TVP - What is it and 25 of the Best Recipes to use it! (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to use TVP? ›

Because its texture closely resembles meat, TVP can be used in similar ways that ground beef would be. Work it into a delicious chili recipe or use it as a meat replacement in homemade lasagna. Adding TVP to your plant-based recipes will boost protein and texture while also adding bulk to a meal.

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.

Possibility of consuming other harmful ingredients — Because TVP is found in mostly processed foods, you're likely to consume additives, preservatives, lots of sodium and added sugar, and other unwanted ingredients if you consume a lot of products that contain it.

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.

Rehydrate: Since TVP comes dehydrated, the first step will always be to rehydrate it in hot water or vegetable broth. For this recipe, regular veggie broth works fine, but if you have beef-style vegan bouillon cubes, they will boost the umami factor a lot!

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.

TVP is a soybean-based substance.

In addition to being nutrient-dense and abundant in fiber and protein, TVP may boost heart health and guard against heart disease and stroke. As with all other foods, TVP should be consumed as part of a balanced, diverse diet and is not recommended for anyone who has a soy allergy.

You do have to flavor it. TVP in its plain form is tasteless, like plain tofu. I use a double or triple strength bouillon, or more recently, water seasoned with Vegeta seasoning found here on Amazon. Add some oil and a little sugar when you season it, for a better meat substitute experience.

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.

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.

Is TVP cheaper than ground beef? ›

Items like beans, tofu, and textured vegetable protein can be used to replace meat in almost any dish and they cost less than meat. Beans and legumes are great in soups, burritos, and casseroles. Tofu works well in chilies, stir-frys, soups, or even when made into burgers.

* Many meat-based recipes such as tacos, sloppy joes, chili, etc. can be easily adapted to IBS guidelines by substituting TVP (textured vegetable protein, a soy food available in health food stores) for the ground beef. Simply eliminate the cooking oil and season the TVP as you would the meat.

In its dehydrated form, TVP has a shelf life of longer than a year, but will spoil within several days after being hydrated. In its flaked form, it can be used similarly to ground meat.

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.

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. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Does TVP need to be soaked? TVP comes dehydrated so you need to add moisture. Some recipes call for soaking it ahead of time, but in this taco recipe, I found it quickest and easiest to add the dry TVP to the pan along with vegetable broth and allow it to soften and absorb the extra flavors right in the pan.

Before using TVP, you need to rehydrate it with hot water or broth. Then, it's easy to use as a plant-based alternative to ground meat in dishes like meatballs, burgers patties, or chili. Even if you don't follow a plant-based diet, you can still add TVP to your meals to add texture and nutrients.

You can eat it 'raw,' it's chewy but not tough like dehydrated chicken. It's pretty bland though. It has a weird smell, but not offensive. However, it doesn't taste weird (even raw).