You don’t need to eat animals to make filling, meaty meals to enjoy at home. Mushrooms, jackfruit, tofu, and plant-based meat alternatives are among the options for turning a typically meat-centric recipe vegan. They lend the texture and juiciness to dishes that meat would, without harming any animals.
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Here are 15 meaty recipes that are completely vegan to try out. From healthy weeknight dinners to show-stopping centerpieces, there’s something for all occasions.
Vegan Beef Stew
This recipe from is packed with vegetables and lentils. The “beef” is made from seitan, a wheat-based meat alternative that you can make at home. Red wine, balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika make the broth rich and warming, perfect for a cold evening in. Dunk in some crusty bread or serve on top of your grains of choice.
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Dirty Fries
“Dirty” food is made to satisfy all your cravings – loads of carbs, fat, and salt – but all brought together in a more upmarket way than your average fast food. These dirty fries from Matt Pritchard’s new book, Dirty Vegan Fast and Easy, tick all the boxes, with a sticky tomato-based sauce, vegan burger patties, and vegan lardons. Topped with vegan cheese, spring onions, and chili, this recipe packs a lot of flavor.
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Vegan Wellington
Christmas is still a long way off, but this tasty wellington from would make a great main for any special occasion. The meaty center is made from mashed up vegan burgers, surrounded by a mushroom and chestnut mixture. Wrap it all in ready-made puff pastry and you have a hearty main that will surely impress your guests.
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Maple Garlic Tofu Roast
Looking for a healthy alternative to a traditional roast ham? Look no further. This maple and garlic glazed tofu roast by is easy to make and is high in protein. Serve with roast veg and potatoes for a vegan twist on Sunday lunch.
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Vegan Roast Beef
With a blend of seitan, chickpeas, and beetroot powder, you can create vegan roast “beef” from scratch in your very own kitchen. Flavored with red wine, steak spice, soy sauce, and mustard, this roast from starts out almost like a bread dough before becoming a moist and tender roast lunch centerpiece.
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Cheese, Bacon, and Apple Stuffed Mushrooms
If you’re hosting a party, these stuffed mushroom canapés will delight your guests. This recipe uses Portobellini mushrooms – mini Portobellos – stuffed with a mixture of vegan sausage and bacon, diced apple, and a generous amount of vegan cheese. Most of the cooking time involves letting the mushrooms bake in the oven, leaving you free to get on with other party prep.
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Smoked ‘Haddock’ Kedgeree
Kedgeree, thought to have originated in India and been adopted in the UK by returning colonials, is usually made with flaked fish, egg, spices, and vegetables. But has successfully veganized it. Liquid smoke and crumbled nori (seaweed) help turn swede into a haddock alternative. Meanwhile, tofu steps in to take the place of egg. The result is a nutritious, hearty meal that would be perfect for a dinner party.
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Seitan Pot Roast
Another one from Romy London, this German-style pot roast will make a lovely, comforting main for a Sunday lunch. Homemade seitan is slow-roasted in a rich stock. Serve with all the trimmings.
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Jackfruit and Apple Coleslaw Burger
In this recipe from , you make your own BBQ sauce using vegan Worcestershire Sauce. The jackfruit simmers until it comes apart in the perfect “pulled pork” consistency. The cabbage and apple slaw uses coconut yogurt as a base instead of mayo, making a much lighter version.
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Apple, Kale, and Sausage Pasta
Happy Skin Kitchen has devised this easy pasta dish that you probably have most of the ingredients for already. There is optional walnut parmesan as part of the recipe which would make this dish something extra special.
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Garlic Butter Mushroom Scallops
Romy London brings you these succulent mushroom “scallops” that would make a wonderful dinner party starter. Score the tops of king oyster mushrooms in a criss-cross pattern to let the flavors and heat in as they fry. When done they will be a beautiful golden brown.
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Cheesy Chili Dogs
Find yourself some vegan hot dogs and buns and make these for your next movie night, game night, or Wednesday night. You can make your own vegan chili for this recipe from , but if you buy it in a can it’ll take you no time at all to whip these up. Top with vegan cheese and jalapeños
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Vegan Duck Pancakes
This BOSH! recipe uses jackfruit in place of duck. With soft Chinese pancakes, crunchy veg, and a sweet, tangy sauce, these make a delicious starter.
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Tofu Salmon Rice Bowl
“Bowls” have become hugely popular as people seek out healthier food options. This one from is a vegan take on the popular salmon and rice bowl. It uses shredded, marinated tofu in place of salmon, ensuring it’s high in protein as well as delicious.
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Banana Blossom Fish
brings you this easy fish alternative using banana blossom, which can be bought in a can. Seasoned, battered, and fried, this is the perfect battered fish substitute. Serve with chips and mushy peas.
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