How to Cook Plant-Based Adobo, Menudo and Mechado with VE-G Meat

Short answer: You can cook plant-based adobo, menudo and mechado with VE-G Meat 350g, a shelf-stable plant-based alternative with a beef-like chew. It is made from wheat and soy protein, with no animal ingredients. Soak it, season it, then cook it in the same Filipino stews you already make, using soy sauce, vinegar, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, potatoes and carrots. See the current price on the product page. Orders ship by courier from our Quezon City warehouse.

What is VE-G Meat 350g?

VE-G Meat is a 350g plant-based meat alternative made from textured wheat and soy protein. It is made for Filipino dishes such as adobo, menudo, mechado and morcon, and it also works in casseroles, salads, wraps, or any savory dish that needs a main plant-based piece with a chew.

The pack lists no animal ingredients, no MSG and no preservatives. It contains wheat and soy, so check the pack for the full ingredient list and allergen details. Keep the can in the pantry: it is shelf-stable, and the label method is to soak, season and cook.

How to prep VE-G Meat

Open the 350g can and soak the pieces in warm water until they are tender, then drain them well. If the pack gives a soak time, follow that. Pat the pieces dry so they can take on seasoning and brown in the pan. Season with soy sauce, garlic, onion and black pepper, plus tomato sauce for tomato dishes, then cook. One can is a comfortable amount for a family pot of ulam, served with rice.

How to cook plant-based adobo

Adobo is soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and bay leaf, simmered until the sauce clings to the pieces. After you drain VE-G Meat, that beef-like chew soaks up the sauce.

Ingredients: 1 can VE-G Meat 350g, soaked and drained; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup vinegar; 1 head garlic, crushed; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 to 3 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 1/2 cup water; cooking oil.

Steps:

1. Toss the drained pieces in a spoonful of soy sauce and garlic, then let them sit.
2. Heat a little oil and brown the pieces on both sides. Set them aside.
3. In the same pan, saute the remaining garlic and the onion until fragrant.
4. Return the VE-G Meat. Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, water, bay leaves and peppercorns. Do not stir the vinegar for a minute after it goes in.
5. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce reduces and coats the pieces. Taste and adjust the soy sauce or vinegar. Serve with rice.

How to cook plant-based menudo

Menudo is a tomato stew with potatoes, carrots and bell pepper. Soaked VE-G Meat takes the place of the meat.

Ingredients: 1 can VE-G Meat 350g, soaked and drained; 2 potatoes, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 cup water; optional handful of raisins or cooked garbanzo beans; cooking oil, salt and black pepper.

Steps:

1. Brown the drained pieces in a little oil and set them aside.
2. Saute the garlic and onion until soft. Stir in the tomato sauce and soy sauce.
3. Add the potatoes, carrot and water. Simmer until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Return the VE-G Meat. Add the bell pepper and, if you like, raisins or garbanzos.
5. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender. Season to taste and serve with rice.

How to cook plant-based mechado

Mechado is a soy-and-tomato stew, usually with larger pieces, potatoes and carrots. Treat the drained VE-G Meat as the main ingredient and let it simmer in the sauce.

Ingredients: 1 can VE-G Meat 350g, soaked and drained; 2 potatoes, quartered; 1 carrot, cut into chunks; 1 onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small bell pepper, sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup water; 2 bay leaves; optional squeeze of calamansi; cooking oil and black pepper.

Steps:

1. Brown the drained pieces in oil and set them aside.
2. Saute the garlic and onion. Pour in the soy sauce, tomato sauce, water and bay leaves.
3. Add the potatoes and carrots. Simmer until they are almost tender.
4. Return the VE-G Meat and add the bell pepper. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the pieces.
5. Finish with black pepper and, if you like, calamansi. Serve with rice.

VE-G Meat or VE-G Burger?

Use VE-G Meat when you want pieces with a chew for stews such as adobo, menudo, mechado and morcon. If you need a seasoned plant-based ground mix for patties, lumpia or giniling, use VE-G Burger 375g instead. For burger patties, an embutido-style loaf, croquettes and giniling, see our earlier guide, VE-G Burger: The Easy Plant-Based Ground Meat Alternative for Filipino Home Cooking.

FAQ

Do I need to soak VE-G Meat? Yes. The product method is to soak, season and cook. Soak the pieces in warm water until they are tender, then drain well. Follow any soak time printed on the pack.

What is it made of, and what allergens should I check? It is made from wheat and soy protein, with no animal ingredients. The pack lists no MSG and no preservatives. It contains wheat and soy. See the pack for the full ingredient list and allergen details.

Does it need to be kept in the fridge? No. Keep VE-G Meat in the pantry; it is shelf-stable. After you open the can, follow the storage note on the pack.

Can I use VE-G Burger in adobo, menudo or mechado? VE-G Burger is a seasoned mix meant to be shaped or crumbled, so it fits patties, lumpia or giniling better. For stews that need a beef-like chew, use VE-G Meat 350g.

Order VE-G Meat 350g

See the current price and order VE-G Meat 350g from Bulk Bayan. You can also add VE-G Burger 375g. Every order ships by courier from our Quezon City warehouse.

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