Friday Food Fact: Vegan Meat Alternatives – Do They Really Have Any Taste?

When you cook a hamburger or crab cake, a lot of the taste comes from seasonings you add. It is much the same for the variety of vegan selections. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that you can duplicate a “Filet Mignon” or a real “Maryland Crab Cake,” but full body flavor is definitely possible.

Remember that even though vegans don’t eat any animal products and vegitarians omit meat but often eat some other animal products, they still want taste and texture. Getting it can be a heck of a lot tougher for them.

So, what do you need in a meat substitute? Lots!!! Taste, pleasing texture, protein, flexibility and, of course, health benefits. You may also want to be able to saute, bake or grill it.

Personally, I stay away from products that already call themselves a “meal.” Pre-seasoned or sauce-packed products are often loaded with salt and other mysterious ingredients. Look for an option that lets YOU create the taste. Starting with the raw ingredients–beans, tofu, veggies–is one option. Sometimes, though, you might want to take a different route.

One brand that is just plain waiting for your to add your own “touch,” is “Match” It comes in beef, chicken, pork italian sausage and crab flavors (without a lot of salt and junk) and is packaged similarly to ground meat. I especially like the chicken and crab.

Try the crab cakes in the video below. (I would add the bread crumbs with all the other ingredients to help bind it all together.) If you like Worceshire Sauce or Curry Powder, try adding one or both of those ingredients. (But watch the salt!) The key is to make them your way, whatever suits your taste buds. Be adventureous. The worst that will happen is you won’t love it and you will try different ingredients next time.

Just remember, you are trying one more way to help you eat healthy. Mange