Pages

Monday, May 26, 2014

Product Review: Boca Original Chik'n Nuggets


Because of how much I liked Boca's Spicy Chik'n Patties, I tried their vegan chicken nuggets next. They were very similar to the patties, but the original breading is a little boring compared to the spicy. 


Just like the patties, these are ridiculously easy to prepare. They would be great for a quick snack or meal. 


Review: Boca Original Chik'n Veggie Nuggets

First impressions: "This is good."
Taste: Like the Boca Spicy Chik'n Patties, but a little boring without the spice. 
Texture: The inside texture reminds me of McDonald's chicken nuggets. 
Does it look like the picture on the box? Yes.
Can you tell it's vegan? No.
Worth buying again? Yes, I will probably always have these or the patties on hand for when I don't feel like cooking. 
Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Vegan Tacos with Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles

The vegan beef crumbles made by Beyond Meat are better in recipes where they can be complimented by other flavors and textures. Of course I thought of tacos first. 


This is an easy taco recipe my boyfriend uses for regular beef. Use the measurements as a guideline, not a rule, and adjust to your taste. 



Vegan Tacos with Beyond Meat Beef Crumbles

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles (or another faux beef)
  • 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa
  • 1/2 packet of your favorite taco seasoning
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • Tortillas
  • Avocado
  • Tomato
  • Lettuce

Directions:

  1. Saute the crumbles until warm. Add salsa, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Stir and cook until heated through. 
  2. Add to tortillas and assemble tacos with your favorite taco veggies and toppings. I used iceberg lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a taco sauce packet I stole from taco bell. You could also try rice, beans, bell peppers, onions, or vegan sour cream. 


Product Review: Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles


Beyond Meat has been in the news a lot lately, does it live up to the hype? The short answer is yeah, pretty much. 

It could replace beef some recipes but not all. It comes in tiny crumbles that do not stick together. It's kind of like buying precooked ground beef, as opposed to a pound of fresh ground beef. You couldn't use it to make meatballs or burger patties. It's better for recipes like tacos or goulash.


One thing that worried me is the package says not to overcook it. I don't know what happens if you do, but it might not be good in recipes that use the oven or crockpot. 

Review: Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles

First impressions: "It really looks like beef."
Taste: It tastes like beef, but isn't quite as satisfying. More like beef broth than a hamburger.
Texture: Small, dry crumbles.
Does it look like the picture on the package? Yes.
Can you tell it's vegan? Yeah, something about it just seems different. 
Worth buying again? I probably won't. If you are strictly vegan, this is probably the closest thing to beef you will find right now. 
Overall: 3.5/5