4 incredible vegan alternatives

With Vegan Week right around the corner, the chefs at True North venues are getting their creative hats on and crafting some amazing meat-free recipes to tickle your taste buds.

More people than ever are going vegan and from 12th – 18th August is the perfect time for you to to experiment yourselves and try something new. We’ve put together a few popular alternatives and vegan substitutes so you’ll know what to look out for on our menus.

Aquafaba

Those that have been vegan for quite a while may already know about this little trick but for anyone starting out on a plant-based diet, Aquafaba offers a great alternative to egg whites. Aquafaba is made by whizzing up the water from a can of chickpeas. It creates a great texture that’s perfect for things like meringues, sponge cakes and other baking recipes.

Seitan

This incredible meat replacement is known for converting carnivores thanks to its ability to take on any form or flavour. From BBQ ribs to deep-fried nuggets, seitan is a versatile ingredient made from wheat gluten that has a meat-like texture, making it perfect for people transitioning into a plant-based diet. A trip to Common Room for lunch is a perfect opportunity to see just how good seitan can be!

Jackfruit

Jackfruit has cropped up on more and more vegan menus throughout Sheffield recently but not many people know that it has been used for decades in vegetarian cooking, particularly within Asian cuisine. The unique texture and ability to soak up flavour makes it perfect as a chicken replacement. Places like Forum Kitchen + Bar use jackfruit to create a delicious vegan alternative to pulled pork.

Mushroom Bacon

It’s no secret that bacon is one of the hardest things for people to give up when they decide to stop eating meat but this creative alternative is the next best thing! To make this meat-free snack, thinly slice large mushroom stems (king oyster mushrooms work well) and marinade in a mixture of salt, pepper and chosen spices before slow cooking in the oven. If you have a smoker, that will give it an even better flavour.

Don’t forget to head over to your local True North venue during Vegan Week to try some of the incredible specials on offer. It’s usually a busy event so be sure to book ahead by calling 0114 272 0569 or visiting the True North website.