How to Prepare Textured Vegetable Protein

Last Updated: July 12, 2023 Approved

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is made from soy flour that has been pressure cooked and dried, resulting in a tasty, cheap protein that's a boon for vegetarians. TVP has a texture similar to ground beef, and tastes great when prepared with a variety of different seasonings.

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Cooking With TVP

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Purchase TVP. TVP looks like dried cereal and may be purchased in plastic bags or resealable containers. It has a long shelf life and can be found in your grocery store's health food section or with other bulk foods.
- Textured vegetable protein in a non-sealed sack has a shelf life of about a year, but textured vegetable protein in an airtight container will last much longer.
- Because textured vegetable protein is made from soybeans, the cost of the product is relatively inexpensive.
- You can purchase flavored TVP, either dry or frozen, which can be heated and added to a number of dishes. However, since TVP is so easy to cook with and flavor yourself, it's best to start with dried TVP free of additives and flavors. That way, you can add whatever spices and flavors you want, without the extra chemicals.
Ground beef cooks down and shrinks when you apply heat, but since TVP gains volume when you reconstitute it, it will stretch a lot further. To make a meal that will feed 2 - 4 people, you'll need about 2 cups of dry TVP.

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Add hot water. The ratio of water to TVP should be 1:1. To reconstitute the TVP, you simply add hot water and let it sit for 5 - 10 minutes. The TVP will begin to fluff and take on the texture of ground beef.
- If you'd prefer, you can simply add the TVP to a pot of soup or a sauce that contains plenty of liquid. The TVP will reconstitute as part of the dish - there's no need to do it separately.
- If you're working with larger pieces of TVP, such as TVP cutlets, you might want to squeeze the reconstituted pieces so they aren't full of excess water.
Now that you have a bowl of reconstituted TVP, use it as a canvas to add your favorite spices, just the way you would any other protein. You can season it with a simple mixture of salt and pepper, give it Italian flair with some oregano and sage, or make it spicy with cayenne.
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Use the TVP as part of a meal. You can make TVP tacos or enchiladas, TVP chili, TVP burgers - the sky's the limit. Once the TVP has been reconstituted, simply use it as a filling the same way you'd do with ground beef.
- You can brown the TVP if you want to maximize the flavor.
- Try reconstituting it with stock or broth instead of plain water.
TVP lasts a long time on the shelf when it's still dry, but once you reconstitute it, the mixture won't keep for long.

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Trying TVP Recipes

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Make TVP burgers. If you have a craving for a hearty burger, TVP serves as a great substitute for ground beef or bison. Serve it with a side of chips or fries for a classic, meat-free meal.
- Reconstitute 2 cups of TVP in vegetable broth.
- Mix in salt and pepper to taste.
- Add soy sauce and ketchup to taste.
- Mix in one egg (to bind the TVP).
- Mix in 1/4 cup flour.
- Form the mixture into patties. Bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes, until they're brown and crispy.
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Make TVP nachos. TVP is a great option for a spicy nacho topping. The same recipe can be used to make a filling for tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
- Reconstitute 2 cups of TVP in vegetable broth.
- Mix in a package of taco seasoning
- Sprinkle on top of tortilla chips along with melted cheese, chopped olives, green onions, and other favorite toppings.
TVP is a great ingredient to use in chilis and soups - you don't even have to reconstitute it first. Simply make your favorite chili recipe without the meat, and add dried TVP once the liquid has come to a simmer, toward the end of the cooking process. In 10 minutes, the TVP will be reconstituted and your meal will be ready to enjoy.
Prepare lasagna according to your favorite recipe. In place of the meat, spread a layer of reconstituted TVP mixed with salt, pepper and an Italian spice mix in between the pasta layers. Bake according to your recipe's instructions.

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If a recipe calls for 1 lb. of hamburger, how much TVP do I use?

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I use 1 cup of dry TVP and 1 cup of beef broth (or au jus or bullion) to reconstitute.

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Can textured vegetable protein be browned like hamburger?

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Yes, your cook time will probably be shorter, though.

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How do I use expired lasagna?

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Like out dated noodles, you cook it and eat it; it's still good for years to come.

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Tips

For a faster hydration time, add a small amount of vinegar or a vinegary product to the textured vegetable protein during the reconstitution process. Ketchup, mustard, or apple cider vinegar will speed up the reconstitution time.

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Smaller granules of textured vegetable protein will hydrate more quickly than larger pieces of TVP. You can adjust the amounts of boiling water and soaking time in order to achieve the consistency that you need. In order to do the previous tip you can add bread crumbs or more flavor to the mixture.

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If you use large granules of TVP you can mince them with a food processor to make the pieces smaller.

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Warnings

Textured vegetable protein can cause an excess buildup of gas in individuals who are not used to consuming large amounts of soybeans and soy products. Use a gas reducing medication to combat the effects of this product, if necessary.

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Things You'll Need

Flavored or Unflavored Textured Vegetable Protein
Boiling water
Additional seasonings and flavorings

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