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what can I use instead of Tofu, Seitan,Tempeh

Zlink
Zlink Posts: 17 Member
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Hello,

I would like to know if any one has ideas what i can replace Tofu, Seitan, Tempeh with as i try to avoid processed foods.
I need it for many kind of recipes so if possible i would like as many kind of substitutes as possible :)

thanks,

Replies

  • vegandave
    vegandave Posts: 40 Member
    really vague question. of the three, tofu is the most 'processed'. tempeh is a less processed version of soy, and seitan is easy enough to make yourself, rendering unprocessed. what are you looking to do with it? beans are a great source of protein, but lacks the texture. TVP is a soy derivative that can be used in a number of applications, nuts, seeds,...
    help me out and give me a couple of recipes you'd like to work on.
  • eleqtriq
    eleqtriq Posts: 76 Member
    Tofu may be "processed", but it's nothing like most packaged foods. Tofu can be made with just two ingredients. Soy beans and salt.

    There is nothing wrong with eating tofu.

    See how it's made here:
    http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Tofu/
  • YpsiChris
    YpsiChris Posts: 20 Member
    Without more info, I'm with eleqtriq and vegandave - if you are avoiding the soy protein isolates and the other soy derived convenience foods, you are doing great.

    I'm not sure there is anything to replace these - unless you start using whole soy beans or some other legume. Tell us more and we can be more helpful :wink:
  • Zlink
    Zlink Posts: 17 Member
    that's just fine thanks guys :)
  • musclecarhags
    musclecarhags Posts: 4 Member
    You can make your own soy-free tofu http://littlefigblog.com/2013/01/27/shan-tofu-easy-delicious-soy-free/

    I wouldn't considered this kind of tofu processed. You can take your own dried beans and grind into flour and then follow the directions. No sitting in a funky tasting brine or coagulants, etc.
  • musclecarhags
    musclecarhags Posts: 4 Member
    You can make your own soy-free tofu http://littlefigblog.com/2013/01/27/shan-tofu-easy-delicious-soy-free/

    I wouldn't consider this kind of tofu processed. You can take your own dried beans and grind into flour and then follow the directions. No sitting in a funky tasting brine or coagulants, etc.
  • foodcart
    foodcart Posts: 42 Member
    I can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
  • HurricaneLindsay
    HurricaneLindsay Posts: 39 Member
    Really depends what kind of recipe you are subbing. Think about what the tofu / seitan / tempeh is doing in the recipe. Usually it's providing texture and protein.

    I use chickpeas a lot to replace tofu / seitan / tempeh. Not because I avoid the products, but because I'm usually out of them or trying to save some money on groceries. Most stir-frys, pastas, soups, stew, etc can be subbed with beans or lentils. I use TVP a lot too, but that might fall under your processed umbrella also.

    I use chickpea flour (also called gram or besan) to make frittatas instead of pureed tofu and eggplant instead of tempeh for 'bacon'.
  • appifanie
    appifanie Posts: 95 Member
    what they all said, but if you're going for unprocessed, then beans! but I love tofu and tempeh (and seitan, but i'm gluten intolerant *sniff*)
  • ls_66
    ls_66 Posts: 395 Member
    OMG thank you for sharing will be trying this recipe out soon
  • benol1
    benol1 Posts: 867 Member
    You can make your own soy-free tofu http://littlefigblog.com/2013/01/27/shan-tofu-easy-delicious-soy-free/

    I wouldn't consider this kind of tofu processed. You can take your own dried beans and grind into flour and then follow the directions. No sitting in a funky tasting brine or coagulants, etc.

    THANK YOU!
    I am going to try it this weekend.
  • HurricaneLindsay
    HurricaneLindsay Posts: 39 Member
    what they all said, but if you're going for unprocessed, then beans! but I love tofu and tempeh (and seitan, but i'm gluten intolerant *sniff*)

    Me too! If you make your own seitan and can find this it's almost the same! http://www.orgran.com/products/172/
  • appifanie
    appifanie Posts: 95 Member
    what they all said, but if you're going for unprocessed, then beans! but I love tofu and tempeh (and seitan, but i'm gluten intolerant *sniff*)

    Me too! If you make your own seitan and can find this it's almost the same! http://www.orgran.com/products/172/

    Ack! Have you used that? *cautiously optimistic*
  • HurricaneLindsay
    HurricaneLindsay Posts: 39 Member
    Yes! I sub it 1:1 in seitan recipes and the difference is not very noticeable. :)
  • appifanie
    appifanie Posts: 95 Member
    That is amazing, thank you!! I have a vegan friend who has seen some of that in a store near her and she's going to give it a try and let me know :) I tried a gluten free seitan recipe form "A Dummy's Guide to Gluten Free Vegan Cooking" and it was such a let down.
  • Kymmu
    Kymmu Posts: 1,650 Member
    Mushrooms are good for their texture and the way they absorb marinades.
  • worldmom
    worldmom Posts: 3 Member
    I use beans and mushrooms a LOT, but another option you might try is Butler's Soy Curls. They're simply extruded, dehydrated soybeans that you soak to reconstitute and then use in everything from stir fry to fajitas. Our favorite is "pulled pork" sandwiches. I dump the reconstituted soy curls in a crock pot, pour in a bottle of BBQ sauce, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Then serve on buns. Super yummy!
  • appifanie
    appifanie Posts: 95 Member
    I forgot soy curls! I have to buy them online b/c no one near me sells them. The last time I had them I made them BBQ and they were amazing on a corn tortilla with pepperjack daiya as a quesadilla.

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