularity is jackfruit, the largest fruit in the world. Once ripe, it’s a sweet, tasty treat (Juicy Fruit gums taste like jackfruit!) But unripe, it’s great in Tacos or as a ‘Pulled’ Sandwich! You can buy it frozen or in cans (make sure it’s not the ripe fruit packed in syrup if you want it for a savory recipe), or, if you’re lucky, you’ll find it fresh.

Finally, something that’s familiar to us old-school vegans: TVP (textured vegetable protein). Back in the ’60s and ’70s, this was often the only meat alternative around, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect it now. It’s inexpensive, shelf-stable, and versatile, and usually found as Mince (perfect for our vegan ground beef), or Nuggets. An honorable mention should also go to Soy Curls, though these aren’t available everywhere. These are similar to TVP, but simply cooked soybeans that have been shredded and dried.

Have you had the chance to try any of these unusual vegan foods? How did you find them? Or maybe you’ve enjoyed some others, like stinky tofu, magical aquafaba, or umami-rich miso paste? Let us know in our next supportive plant-powered Facebook group!