Author: Craving that meaty bite but want to keep it plant-based? This roundup of 42 insanely delicious vegan meat recipes has you covered! From juicy burgers and hearty meatballs to BBQ pulled jackfruit and crispy fried "chicken," these high-protein, flavor-packed recipes will satisfy all your cravings-without any of the meat.
Whether you're looking for the best vegan meat substitutes or just want to add more high-protein, plant-based meals to your menu, this collection has something for everyone. Seitan steak, Marry Me Tofu, jackfruit nuggets, TVP breakfast sausages, shredded BBQ tofu, tofu ground beef, and homemade vegan deli meats-these recipes will show you how easy it is to make your favorite comfort foods 100% vegan.
Did you know that seitan has even more protein as chicken, or that jackfruit can mimic pulled pork with just the right seasoning? From quick weeknight dinners to show-stopping holiday roasts, these tried-and-true recipes prove that plant-based eating can be just as meaty and satisfying. Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, get ready to transform simple ingredients into the best vegan meats you've ever had!
42 Homemade Vegan Meat Alternatives:
Vegan Seitan Steak: "My Husband loves when I make this recipe! The recipe is so easy to make, I'm pretty sure it could win an award for Best Weeknight Dinner Ever." -Dianelys
Vegan Steak Sandwich: "I made this for dinner last night using your seitan steak and gooey nacho cheese recipes. It was DELICIOUS!" -Kristin
Quick & Easy Seitan (Vegan Chicken): "This vegan chicken delivers amazing flavor and a perfect texture. A must-try for a fast, delicious, and versatile meal I was amazed by how easy this recipe was to follow I made the most delicious vegan chicken." -Damilia
Marry Me Tofu: "Soooo easy, SOOOO delicious! Thank you for this 🙂" -Cheryl
Vegan Italian Meatballs: "these are amazing! so simple and they come out great every time, this is a go to recipe for me" -Sarah
Vegan Swedish Meatballs: "These are amazing. The best seitan meat recipe I have ever made!!! This will be my go to recipe." -Ginger
Seitan Burger: "My husband and I absolutely love these! They freeze and defrost well which is awesome for a quick make ahead meal." -Annie
Vegan Beet Burgers: "This is the vegan burger recipe I have been waiting for, it delivers on flavor, texture (no crumbling, great mouth feel) and the burger holds up on the grill." -Trac
Vegan Chicken Tenders: "I've made these so many times, and every time they come out great. They can be added to so many dishes." -Hazel
Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad: "All I can say is OMG! If I hadn't made it I would have not know that it was not chicken. I am so happy right now. Thank you so much for this amazing and easy recipe." -Kristin
Vegan Bolognese Recipe: "Best vegan dish I have ever made." -Caron
Vegan Lasagna: "One of my new faves! Every component tastes so good and it was not difficult to make." -Lily
Vegan Chicken Wings: "This recipe rocks!!! It is THE BEST seiten recipe I have tried." -Amy
Vegan Chicken Nuggets: "The texture turns out very chicken- like, and the coating is crunchy when made in the air fryer." -Pat
Vegan Breakfast Sausage Patties: "I have made these many times. They are the easiest and tastiest little sausages! I keep oats around just for this 🙂" -Andrea
Vegan Italian Sausages: "This was AMAZING!!!! These seitan sausages are so yummy." -Brooklyn
Vegan Spicy Sausage Pasta: "I made this tonight. It was amazing!" -Trina
Vegan Pepperoni: "Wow! This is crazy good!" -Moxie
Tofu Deli Meat: "OUTSTANDING!!! Thank you!!! I used a mandolin, so easy!!! Thank you!! This will save me so much money, and it is so simple!! The texture is perfect, the taste is spot on, and it is affordable." -Keight
Homemade Vegan Deli Slices: "I absolutely love this recipe!! I make it regularly for not only my household but a friend's also." -Annie
The Best Vegan Turkey Roast: "This vegan turkey roast was so amazing! I will never buy another." -Debbie
Vegan Baloney (Bologna): "Absolutely delicious! I couldn't even wait for it to cool. Game changer" -Sarah
Vegan Hamburger Helper: "This meal is so phenomenal!!! My family eats it on a regular basis" -Jessica
Vegan Chili Mac & Cheese: "This is by far the best recipe I've found for chili mac and cheese. (Not surprised, all of Sam's recipes are good!)" -Kristina
Vegan Tofu & Beet Ground (Vegan Ground Beef Recipe): "This came out awesome I used it for my fav sloppy joe recipe" -Malinda
Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu: "I made this tonight for dinner and we ate it in tortillas. Loved it and super easy to make." -Debby
Easy Vegan Tacos: "Delicious! We gave it a solid 10. Had it for dinner tonight." -Judy
Soy Curl Tacos (Vegan Chicken Tacos): "These are amazing! No dinner plans, tired from work, feeling lazy and didn't want to spend an hour prepping/cooking. Saw this recipe and within 30 minutes had a healthy delicious dinner. Will be on regular rotation! Much appreciated!" -Tracie
Vegan Jerk BBQ Soy Curls: "I love this!!!! I used my "jerk chicken" to top a salad (with your ranch dressing). It was wonderful." -Joanne
Vegan Lemon Garlic Soy Curls: "Tried this today over baked potatoes - fabulous!! thank you so much!!" -Robin
Vegan Calamari: "Everytime I make this I'm amazed at how great this tastes!" -Christine
Vegan Garlic Seared Scallops: "This is such a delicious recipe. Oyster King mushrooms are so meaty and delicious!" -Annie
Vegan Salmon: "I made this last night, it was so delicious. I am so glad I came across your site. Thank you for the amazing recipe!" -Kim
Sticky Garlic Vegan Salmon: "OMG my husband and I just love this recipe. It is so good! Gourmet all the way!" -Nancy
Vegan Lobster: "Just made this- very easy and so good 🙂 !" -Chris
6-Ingredient Pulled Jackfruit: "This is the best bbq meat substitute I've ever tried! I served this to friends on 4th of July and they didn't know it wasn't pulled pork/beef until I told them. They were impressed and wanted the recipe!" -MJ
Vegan Orange Chicken: "Absolutely fantastic!! Made it and LOVED IT. Better than an authentic take out and so much healthier. Perfection." -Kate
Vegan Fried Chicken: "So easy and soooo delicious." -Holli
2-Ingredient Vegan Chicken: "LOVE this recipe!! Makes my week day meals super easy and quick." -Jen
Wheat Starch Bacon: "This is phenomenal!" -Erin
Quick & Easy Vegan Bacon: "I love this recipe, it is fantastic!" -Sydney
Vegan Bacon Bits: "Love these! They're chewy and crisp-just delicious. And I love the flavor, more than store-bought bacon bits for sure." -Hadley
Learn to Master Making Seitan:
If you've ever tried making seitan and ended up with something rubbery, tough, mushy, or just plain weird-tasting, you're not alone! Seitan can be tricky, but once you know the right techniques, you'll be crafting juicy, flavorful, protein-packed vegan meats that rival (or beat!) store-bought options.
In my FREE masterclass, I'll teach you exactly how to fix common seitan mistakes and my M.E.S.R.D. Method to guarantee perfect texture and taste every time-plus, I'll share my top-secret tip for ultra-tender seitan (that I've never published anywhere else). And as a bonus, everyone who attends will get an exclusive offer valued at $100! Sign up here and finally master the art of making incredible homemade vegan meat recipes!
If you try any of these vegan meat recipes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
Sikowitz says
I just had a full-body artistic awakening while reading this. These recipes… they’re not just food—they’re characters. I’m casting them. “The Tragic Lentil,” “The Bold Chickpea,” maybe a forbidden romance between Basil and Roasted Garlic… yes, yes, I see it. My students will become these dishes. Thank you for this deeply unsettling burst of inspiration. I must go find a zucchini with emotional range......
Sofia the first says
Oh my goodness, this recipe looks absolutely enchanting! 💜 You’ve put so much care and kindness into creating something that helps both people and animals, and that’s truly magical. I love how creative and thoughtful your ingredients are—it feels like a feast straight out of a royal celebration! Thank you for sharing your talents and spreading goodness in such a lovely way. I can’t wait to try it and share it with my friends at the castle!
Lightining McQueen (red car) says
Are you vegan????
Cat Valentine says
Dear Lightning McQueen,
Yes 🙁
Kind regards,
Cat Valentine
Cat Valentine says
Dear Sam,
You used to love fried chicken, WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN 🙁
Kind regards,
Your loveliest friend
Car Valentine
P.S.: ahoy matey!! >.<
Debbie says
I made your apple bread. It was easy to do and tasted amazing (as always with your recipes!). Thank you
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww thanks so much Debbie!
Katrina Williams says
I can't wait to try some of these recipes! I also want to take your free class.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Katrina, awesome! You can sign up for the free class here. 🙂