12 Hacks to Make Meat Substitutes Taste Better

Plant-based meats and meat alternatives are hotter than ever. There has never been a better time to be a vegetarian or a vegan than now.

However, even with all the options that are not available, some of those meat substitutes still need a little help. We've got the flavors, the textures, and even the “wow, that actually tastes like chicken” moments, but why stop there?

Over the years of being a professional chef, I've picked up a few tricks along the way. Here, we are going to show you some fun, weird, and downright genius ways that you can make your favorite meat substitutes even better. Get ready to give those plant-based proteins the glow-up they deserve!

Add Some Natural Fiber

Meat has a unique texture that is hard to replicate. Even the best meat substitutes may not have quite the same texture as the real thing.

You can enhance the texture of your meat substitutes by adding natural fiber to your dish. Add oats, mushrooms, or diced apples to give them that perfect feel in your mouth. Adding fiber can give the false meat that chewy, juicy texture you want.

Add Umami

Have you heard about umami? It is that pleasant, savory taste that is not bitter, sour, salty, or sweet but something else entirely. Meat substitutes need umami to make them taste more complex and real.

Adding soy sauce, mushrooms, miso, or even seaweed to your plant-based meat dish will give your food that interesting, unique, umami flavor that it may be lacking. A pinch of umami will turn your meal into a “wow” moment.

Add a Little Fat

Fats make food taste good. We all know that it is true! The trick with meat substitutes is getting that juicy, fatty goodness in every bite.

Distributing fats like coconut oil or avocado throughout the mix gives you those tasty pockets of flavor that just make the entire meal drool-worthy.

Stir some extra oil into your meat alternatives as they cook, or let a pad of butter melt on top of your cooked plant-based meats. It will be like a little flavor explosion in your mouth!

Add a Binder

No one wants a burger that crumbles to pieces before it even hits the bun. But some plant-based meats don't hold together very well, leaving us underwhelmed.

By using plant-based binders like flaxseed or chia, you can keep that patty together, giving it the structure of a meaty masterpiece.

Plant-based binders are also a total win because they tend to be super healthy. Chia seeds and flaxseeds? They're total superfoods.

Add More Real Ingredients

Have you ever read an ingredient list that sounds more like a science experiment? Some meat substitutes can feel like that, making us feel uneasy as we cook.

Using whole foods like beans, lentils, or grains makes your meat substitute more nutritious and gives it that homemade vibe. You will feel better knowing your plant-based meal is made with some real stuff.

Use Interesting Seasoning Blends

Seasoning is everything! Think outside the salt-and-pepper box and go wild with spices, herbs, and even a little smoke. Try some paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or liquid smoke to bring out that “grilled” flavor you love.

You're basically becoming a plant-based spice wizard here, and your taste buds will thank you.

Fortify with Vitamins

Fortifying meat substitutes with nutrients like iron, B12, and zinc makes them more like the real thing and gives you an added health boost. You'll be turning your plant-based burger into a powerhouse of nutrition.

Sprinkle some powdered vitamins right into your meal as you cook for an almost magical improvement. You will feel like a health guru and a culinary master!

Try New Cooking Techniques

Meat substitutes aren't one-size-fits-all when it comes to cooking. Try different methods like grilling, baking, steaming, or even air-frying. You might discover that your “chicken” nuggets are best when air-fried to crispy perfection.

Experimenting with cooking styles can totally change the game for flavor and texture!

Add Probiotics

Some meat alternatives can be rough on your belly. But probiotics can help you maintain your gut health and better process those tough plant-based meats.

Give your meatless meats a health twist by sneaking in some probiotics. Fermented ingredients like kimchi or tempeh boost flavor and help your gut feel amazing.

Now you can munch on that plant-based burger and know you're also feeding your tummy some love!

Add a Little Color

Let's be honest. Meat alternatives don't always look appealing, and eating is all about that visual appeal! Using natural pigments like beet juice, paprika, or turmeric gives your meat substitutes that vibrant, realistic color.

Who wouldn't want a plant-based patty that actually looks like it's been sizzling on the grill? You'll be drooling before you even take a bite.

Boost the Protein

Not all meat alternatives are as protein-rich as the real thing. So, let's beef up those meat substitutes — without the beef, of course.

Adding more protein sources like peas, lentils, or chickpeas makes them more filling and nutritious. You'll feel satisfied after eating, and your muscles will thank you for the extra plant-powered protein punch.

Think About Cooking Times

Some meat substitutes need a slow cook to soak up flavors, while others benefit from a quick sear for that crispy outside. Adjusting your cooking techniques can make a world of difference, so grab your spatula and start experimenting.

When you play around with cooking times, you will discover the best way to prepare your plant-based meats and give them the best flavor possible.