Top Plant-Based Meat Products For Family Dinners

Many of us that grew up in the UK have fond memories of tucking into a roast dinner on a Sunday afternoon surrounded by loved ones. And when you think about it, a good amount of traditional British grub is heavily reliant on meat. From Shepherd’s Pie and Beef Wellington to Fish and Chips and Meat Pies, animal products are certainly a staple in this cuisine. 

When I discovered veganism six years ago, vegan meats were few and far between. Linda McCartney and Quorn were the leading brands on supermarket shelves, but now, there are more plant-based meat, dairy, and egg products than you could count. Although lack of choice has never truly been a concern for vegans (because there are thousands of edible plants to choose from), it’s even less so now that we have alternatives for almost everything. 

Plant-based meats and alternatives make family cooking much easier and less stressful. So if you’re introducing your family to them for the first time, here are some of the top products you must try! 

Bacon isn’t just for a good sarnie or fry up; there are tonnes of delicious recipes that make use of this super salty ingredient. Recipes that use bacon: Carbonara, Minestrone, Brussel Sprouts & Bacon, Pigs in Blankets, BLT, Risotto, Pancakes with Bacon, Burgers, Bacon and Waffles, Bacon and Leek Quiche. 

The Future Farm Meatballs are revolutionary. The texture and taste is so similar that your family might not even notice that their dinner is made from plants! Recipes that use meatballs: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Meatball Sub, Meatballs and Mashed Potato (with gravy), Spanish Meatball and Butterbean Stew, Meatball Pizza.

If the Beyond Burger doesn’t satisfy your craving for something meaty, then I don’t know what will! You can either use these patties as they come or crumble them into pieces. Recipes that use burgers: Loaded Burgers, Cheeseburger Pasta, Sweet & Sour Burger, Cheeseburger Pizza, Ground Beef Kebabs. 

Sausages are one of the most versatile meat products out there, and the vegan versions aren’t any different. Recipes that use sausages: Bangers and Mash, Sausage Casserole, Sausage Sandwich, Sausage Roll, English Fry Up, Toad in the Hole, Tray Bake. 

These plant-based ‘chicken’ chunks are going to make your life a whole load easier. The texture is on point, and they’re able to take on whatever flavour you desire. Recipes that use chicken pieces: Chicken Alfredo, Jambalaya, Stir Fry, Roast Dinner, Skewers, Curry, Fajitas, Chicken Satay Strips, Jollof.

Your children won’t be able to tell the difference between these vegan nuggets and the non-vegan kind. Also, if you’re a parent that’s fed up with nuggets, there are countless creative ways to use them that will satisfy the whole family. Recipes that use nuggets: Katsu Curry, Caesar Salad, Nuggets in Pitta Bread, Nugget Salad Wraps, Lettuce Wraps, Nuggets with Guacamole.

Steak is a family classic, and it’s also super affordable when it’s vegan - not to mention easier to cook. Recipes that use steak: Steak and Chips, Philly Cheesesteaks, Steak and ‘Eggs’, ‘Beef’ and Broccoli Noodles, Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, Steak Fajitas, Steak and Potatoes.