18+ Easy TVP Recipes (Textured Vegetable Protein) (2024)

FAQs

What can you use textured vegetable protein for? ›

Aside from being used as a meat alternative and extender, textured vegetable protein is widely known for adding a significant protein boost to meals. Because of this, it's commonly added to health food bars, cereal and even sprinkled on salad to increase the nutritional contents of foods.

So, while it's fine to enjoy TVP from time to time, aim to pair it with other nutritious protein sources in your diet. TVP is often made from soy, a crop that's often genetically modified and is a common allergen. Aim to pair TVP with other sources of protein in your diet.

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.

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!

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).

Plain TVP 1 cup yields 2 ¼ cups 3 oz. yields 14 oz. TVP can be added directly to soups and stews, or rehydrated for a healthy, meatless option. To rehydrate, add 2 cups of water to 1 cup of TVP and soak or simmer for 5-10 minutes.

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.

In conclusion, while TVP is a processed food, it is not considered highly processed compared to many other food products on the market. Its nutritional benefits, particularly for those seeking plant-based protein sources, can make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Drawbacks of Plant-Based Protein Powders

Some plant-based proteins are high in carbohydrates not ideal for anyone following a low-carb diet. Plant protein powders are typically more expensive than whey protein. Plant-based protein powders can be gritty in texture and difficult to mix smooth.

​ Textured Vegetable Protein (Textured Soy Protein) and other additives may best be avoided on a low histamine diet. Textured Vegetable Protein (Textured Soy Protein) may trigger the release of the body's existing histamine.

Is TVP the same as pea protein? ›

The most widespread TVP are made using soy, wheat or pea proteins and mixtures thereof.

One thing you can do is to mix rehydrated TVP with wheat gluten, and then knead it to develop texture.

TVP has a long shelf life; kept dry in an airtight container, unflavored products last indefinitely. Flavored varieties can be kept in a sealed container in your pantry for up to a year. Leftovers of dishes made with TVP should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within three or four days.

Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and cook on high for 5–6 minutes; check after 2 minutes and add a little more liquid if needed. You can prepare a double batch, enough for two or three recipes, and the cooked TVP® will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Using TVP, one can make vegetarian or vegan versions of traditionally meat-based dishes, such as chili con carne, spaghetti bolognese, sloppy joes, tacos, burgers, or burritos. Soy protein can also be used as a low cost and high nutrition extender in comminuted meat and poultry products, and in tuna salads.

Proteins are large, complex molecules composed of chains of amino acids. They are essential for many functions of our organism: help to manufacture, regenerate and maintain organs and all tissues such as skin, nails and tendons.

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.