Vegan Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
3 servings
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Calories
220 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Vegan Sloppy Joes
Description
The Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe starts with soy curls soaked in water and tamari to rehydrate and soften them. These are chopped finely to imitate ground meat texture. The filling is cooked by sautéing onions and bell peppers in olive oil (or water for oil-free), then incorporating tomato paste and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ketchup, prepared mustard, and balsamic vinegar add sweet and tangy notes, while simmering with water keeps the mixture saucy.
This results in a savory, thick filling with a balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that work well spooned onto hamburger buns. Complementary toppings like thinly sliced red onions, dill pickles, and vegan cheese can be added for additional flavor and texture contrast.
Making this dish allows for plant-based protein with familiar flavors and textures of sloppy joes. It can be prepared ahead and reheated, making it practical for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces soy curls see Note 1, or TVP
- 1 ½ cups water divided
- 1 Tablespoon tamari for GF or soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil for oil-free, use a splash of water to saute, optional
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small bell pepper red or green, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoons chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin ground
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or Apple Cider vinegar
- hot sauce optional
For serving:
- 3 - 4 Hamburger Bun
- red onion thinly sliced
- dill pickles hamburger style
- vegan cheese We like Violife smoked provolone or Chao creamy original, sliced
Instructions
- Place the dry soy curls (or TVP) in a bowl and add ¾ cup water plus a tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well and set aside to soak. If using larger pieces of soy curls (not the small, broken bits), after they're hydrated, either pulse them in a food processor or transfer to a cutting board and chop them up by hand.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil, if using. Saute the onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes. For oil-free, add a splash of water to help soften the veggies. Add the tomato paste and stir to mix it in.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, cook for about 1 minute. Add the ketchup, mustard, and vinegar, and stir again.
- Pour the hydrated TVP/chopped soy curls into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just getting hot. Add ½ cup water, and increase the heat to bring to a simmer. If it starts to look too dry, add up to ¼ cup more water. Stirring occasionally, cook for about 5 minutes or until sticky and hot.
- Taste for seasoning, and add a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Sloppy joe mix is also delicious on salads, tacos, grains, pasta, and potatoes.
Notes
- Four ounces of soy curls is about half a regular bag; 4 ounces of TVP is about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons.
- Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 5 days and freeze well for about 2 months.
- Heat leftovers on stovetop or microwave before serving.
- For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes during sautéing and adjust hot sauce to taste.
- Add smoky flavor by including smoked sea salt or liquid smoke.
- To lighten the dish, replace some soy curls with cauliflower rice, diced carrots, or mushrooms.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 220kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.