Learn how to introduce more plant-based cooking into your lifestyle with these top cooking tips.
Plant-based eating is as hot as ever! Across the country and around the world, people of all ages are becoming increasingly interested in the idea of putting more plants on their plates. Whether flexitarian, vegan, or vegan—or even just planning to eat more plant-based foods throughout the week—there’s a lot to love about this lifestyle! Not only is plant-based cooking nutritious, but it’s really exciting to discover new delicious recipes that you can make in your own kitchen using seasonal ingredients and pantry staples. But what if you’re new to the plant-based world, or even a little rutted in your plant-based cooking style?
Well, that’s what I’m here for today! As you plan your day, or even the week, of plant-based meals, here are some tips to help make cooking easier, healthier, and tastier. From simple cooking tips to best pantry tips to favorite kitchen gadgets, I’m sharing some of my most practical tips. Remember, try not to think of cooking as a hassle, or get frustrated when your dishes don’t turn out as planned. That’s okay, because cooking should be a fun, enjoyable journey that you share with your friends and family. Check out these 10 essential plant-based cooking tips that will set you up for plant-based success in the kitchen.
10 Essential Plant-Based Cooking Tips
1. Rehearse your plant-based meals. If you’re slowly transitioning to a plant-based diet, try eating at least three completely plant-based (vegan) meals a week so you’ll feel more confident in your newfound eating style. You can have fun by involving your friends and family on Meatless Mondays, Vegan Taco Tuesdays or Plant-Based Stir-Fry Saturdays. This will make incorporating plant foods into your meals easier and more enjoyable. It will also help you cook plant-based meals more comfortably in the kitchen.
2. Get your pantry ready. Organization is key to a successful kitchen. It is important that you have all the ingredients ready on deck. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based, shelf-stable foods that will last you a long time; that’s an added bonus because you can stock your pantry without worrying about perishable items going bad. These include items like whole grains, dried and canned beans, nuts and seeds, nut and seed butters, herbs and spices. Check out my free Plant-Based Pantry Toolkit here.
3. Bring your handy Dandy kitchen tools. There are countless kitchen appliances and tools that can help you succeed in the kitchen. The many basic items that can be used in almost every recipe include: measuring cups, pots, pans, rice cookers, blenders, whisks, cutting boards, food processors, electric mixers, strainers, storage containers, and can openers. Once you’ve collected this basic set of kitchen tools, move on to the advanced collection, which includes a mandolin, citrus marmalade, mortar and pestle, spice grinder, garlic press, and juicer. Check out my favorite plant-based kitchen appliances and equipment here and in my shopping list on my Amazon storefront.
4. Keep food fresh. If you buy items that require refrigeration, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, plant-based proteins, and non-dairy products, keep in mind that these products are perishable. So be sure to keep track of the ingredients so you can use them before they go bad, and restock during your weekly supermarket run. Try setting aside one day of the week as your “grocery shopping day” so you can shop for fresh, wholesome foods. An important tip for fruits and vegetables is that you can always store them in the refrigerator if you notice that they are starting to lose their freshness. Frozen fruits and vegetables have just as much nutritional value as fresh produce.
5. Plan meals wisely. If you are new to plant-based cooking, you may find it helpful to use my Go Vegan Toolkit to keep track of your meals, especially Vegan Meal Planning Magazinealong with Vegetarian 7-day menu as your guide. On busy nights, try simple meals like tofu scrambled over brown rice or black bean tacos. But pick a few nights when you have more time to try new recipes from my blog, like my Zucchini Tempeh Pastry Cups or Green Bean Mushroom Mashed Potato Tart. This will inspire you to be creative and enjoy the goodness of plant-based foods.
6. Keep it simple. Plant-based cooking is actually quite easy; in fact, I personally find it easier to cook with plant-based ingredients. You don’t have to create the crazy, outlandish recipes you might see on social media; instead, you can whip up a quick and easy meal with just a few ingredients. I can whip up many of my favorite go-to recipes in just minutes, including steel-cut oats with seasonal fruit, walnuts, and soy milk for breakfast; kale salad with baked tofu, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts for lunch; and vegetarian Taco dinner with tortillas, black beans, plant-based cheese, cabbage, avocado, and salsa.
7. Balance your plate with holistic nutrition. A plant-based diet should be filled with a variety of plant foods that can provide your plate with a rainbow of colors. Many of the plant foods I like to eat include whole grains such as oats and farro, legumes including beans and lentils, tofu, vegetables such as carrots, spinach and cauliflower, fruits such as peaches, pomegranates and berries, nuts and seeds such as Almonds, pistachios and pumpkin seeds. These are just a few of the many foods that contain the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and fight disease. Soda, chips, ice cream, chocolate, and cookies can all be plant-based, but remember it’s good to eat these foods in moderation and focus on a colorful, balanced plate that includes whole foods.
8. This is that. You can swap out many animal proteins for plant-based protein: ½ cup cooked beans, lentils, and dried peas; ½ cup tofu or 1 ounce nuts or seeds (such as peanuts, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds subseeds) provide about the same amount of protein as 2 ounces of meat. There are many types of faux burgers, “chicken” and “cheese” on the market, and you can eat them everywhere, but for the most part, try to stick to whole food proteins that have more health benefits. You can also swap out regular milk for non-dairy milks — these may include soy, hemp, flax, coconut, almond, cashew, and more. Remember to read nutrition labels to find plant-based milks that are rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D.
9. Put it all together. Once you have all the ingredients, you can put them together with a balanced plant-based meal according to the following formula: plant protein + whole grains + veggies + healthy fats + fruit = healthy, delicious perfection. Just start with one serving of plant protein (like beans or tofu), one serving of whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa), a few servings of vegetables (like zucchini and mushrooms), some healthy fats (like avocado or sesame seeds) and fruits like grapes or cherries and you have a healthy plant-based meal.
10. Make it taste great! In addition to delicious whole foods included in a nutritionally balanced plate, some other key ingredients that help enhance the flavor of a meal are the addition of your favorite herbs, spices, sauces, and condiments (which can be homemade as well). Cooking a plant-based meal isn’t just about buying ready-to-eat frozen veggie meals and bland salads, it can also be mouth-watering dishes like an earthy lentil curry simmered with Indian spices and served with crunchy brown rice. These will delight you and your taste buds!
For more plant-based cooking tips, check out my free downloadable “Go Vegan Tool Kit” and the many recipes found on my page.
Check out my favorite plant-based cooking tips and guides here:
How to Make Gluten Free Homemade
How to Make Vegetable Soup
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
How to Grill Vegetables in a Grilling Basket