Top Vegan Meat Alternatives to Try Today

Meat free protein is on the rise. When prepared with the right flavors and techniques, these options are exciting meat alternatives. Here at Willow guests may indulge in a cruelty-free menu with a variety of protein packed dishes. As a cozy vegan restaurant tucked into the heart of NYC, we have a lot of American favorites to indulge in.

At Willow in NYC every dish is homey and familiar, then elevated with unique flavors and upscale presentation. We’re taking relatable American bistro food and turning it on its head—then making it vegan!

Why Choose Vegan Meat?

Recent studies have estimated that a single person going vegan for one year can save the lives of over 100 animals. That’s nearly two animals a week saved just by choosing a plant-based diet!

However, if you’ve grown up non-vegan, the idea of giving up some of your favorite meals can be difficult, even if it is for ethical reasons. Thankfully, vegan meat provides a nutrient-dense (some alternatives are fortified to be even healthy than animal meat!) and cruelty-free way to enjoy familiar meals.

There are a variety of meat alternatives available, each one helping provide a familiar taste and texture to favorite meals without any of the negative impacts that animal meat has. To learn more about your options for going plant-based while still enjoying “meat”, enjoy these top 6 vegan meat alternatives.

Top 6 Vegan Meat Alternatives

Tofu

When it comes to vegan meat alternatives, tofu is one of the first options considered. It’s a classic vegan substitution made from soybeans that’s rich in both calcium and protein, two nutrients that vegans often need more of in their diets due to restrictions of other foods.

Tofu is one of our top choices because of its versatility. It can easily be fried, seared, or baked and absorbs a variety of flavors so it can fit in well with nearly every dish.

Jackfruit

While more uncommon, jackfruit is quickly becoming a favorite vegan meat alternative. This exotic fruit has a fleshy inside which can easily be shredded and cooked to replace meats such as brisket or shredded chicken.

Seitan

Seitan is one of the most popular meat alternatives available, specifically for those looking to reduce the amount of chicken in their diet. It is made using wheat flour that has had the gluten washed away and pan-seared, baked, or otherwise cooked the same way as non-vegan meat would.

Mushrooms

One reason mushrooms are one of the most popular vegan meat alternatives is due to their texture. Whether raw or cooked, mushrooms have a texture similar to meat that—when paired with their faint umami flavoring—creates a delectable vegan substitute that can pair well with any dish.

Mushrooms can make a great addition to salads, rice, and baked meals that may otherwise call for meat.

Beans

When it comes to acting as a versatile meat alternative, beans can add protein, texture, and flavor to nearly any dish.

Black beans may be a fantastic choice to add to rice in place of chicken or sausage, and chickpeas are a good alternative for the flavor and consistency of turkey or chicken in dishes. For recipes that already call for beans, you can add additional varieties to help elevate the texture.

Beans can even be used to make burger patties!

Different varieties of beans can contain up to 36 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is nearly 10 grams of protein than the same amount of chicken.

Meatless Meat

While exploring your own vegan meat alternatives allows you to experiment with the flavor and nutritional value of your dishes, you may choose to use pre-made meatless meat.

These store-bought vegan meat alternatives have grown in popularity in recent years, with an abundance of brands and varieties appearing. Since these are already in the form of the meat you may need, such as ground “beef”, they can be an easier alternative to choosing the right ingredients for your vegan dish.

Enjoy Vegan Meat Alternatives with Willow

While it may come as a surprise, there are a variety of ways to enjoy protein as a

vegan, and the top alternatives we’ve listed above are just a few.

Here at Willow, guests may indulge in a cruelty-free menu with a variety of protein packed meat alternatives. Because we offer traditional American comfort dishes with a vegan twist and high-quality plant-based ingredients served with an upscale presentation.

This includes providing an array of vegan meat options, such as our “buttermilk fried chick’n” made with soy, “cherrywood smoked pastrami” made with seitan, and “scallop cacio e pepe” made with king oyster mushrooms.Whether you’re looking to join us at our restaurant on 8th Avenue or want to take advantage of our online ordering options, Willow has a diverse menu to fit any taste.