15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (2024)

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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!

15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (1)

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!

15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (2)
  • 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

15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (3)

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?

15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (19)

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15+ TVP Recipes - What is TVP? How to use it? (2024)

FAQs

What is TVP and how do you use it? ›

Textured vegetable protein, also known as TVP, is a common ingredient used by plant-based cooks to recreate the meaty texture of traditional comfort food recipes. Used to make everything from vegan lasagna to plant-based chili, knowing how to cook with TVP will undoubtedly take your plant-based meals to the next level.

How much does 1 cup of TVP make? ›

A: The ratio for TVP is 1 cup TVP to 1 cup water which equals about 1 pound of meat, and it is not flavored.

What is TVP and is it healthy? ›

4 health benefits of TVP. Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a complete protein because it contains all nine of the essential amino acids that we must get from our diet. It is devoid of saturated fat, cholesterol, and fat. It has few calories but is filling, so you don't need to eat much to feel satisfied.

How much dry TVP equals a pound of meat? ›

To replace 1 lb of ground meat: use 1/3 lb of TVP and 1 1/3 cups of boiling water or broth. Place dry TVP in a bowl and pour boiling water or broth over the granules.

What are the downsides of TVP? ›

What are the disadvantages of TVP? The main disadvantages of including this product in your diet include: Difficulty digesting soy properly — When soy is not fermented (soaked and sprouted), it can be hard to break down due to antinutrients it contains, which block some of its minerals from being absorbed.

Is it OK to eat TVP every day? ›

In short, the answer is yes. While TVP is a processed food, it's derived from a healthy ingredient and provides a complete source of plant-based protein essential to one's health. That being said, like anything, TVP should be enjoyed in moderation. Additionally, it should not be your only source of protein.

Can you eat TVP without cooking it? ›

Here's some things I learned while cooking, eating, and playing with TVP: You can eat it 'raw,' it's chewy but not tough like dehydrated chicken. It's pretty bland though.

Is TVP or tofu better? ›

Tofu does not contain nearly as much protein per serving as TVP – 1 ounce of tofu contains 2 g of protein – but I still rank it as a higher quality protein because it is far less processed.

Does TVP go bad? ›

TVP has a long shelf life; kept dry in an airtight container, unflavored products last indefinitely. Flavored varieties can be kept in a sealed container in your pantry for up to a year. Leftovers of dishes made with TVP should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within three or four days.

Does TVP need to be refrigerated? ›

Textured Vegetable Protein® is an excellent alternative to meat and a vegan source of complete protein. TVP® easily absorbs the flavors of any recipe and makes delicious chili, tacos, meatballs and more. Note: Once TVP® has been rehydrated, it must be kept refrigerated.

How to make TVP taste good? ›

You can also simmer the TVP in broth with the same pan you cooked your onions in; this will enhance the flavor of the TVP immensely. Then, add the rest of your sauce ingredients and let the mixture simmer until flavorful.

Is TVP cheaper than ground beef? ›

TVP is primarily used as a meat substitute due to its very low cost at less than a third the price of ground beef and, when cooked together, will help retain more nutrients from the meat by absorbing juices normally lost.

What is the purpose of TVP? ›

Textured vegetable proteins may be used to extend or completely replace ground meat in canned meat products such as chilli, sloppy Joes, spaghetti sauces, meat stews, and meat sauces. It can extend ground meat in canned products such as patties and meatballs.

What is the ratio of TVP to water? ›

Measure a 1:1 ratio of TVP and water and pour the TVP into the water. Allow the TVP to soak in the water for roughly 20 minutes allowing the TVP to absorb the water and become moist and fluffy.

How long does TVP last in the fridge? ›

That said, when it comes to rehydrated versions, Nutriciously shares that it can be stored in the fridge for about five days — or better yet — it can be frozen, which will extend its shelf life for up to three months.

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