3 vegetarian recipes that meat lovers will enjoy

3 vegetarian recipes that meat lovers will enjoy

From 'Bang Bang Cauliflower' to 'Crispy Potato Balls', these must-try vegetarian recipes will make even the most hardcore meat-lover drool.

Chef preparing tacos on a steel table
File photo: iStock

Meat-free or Meatless Mondays are an excellent opportunity to try recipes that wouldn't ordinarily be served at dinner. 

Many people think vegetarian food is bland. Some can't even imagine eating a meal without meat on their plate. 

However, vegetarian food can be just as tasty and satisfying. Don't believe us? We found three vegetarian-friendly recipes that meat eaters will enjoy. 

Before you start, here's a quick guide on the difference between vegetarian, plant-based and vegan.

  • Vegetarians don't eat meat, fish, or poultry. Lacto-vegetarians eat products containing dairy, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt. They don't eat eggs. Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but not dairy.

  • Plant-based diets consist mainly of products/foods made from plants. However, plant-based doesn't always mean vegetarian or even vegan, as some people eat meat from time to time. 

  • Vegans don't eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or dairy, as well as foods containing dairy or honey. It's mostly a lifestyle choice that extends to the clothes they wear and the products they put on their bodies, including makeup. If it was made with any part of an animal, they avoid it for ethical and environmental reasons. It is also a healthy food option for some.

Shredded Tofu Tacos

This Meat-Free Mondays and Taco Tuesdays recipe is the food combination you didn't know you needed. Catherine Perez, a registered dietitian who specialises in vegan food, shared a recipe for charred shallot and shredded tofu tacos on her Instagram page. 

She makes her delicious tofu with cornstarch, brown sugar, tamari and avocado oil. The recipe includes a mouthwatering cashew crema. "This looks really good!" one of her followers remarked. 

Another follower also shared suggestions on which type of tofu would be best for the recipe.

"Just a note before trying this recipe. Make sure you use super-firm tofu or a tofu that comes in vacuum-sealed packaging. This type of tofu is much firmer than extra-firm tofu, which makes it perfect for grating. 

"If you only have extra firm, that’s okay! Make sure to press and just crumble it. Should still come out great just different texture," the woman said.

Click on the post below to get the complete list of ingredients on Perez's Instagram page, @plantbasedrd.

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Food blogger Hajar Larbah from @moribyan created a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Shrimp using cauliflower, one of the most underrated vegetables. 

"Vegetarian take on bang bang shrimp and loved it just as much. Sweet, tangy, a bit spicy, and the cauliflower is battered and baked to crispy perfection! Excited for y’all to try it," she said. 

The recipe was a hit with her followers. "I made this tonight. It was fantastic!" one Instagram user said.

Check out the full recipe on Larbah's website

Crispy Potato Balls

If you're looking for a fun new way to enjoy one of the most popular (and most loved) vegetables in many South African homes, try Ahmad Noori's crispy potato balls. 

Dr Vegan (as he calls himself) added a sriracha mayo sauce for extra flavour. You can also take the recipe up a notch by adding grated Parmesan immediately after removing the potatoes from the frying pan.

The full recipe is up on his blog.

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