This New Vegan-Friendly Meat Substitute Makes Quick Weeknight Meals Minutes Away

Welcome to our food series called Eat It Up, where we share the kitchen gadgets and foods that we can’t cook without.

There’s a stereotype that making vegan food is difficult or time consuming, but the new ready-to-serve soy-based “meats” from Loma Linda ($3-$5) prove that is not the case. Each variety of the vegan meals and seasoned plant-based proteins (most of which are gluten-free) come in a pouch that can be heated up in the microwave then served on the fly.

Of Loma Linda’s Plant-Based Protein Meal Solutions, we really like the Chipotle Bowl, a blend of plant-based protein crumbles, rice, black beans, and veggies like corn and bell peppers. The rice and beans are al dente but cooked through, not mushy like you might expect from a meal that comes in a pouch. The colors left a little something to be desired, but with some ready made pico de gallo and guac on top, along with a few tortilla chips for dipping, it makes for a very satisfying and very easy weeknight meal. All of the meals we tried benefitted from a little bit of freshness, whether that meant a garnish of cilantro, dash of sriracha, or squeeze of lime juice.

If you’re feeling like assembling a stir-fry, grain bowl, or burrito, try one of the Plant-Based Meal Starters. We’re fans of the Chorizo and Taco fillings. The pre-seasoned soy-meats are passable for real meat when heated up and added to Tex-Mex recipes. One of our go-to dinners is assembling a lazy enchilada casserole. Make it at home by stuffing the seasoned soy protein inside tortillas with sautéed kale, then drenching the dish in enchilada sauce and vegan cheese. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes for hearty, flavorful comfort food.

If you’re trying to cut back on your intake of animal protein, Loma Linda is an easy solution, and if you’re already vegan or vegetarian, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a heat-and-eat meal after years of impatiently waiting for your lentils to cook all the way through. Check them out on Amazon or find Loma Linda products at a wide range of grocery stores.

For more plant-based meal solutions, follow us on Pinterest.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by other, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.