7 Easy Vegan Dishes That Are High in Protein

If you're looking to fuel your body with delicious and healthy meals, vegan dishes high in protein are a great choice. Whether you're a busy professional, a beginner in the kitchen, or just someone looking for healthy meal options, we've got you covered with these easy-to-make vegan recipes. These dishes are quick, nutritious, and packed with protein, making them perfect for weight loss, meal prep, or satisfying a family dinner. Let’s dive in!

1. Protein-Packed Vegan Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a lifesaver when it comes to quick and healthy meals. Packed with protein-rich ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and edamame, this stir-fry is as easy as it gets. All you need is a skillet, your favorite vegetables, and a soy-based sauce to bring it all together.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
• 1 cup of cooked edamame
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (optional)

How to Make:

Heat the sesame oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and ginger. Add tofu and cook until crispy. Toss in the edamame and veggies, stir in the soy sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for an extra protein boost!

2. Chickpea Salad with Avocado

Chickpeas are a vegan's best friend when it comes to protein, and this refreshing salad will have you coming back for more. The avocado adds healthy fats, and the chickpeas provide a solid protein base.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 ripe avocado (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste

How to Make:

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. This makes for an easy and high-protein lunch or side dish.

3. Vegan Lentil Soup

Lentils are an incredible source of plant-based protein and fiber. This warm and hearty soup is not only delicious but also quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed)
• 1 carrot (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Spices: cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper

How to Make:

In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until soft. Add the tomato paste and spices, then pour in the vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender. It’s a simple, healthy comfort food that’s packed with protein.

4. Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowl

This burrito bowl is everything you need for a quick, protein-packed, and satisfying meal. Quinoa is a complete protein, and when paired with black beans, it makes for a delicious and filling dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
• 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado (diced)
• Salsa and lime for garnish

How to Make:

Layer the quinoa, black beans, corn, and avocado in a bowl. Top with salsa and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor. You can also add some cilantro and jalapenos if you like it spicy!

5. Tofu Scramble

If you miss scrambled eggs, this tofu scramble is the perfect vegan alternative. With protein-packed tofu and a variety of veggies, it’s a hearty breakfast or dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu (crumbled)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced)
• 1/4 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

Heat a pan with a bit of oil, and sauté the peppers and spinach. Add crumbled tofu, turmeric, nutritional yeast, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the tofu is golden brown. It’s a simple dish that’s full of protein!

6. Vegan Protein Pancakes

Who said pancakes can’t be high in protein? These vegan protein pancakes are perfect for a quick breakfast or a fun weekend treat. They’re fluffy, delicious, and packed with plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 scoop plant-based protein powder
• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make:

Mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Pour the batter onto a hot griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup or fresh berries for an added boost of flavor.

7. Vegan Tempeh Bacon

Tempeh is another great protein-packed vegan option, and when seasoned and cooked correctly, it can resemble bacon! This tempeh bacon can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as a breakfast side.

Ingredients:

• 1 block tempeh (sliced thinly)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

How to Make:

Marinate the tempeh in soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke. Cook in a hot skillet until crispy on both sides. It’s a savory, protein-packed topping for any meal!

Conclusion

There you have it! Seven easy vegan dishes that are high in protein and perfect for a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for quick meals, meal prep ideas, or family-friendly options, these recipes will help you stay healthy, full, and satisfied. Try these out next time you need something quick, easy, and high in protein — your taste buds and body will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other vegetables in the stir-fry?

Yes, absolutely! You can swap in any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas. The beauty of stir-fry is how customizable it is.

2. Are these vegan dishes suitable for weight loss?

Yes! These dishes are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, which can help with weight loss by keeping you full for longer. Many of them are also low in calories and perfect for a balanced diet.

3. How do I make the tempeh bacon more crispy?

To get your tempeh bacon crispy, make sure your pan is hot before cooking it. You can also add a little more oil or cook it a bit longer on each side.

4. Can I make these meals ahead of time?

Yes, many of these meals are great for meal prep. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later use!

5. Are there any gluten-free options in these recipes?

Yes! The chickpea salad, lentil soup, and tempeh bacon are naturally gluten-free. You can also find gluten-free versions of ingredients like soy sauce and oats for the pancakes.