If you've ever felt left out at a barbecue because you don't eat meat, you're not alone. Steaks sizzling on the grill may tempt your taste buds, but how vegetarians could make up for that with a hearty and satisfying alternative may be hard to know. Fortunately, there's a growing trend in the culinary world for plant-based lovers: vegetable steaks. These veg steaks offer the same flavour and satisfying texture as their meaty counterparts, minus the guilt or grease. Be it the seasoned vegetarian or someone who just wants to cut back on too much meat, these veg steaks are a delicious and very nutritious substitute. These flavoursome steak dishes impress even the most confirmed vegetarians. And the best part? They are easy to prepare at home, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity.
Also read: Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Are The Perfect Comfort Meal
Portobello Mushroom Steak
Portobello mushrooms may be referred to as the "steak" of the vegetarian world for the right reasons. The meaty texture and rich, umami flavour—make it quite an ideal replacement for traditional steak. Make your own Portobello mushroom steak by marinating it in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for a minimum of half an hour. After that, grill or pan-fry the marinated mushroom until tender and slightly charred, then serve it with some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes to make a full belly that will satisfy your steak cravings with no smell of meat.
Cauliflower Steak
Not only does the cauliflower steak look lovely, but it is also very flexible, much like a vegetable sponge. It can absorb the flavours, allowing creative seasoning and really being your canvas. First, slice a large head of cauliflower thick to obtain the steaks. Smear these with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast this in the oven until it's golden and crispy at the edges. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan or nutritional yeast over it for extra flavour. Tangy sauce goes well with it, or try serving it over grains like quinoa, rice and more, for a full, healthy meal.
Tofu Steak
Tofu is something a lot of vegetarians live on, and when cooked well, it can turn out pretty steak-like. For tofu steak, choose extra-firm tofu and wring out all excess water before cooking. Marinate it in soy sauce with ginger, garlic, and a dash of honey or maple syrup to provide it with some sweetness and savoury flavour. Pan-fry the tofu until it's crispy on the outside, then serve it with stir-fried vegetables or on top of a fresh salad. This tofu steak is full of protein to energize a fast weeknight dinner.
Eggplant Steak
Because eggplant has a meaty and dense texture, it can be used almost as a vegetarian steak. For this, first slice the eggplant into thick rounds and sprinkle them with salt to bring out some of the bitterness. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat the slices dry. Then, brush with olive oil and season with your favourite herbs and spices. Grill or roast the eggplant until it's tender and slightly charred. Then, serve it smothered in a tomato-based sauce or drizzled with tahini for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Sweet Potato Steak
This being an intrinsic sweet and savoury vegetable allures you to season it with just about anything. In order to prepare a sweet potato steak, slice the sweet potatoes into thick rounds and toss them in olive oil, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. Roast in the oven until caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. This sweet potato steak is full of nutrients and can be an addition to or stand on its own as a main course. Dress it with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a little sprinkle of fresh herbs for flavour and a touch of flair