I decided to go plant-based about two and a half years ago.
Honestly the first few months were really a struggle… I didn’t know what to eat and I’m picky so I didn’t like a lot of ingredients in recipes I was reading.
But eventually I learned what I like and, more importantly, how I like them cooked.
What I’ve learned is it’s not about what you’re eating, it’s about how you cook the food!
Finding proteins as a plant-based eater was the biggest struggle for me, so I’m sharing the 3 proteins that I have found that I really love and how I cook them, in case you are in the same struggle I was.
But remember, just because I like them doesn’t mean you will. We all have different preferences and you have to do what you enjoy!
Feel free to make these your own:
Air-Fried Tofu
This one is probably my favorite type of protein. But hear me out… before I tried tofu like this I thought it was gross! I wouldn’t eat it because it “had no flavor” and “had a weird texture.”
When I learned to season it and cook it, I discovered I actually do like it when it’s cooked a certain way!
It’s simple but, seasoned, it’s delicious!
- press tofu in towel under heavy object for 30 minutes
- cut tofu block into fourths (the long way) then cut into squares
- transfer into large mixing bowl
- season with Bragg’s liquid aminos, Himalayan sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, turmeric, and paprika
- coat with olive oil and corn starch
- preheat air-fryer to 400 degrees and cook tofu for 10 minutes, flipping half-way through
10 minutes and done!
Buffalo Tempeh
This one is even easier!
- cut tempeh into slices and place in a zip lock baggie
- pour buffalo sauce (I use mild but can use whatever your preference is) into baggie
- shake!
- marinate in the fridge up to two hours (if I’m running low on time I skip this step)
- heat skillet on low-medium heat and coat with olive oil
- add tempeh and cook for about 5 minutes on each side
This recipe gives food some extra flavor with the buffalo and tempeh is a great replacement for recipes with chicken!
Seasoned Chickpeas
Beans have lots of necessary minerals our body needs on a daily basis. Plus they are so easy to add to any meal!
I usually have my chickpeas with one of my Daily Harvest bowls (you can use this code to get $25 off your first box).
If I’m having chickpeas with a different meal, here’s how I cook them:
- season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika, and olive oil
- preheat air-fryer to 350 degrees and cook for 5 minutes
I’m going to sneak this recipe in here too because chickpeas make a great egg substitute!
- smash chickpeas
- season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, turmeric, and olive oil
- sauté for 3-5 minutes
I am not a cook and I don’t like taking the time to cook. That’s why all of these recipes are so simple and easy.
Life is busy and stressful, which is even more reason we need to be fueling our bodies with fuel and the nutrients our bodies need!
That doesn’t mean food has to be complicated, but it does mean it has to taste good 😉
I would love to hear if you try one of these recipes. Comment below or send me an email at ashley@ashleycarpentier.com and let me know what you thought!
