Tvp - or textured soy protein. How do you use it?

jelleigh
jelleigh Posts: 743 Member
edited November 21 in Recipes
I took my first TVP attempt this am and totally failed. Probably should have researched a bit before using it. Thought I could soak it in any liquid and it would reconstitute into a soft tofu type substance. Did NOT go well in my morning smoothie . Lol. I just read through the very poorly translated instructions on the back and took a shot. Big fail. So started searching online and found that it's called TVP and most people use it as a ground beef substitute ? Any other ways you use it?

Replies

  • ranmalih
    ranmalih Posts: 63 Member
    I use tvp pretty often in curry. Soak tvp in hot water with a bit of salt added for 3minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Add spices (i add chilli powder, turmeric, cinnamon and whatever else is handy), marinate for a couple minutes while sauteeing some garlic and onion. Add tvp to the pan, cook for 5min.
    Tvp picks up flavours really well so add less spices than usual until you find the right balance.
    I assume after soaking it you could also use it in pies or other dishes as a meat substitute. Wouldn't recommend the smoothies though!
  • avablissed
    avablissed Posts: 19 Member
    I use TVP in any recipe calling for ground beef. We use it several times a week actually. I put it in a frying pan with olive oil, onion, and garlic for a bit and then add it to pasta with cheese (this is the kids favorite).

    I can not imagine it tasting very good in a smoothie....lol
  • jelleigh
    jelleigh Posts: 743 Member
    @ranmalih @avablissed you are so right - was horrible in smoothies!!! Lol. Serves me right for thinking I could 'wing it's. Thanks for the tips. I will give it a try.

  • vegan4lyfe2012
    vegan4lyfe2012 Posts: 1,241 Member
    edited October 2017
    I love using it for my tacos. It rehydrates on a 1:1 ratio of tvp vs. liquid. I usually do 2 cups at a time:

    Boil 2 cups water. Once boiling, turn off heat. Add 2 cups tvp and add vegan chicken or beef style bullion. I also find it helpful to add any other spices I plan on seasoning it with so it soaks right in. Anyway, stir everything, put the lid on the pot and set the timer for 10 minutes. It can still be very moist, so I like to dry it out a bit in a non-stick skillet.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Chili, tacos, sloppy joes . . . stuff like that.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    What does it taste like? I've never seen it but I'm curious if I should give it a try if I ever encounter it.
  • vegan4lyfe2012
    vegan4lyfe2012 Posts: 1,241 Member
    amusedmonkey wrote: »
    What does it taste like? I've never seen it but I'm curious if I should give it a try if I ever encounter it.

    Just like regular tofu, you have to season it for flavor. If I'm making a beefy style batch, I use vegan beef powder (from my local whole foods store) along with taco seasoning if I'm making tacos...chili seasoning if I'm making a chili mac...etc. It'll take on the spices you use.

    Hope that helps!
  • vegan4lyfe2012
    vegan4lyfe2012 Posts: 1,241 Member
    Here's a great guide on tvp:

    https://www.elephantasticvegan.com/tvp-textured-vegetable-protein-recipes/
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    vegan4lyfe2012 wrote: »
    amusedmonkey wrote: »
    What does it taste like? I've never seen it but I'm curious if I should give it a try if I ever encounter it.

    Just like regular tofu, you have to season it for flavor. If I'm making a beefy style batch, I use vegan beef powder (from my local whole foods store) along with taco seasoning if I'm making tacos...chili seasoning if I'm making a chili mac...etc. It'll take on the spices you use.

    Hope that helps!

    I tried tofu once and liked it. Thank you. I'll keep an eye out for it.
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    i just finished my tvp tacos for lunch. i make my own taco seasoning because it's lower in sodium. usually add the tvp and water to a wok type pan and stir, then add the spice mix and simmer and stir until the water is gone. add chopped olives and wilt some spinach in et voila! also good on nachos, in chili and for sloppy joes. i guess you could do an italian style meat sauce with it too, but i really like veggie meatballs premade.
  • vegan4lyfe2012
    vegan4lyfe2012 Posts: 1,241 Member
    jessiferrrb wrote: »
    i just finished my tvp tacos for lunch. i make my own taco seasoning because it's lower in sodium. usually add the tvp and water to a wok type pan and stir, then add the spice mix and simmer and stir until the water is gone. add chopped olives and wilt some spinach in et voila! also good on nachos, in chili and for sloppy joes. i guess you could do an italian style meat sauce with it too, but i really like veggie meatballs premade.

    I make my own taco seasoning, too! Twinsies!

  • mjwarbeck
    mjwarbeck Posts: 699 Member
    make it for our chili...then the kids can have chili, or tacos etc....or even on nachos. We've had countless meat eaters comment that it was actually better as it was less greasy.
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