How to Make Vegan Meatballs with Beyond Meat?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat, a popular plant-based alternative that’s taking the culinary world by storm.

If you’re looking to create delectable vegan meatballs that are both tasty and sustainable, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat, a popular plant-based alternative that’s taking the culinary world by storm. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or just dipping your toes into the world of plant-based cooking, our step-by-step instructions will help you craft mouthwatering vegan meatballs that even your omnivorous friends will love. Let’s dive right in!

In recent years, the popularity of vegan and plant-based diets has skyrocketed, leading to the development of innovative meat alternatives like Beyond Meat. These plant-based products have revolutionized the way we think about food, offering a sustainable and ethical choice for those seeking to reduce their meat consumption. One such application is the creation of vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat.

Related: Vegan Stuffed Peppers With Beyond Meat

How Do You Cook Plant-Based Meatballs?

Cooking plant-based meatballs is similar to cooking traditional meatballs, with a few adjustments to account for the differences in ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking plant-based meatballs:

Ingredients:

  1. Plant-based meatball mixture (store-bought or homemade)
  2. Olive oil or vegetable oil
  3. Onion (optional, for added flavor)
  4. Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
  5. Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
  6. Spices and herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
  7. Breadcrumbs (if not included in the meatball mixture)
  8. Vegan Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the packaging of your plant-based meatballs or the recipe you’re following. Typically, it’s around 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: If using store-bought plant-based meatballs, follow the instructions on the package for shaping them. If making homemade meatballs, combine your plant-based meatball mixture with any spices, herbs, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped onions and garlic, if desired. Then, shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, usually around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer a lower-fat option.
  5. Brown the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the heated skillet and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step is optional but adds flavor and texture to the meatballs.
  6. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions or recipe. Typically, this takes around 15-20 minutes, but the exact time may vary, so check them periodically. They should be firm to the touch and heated through.
  8. Serve: Remove the plant-based meatballs from the oven. You can serve them with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, on a sandwich, or any way you like. Optionally, sprinkle vegan Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.

Remember that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand of plant-based meatballs you’re using or the specific recipe you follow. Always check the instructions provided on the packaging or in the recipe for the most accurate cooking guidance.

Related: Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Beyond Meat: A Plant-Based Delight

Why Beyond Meat?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly explore why Beyond Meat is an excellent choice for crafting vegan meatballs. Beyond Meat is a company that specializes in producing plant-based meat substitutes that closely mimic the taste and texture of real meat. Their products are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly, as they require fewer resources to produce compared to traditional animal-based meats. So, by using Beyond Meat, you’re making a positive impact on the planet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 package of Beyond Meat ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)

Related: How to Make Vegan Meat Crumbles

Preparation

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making your vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat. Follow these simple steps to achieve a delicious plant-based meal.

Step 1 – Prepare the Flax Egg

The flax egg serves as a binding agent in your meatballs. To make it, simply combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

Step 2 – Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your vegan meatballs.

Step 3 – Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Beyond Meat ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and vegan Parmesan cheese (if using). Pour in the flax egg and almond milk as well. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4 – Shape the Meatballs

Take a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a meatball. The size is up to you, but a golf ball-sized meatball is a good starting point. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the mixture, placing the meatballs on a plate or tray as you go.

Step 5 – Cook the Meatballs

In the same skillet you used to sauté the onions and garlic, add a bit more olive oil if needed and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the vegan meatballs to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Serving Your Vegan Meatballs with Beyond Meat

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat. Now it’s time to enjoy your culinary creation. There are several ways to serve these delectable meatballs:

Option 1 – Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Pair your vegan meatballs with your favorite plant-based spaghetti and marinara sauce. Top it all off with some vegan Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an authentic Italian experience.

Option 2 – Meatball Subs

Load your meatballs onto a vegan sub roll, add some tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying sandwich.

Option 3 – Meatball Appetizer

Serve your vegan meatballs as an appetizer at your next gathering. Create a dipping sauce with vegan mayo and sriracha for an extra kick.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve shown you how to make vegan meatballs with Beyond Meat, a delicious and sustainable plant-based alternative. By using Beyond Meat’s ground beef, you can enjoy the taste and texture of traditional meatballs without any harm to animals or the environment.

Whether you choose to serve them with spaghetti, in a sub, or as appetizers, these vegan meatballs are sure to impress both vegans and omnivores alike. So, the next time you’re craving a hearty and ethical meal, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and the planet will thank you. Happy cooking!

References

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