Recipes
Delicious vegetarian swap-outs and alternative recipes for classic meat dishes
By Abi Jackson
Updated 7 years ago
Meat-free cuisine is no longer an oddity, it's a way of life. From marinated tofu to grilled halloumi and homemade seitan hot dogs, the foodie world is positively bursting at the seams with delicious vegetarian options. And whether you're a life-long veggie or simply looking for a few healthy alternatives to burgers and the like, there's something out there to suit everyone.
Behold our 15 veggie alternatives and substitutes for classic meaty dishes, including butternut squash carbonara, spicy chickpea burgers, mushroom shepherd's pie and more. Innovative, creative and full of flavour - what's not to like?
Corn and bean veggie quesadillas
Instead of chicken or ham, use corn (frozen or fresh), a red onion and a whole loada black beans for a fiery lunchtime snack.
Source: 12tomatoes.com/Pinterest
Grilled halloumi and pesto burgers
If you're not yet a convert of grilled halloumi, you soon will be. This is the ultimate guilty pleasure veggie burger - with halloumi, grilled aubergine and a drizzle of pesto replacing beef.
Source: veggiebelly.com/Pinterest
Honey ginger tofu stir fry
Served on a bed of fluffy grains, this delicious stir fry recipe uses cubes of marinated tofu with honey and ginger instead of chicken or beef, for a riotous burst of flavour.
Source: pinchofyum.com/Pinterest
Spicy chickpea burgers
Homemade veggie burgers are created from chickpeas, oats and peanut butter, among other ingredients. They're hugely satisfying and tasty.
Source: runningonrealfood/Pinterest
Butternut squash carbonara
Served with fried sage and caramelised onions, a non-meat spaghetti carbonara that is every inch as mouthwatering as the original.
Source: katieatthekitchendoor.com/Pinterest
Chilli non carne
This warming chilli non carne comes with avocado, cauliflower rice and Greek yoghurt, with kidney beans and plenty of herbs and spices in the place of minced beef.
Source: fooddaily.com.au/Pinterest
Glamorgan sausages with mash and onion gravy
Glamorgan sausages are a great veggie alternative to the classic bangers and mash formula. They're made with Welsh cheddar cheese, torn white bread, spring onions and a handful of thyme.
Source: homecookingwithles.blogspot.co.uk/Pinterest
Lentil and mushroom shepherd's pie
Lentils, spinach and mushrooms make a great replacement for minced meat in veggie shepherd's pie.
Source: blog.fatfreevegan.com/Pinterest
Grilled sweet potato and vegetable skewers
Courgette, sweet potato and mushroom skewers are a great alternative to chunks of chicken or lamb.
Source: ahintofhoney.com/Pinterest
Tofu steaks with chimichurri and baby spinach
There's nothing quite like a hearty steak - especially when it's a healthy version, made from marinated tofu on a bed of baby spinach with spicy chimichurri sauce.
Source: thestonesoup.com/Pinterest
Vegetarian nachos with kale and sweet potatoes
The healthy antidote to beef, super or loaded nachos, these snacks are made with baked kale and sweet potato and low-fat cheese.
Source: foodfaithfitness.com/Pinterest
Portabello mushroom wellingtons
For a vegetarian Wellington, substitute beef with handfuls of Portabello mushrooms and shallots cushioned in a puff pasty casket, with baby spinach and Gruyere cheese.
Source: deliciousdishesrecipes.com/Pinterest
Butternut Squash, Chickpea and Quinoa Tagine
The veggie surrogate to Moroccan lamb tagine comes in the form of these picturesque wraps filled with butternut squash, chickpea and quinoa. Yum.
Source: yummly.com/Pinterest
Butternut squash, chickpea and quinoa tagine
The veggie surrogate to Moroccan lamb tagine comes in the form of this picturesque dish with butternut squash, chickpea and quinoa. Yum.
Source: yummly.com/Pinterest
Seitan hot dogs
Home-make your own seitan (wheat gluten) for a meat-free hot dog - it's actually much easier than it sounds.
Source: onegreenplanet.org/Pinterest
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