Some people enjoy a meatless sandwich but finding a substitute may be difficult. Luckily, there are many options for sandwich meat. This blog will explore 12 meat substitutes for sandwiches.
Table of Contents
1. Grilled Avocado
Avocado is a healthy food. Avocado is also delicious. And it would seem that many people have discovered that it can be used as a meat substitute, too. (The first time I ate grilled avocado, I remember thinking how much it reminded me of a hot turkey sandwich from the deli.)
That’s why it’s becoming popular as a vegetarian alternative to meat. You can eat it on sandwiches, or you can spread it on toast, or use it as an ingredient in meals.
2. Tofu
Tofu is a delicious and versatile food that is often used in Asian cuisine. It can be pan fried, broiled, baked, put in soups, and breaded and deep fried, among other uses.
Tofu is also a great meat substitute for sandwiches, and can be used in place of meats such as chicken, beef, pork, and tuna. Tofu’s taste is bland, and it absorbs the flavors of the sauces and ingredients with which it is cooked.
3. Tempeh
Many people have had bad experiences with meat substitutes, and with good reason: most of them taste like cardboard and are hard to digest.
For those who have eaten tempeh, however, the beans are a totally different story. Because tempeh is fermented, it is digestible, and its nutty taste makes it a great replacement for meat in sandwiches.
Since it is made from soy beans, tempeh is a protein-rich food, and can be a good alternative to meat as part of a vegetarian diet. It is also known for being fairly healthy, so if you follow a vegetarian diet, or are looking for something other than meat to add to your sandwiches, tempeh is a good option to consider.
4. Seitan
Seitan is one of the most popular meat substitutes and it is relatively easy to make. It is made by grinding gluten that is extracted from the inside of wheat kernels.
It can be made into different shapes and even flavored like meat. Seitan is a gluten based meat substitute that can be grilled, panfried, or baked. It is high in protein and has a chewy texture.
5. Portobello Mushroom
While portobello mushroom sandwiches are nothing new, using them as a substitute for red meat makes a delicious statement.
By grilling two portobello mushrooms, slicing them thin, and placing them on a toasted (or toaster oven warmed) baguette with onions and peppers, you have a delicious veggie sandwich.
6. Quorn
If you are a fan of a good sandwich, you may be interested in trying one made with Quorn. For those who are not familiar with Quorn, it is a meat replacement product that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Quorn is made from a protein called mycoprotein. It is just one of the many meat substitutes available to people looking to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing taste.
7. Eggplant
While meat substitutes are typically reserved to be used in dishes like burgers and sandwiches, some vegetables work wonderfully as a meat substitute for sandwiches for those looking to reduce their meat intake.
One of these vegetables is eggplant, which has a texture that can be easily replicated by turkey or chicken in sandwiches, especially when it is cooked right.
Eggplant offers a lot of the same great qualities as meat, but with much less fat and fewer calories. This makes it an ideal choice for weight loss, as well as for anyone who’s concerned about their overall health and well-being.
8. Tofurkey
In recent years, a few plant-based substitutes for meat have risen to the surface, including the likes of tofu, veggie “meats,” and even beans. However, there is one plant-based product that has been around for many years that most people have never heard of: Tofurkey.
Made from the protein-rich seeds of the Japanese arbor tree, Tofurkey is a type of tofu, but far tastier. It is categorized as a meat substitute, but also can be added to everything from sandwiches to casseroles, so it is often used in place of meat in a variety of dishes.
9. Beans
When deciding what to eat, there are many options. However, not all of them are healthy options. Instead of going for a big, greasy hamburger at your favorite fast food place, try some beans as a meat substitute for your sandwich.
Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. This makes them great for filling you up. In addition, they are low in fat and calories.
10. Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a tree grown in tropical climates. The fruits are grown in pods and, like bananas, have a strong flavor that works well as a meat substitute for sandwiches.
In fact, it’s used in a variety of meatless dishes, like pulled “pork” sandwiches, “beef” stew and sausages. Jackfruit has a texture much like pulled pork, which makes it a good substitute for homemade sandwiches.
11. Chickpea
Chickpeas provide a rich source of protein and nutrients, and can be cooked in many ways. One popular use for chickpeas is to replace meat in sandwiches.
Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) can be made into meatball (falafel) sandwiches and are also a good substitute for chicken, tuna, or any other kind of meat.
12. Egg
Generally, eggs are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about meat substitutes for sandwiches. However, eggs are a healthy and surprisingly tasty meat substitute. Eggs are also very versatile, and can be cooked in many ways.
For example, an egg can be scrambled, fried, boiled, poached, or even pickled, and spread on toast or stirred into soup.
13. Cheese
As the trend to cut back on meat continues to grow, foodies are looking for new ways to make their favorite meals.
One of the most creative solutions has been the creation of vegan cheese spreads, which can be spread on sandwiches, wraps, and bagels to create delicious meals that are still low in calories and high in protein.
Cream cheese is a classic example of this product, but it also comes in other flavors, such as blue cheese, ranch, and spicy jalapeno.
14. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a favorite sandwich spread for many, but did you know that it can also be used to create a hearty, savory sandwich?
It might not replace meat altogether, but it can certainly fill the role of meat for a meatless meal.
15. Roasted Veggies
Roasted veggies are great for so many reasons. They are delicious, nutritious, and they can be used to create a meat substitute for sandwiches. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to the traditional meat sandwich, then roasted vegetables are just what you’re looking for.
Not only does this keep you and your family from getting bored with the same old fare, but it also lets you cut down on fat while satisfying your taste buds.
16. Halloumi
Halloumi is a type of cheese that many people like to use in sandwiches, as it’s got a great taste and texture. However, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might not be able to enjoy it.
After travelling to countries such as Cyprus and Greece, it’s easy to see why Halloumi is famous for its high taste and amazing ability to pair well with many different flavors.
It can be bought as a standalone product, or used as a meat substitute in sandwiches.
It has a mild flavor that allows it to blend in with other foods, and its easy to cook, making it perfect for any kitchen. It’s best to grill it, but be sure to cut it first, as its shape and firm texture can make it hard to break apart.
