What would you recommend for a good meat substitute? I’m trying to reduce my meat intake but I just can’t let my taste buds adjusted overnight. I’m sure there are meat substitutes out there like gluten but what do you think is the best?

We’ve gotten quite used to the Boca burgers and the Morningstar Farms line of vegetarian meat substitutes.  I’ve gotten quite good at reading labels and figuring out if it’s OK for someone with PKU.  A lot of products will have a statement on the box now days that says it’s safe for people with PKU.  It makes it much easier to shop.

I was really skeptical of tofu for a while, but when prepared properly it can be really good.  I recommend eating it as hot as possible, because I don’t think it tastes as good when it’s cold.  With seasoning, you can marinate it and generally cook it just like any other type of meat.  Give it a little time and it can be as good as the real thing!

Lukesmum - Feb 18, 2010 08:49pm

We’ve gotten quite used to the Boca burgers and the Morningstar Farms line of vegetarian meat substitutes.  I’ve gotten quite good at reading labels and figuring out if it’s OK for someone with PKU.  A lot of products will have a statement on the box now days that says it’s safe for people with PKU.  It makes it much easier to shop.

I have to agree that labeling is getting MUCH better, but there are still many products that have a long way to come. I like the Boca burgers as well, but I prefer Portabello mushrooms as a “meat substitute” for a burger.

Tofu scares me and I will not lie about it, now Boca burgers I can handle as for some reason they seem a little more tasty to me. Maybe I had bad tofu?

blola - Feb 23, 2010 02:51am

I have to agree that labeling is getting MUCH better, but there are still many products that have a long way to come. I like the Boca burgers as well, but I prefer Portabello mushrooms as a “meat substitute” for a burger.

I forgot about those, too… I give them two thumbs up. Even better than tofu!  Plus they are already hamburger sized, haha… You can load them up with all the toppings and they are absolutely delicious!

You still have to be careful with tofu and soy. Both of them have more protein that you might realize. There’s a thread on it somewhere around here. I like using mushrooms and even celery prepared the right way can be meat substitute.

I like the Morningstar Farms brand of stuff pretty good and Amy’s has some good frozen dinner stuff as well. I never really liked the Boca brand all that much.

I like some of the meat substitutes but I am not a fan of the morningstar farms products. I had some of their buffalo chicken nuggets and they had paper in them!

The Portabello mushrooms sound like they’re very good.  Are they formed into a pattie like a hamburger or loose mushrooms?  Whichever they are, I’m going to try them.

Portabella mushrooms have a meaty kind of texture and are totally delicious. I love them lightly grilled and they would be great with toppings. Here is a link with pictures, information and cooking tips. http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Produce-638/portobello.aspx

Thank you for the link.  They look like they’re very good and I like mushrooms a lot.  Does anyone know of any other types of mushrooms that we can eat?

The trick with tofu is to look for the type which is firmer. If you have any Asian food stores close by you may find it there, it’s much nicer than the slippery soft version. It holds it’s shape better too and can be easily used as a meat sub.

My girlfriend cooked a dried mushrooms. She bought the mushrooms with seasoning already. They looked like beef after it was cooked and even have the taste of beef. Mushroom is my meat substitute as they tastes great.

I would recommend Boca burgers and Tofu burgers. My wife is a vegetarian and eats both of these. Also, I would recommend eggplant as well sprinkled or cooked with some protein powder.