It was a dark and stormy night (okay, it was just a Tuesday), and I found myself at a crossroads of sorts. In one hand, I held the reassuringly hefty package of a favorite meat-based burger. In the other, a far more eco-friendly (and admittedly, much lighter) plant-based burger from a popular brand. My taste buds yearned for the well-worn path of savory, juicy meat. But my conscience beckoned me towards the plant-based option. What to do?
The Rise of Plant-Based Burgers
The burger conundrum is one that many Americans face today. As awareness of the environmental impact of livestock farming increases, so does the demand for more sustainable food options. Enter the plant-based burger, a mouthwatering alternative to its meat-based counterpart.
The plant-based burger market is a growing one, with brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods leading the charge. Beyond Meat’s Beyond Burger was a runaway hit upon its release, with many praising its meat-like texture and flavor. Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger, meanwhile, has captured the attention of foodies and burger lovers alike with its scientific approach to burger-making.
Beyond Burgers: The Flagship of Plant-Based Patties
I’ve tried my share of plant-based burgers, and Beyond Burgers are a favorite of mine. Made with pea protein, they have a meaty texture and a savory flavor that’s enhanced by the “bleeding” beet juice. The Beyond Burger also sizzles and browns like real meat, making it a convincing stand-in for the carnivorous among us.
Beyond Burgers are available at many grocery stores and restaurants, making them a convenient option for those looking to reduce their meat intake. I like to cook mine on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet with a little oil and some salt. Once they’re browned on both sides, I top them with whatever fixings I’m in the mood for and chow down.
Exploring Other Plant-Based Burger Patties
Beyond Burgers are just one of many plant-based burger options out there. There’s also the Impossible Burger, which gets its meaty texture from a plant-based molecule called heme. While the science behind it might be more impressive than its taste, the Impossible Burger is a solid option for those craving a juicy, savory burger.
Another brand worth checking out is Gardein. Their burger patties are vegan, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways – pan-fried, grilled, or even baked in the oven. They’re also customizable, so feel free to get creative with toppings. And with just 170 calories per patty, they’re a more nutritious option than most meat-based burgers.
Then there’s the Morningstar Farms Veggie Patties. These come in a few different varieties, including a Spicy Black Bean version and a Grillers™ Original. I like the Original – they’re easy to prepare (just pop them in the toaster oven) and are a nice blank canvas for all your favorite burger toppings.
Comparing Plant-Based Burgers to Traditional Meat Patties
So how do plant-based burgers stack up against their meaty counterparts? Nutritionally, they generally have fewer calories, less saturated fat, and more fiber and protein. Take the Beyond Burger, for example: it has 20 grams of protein per patty, while a Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald’s has 30 grams.
Environmentally, plant-based burgers are a much better choice. Livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it requires massive amounts of water and land. Plant-based burgers, on the other hand, have a much smaller environmental footprint.
In terms of taste and texture, plant-based burgers can vary widely. Some, like the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Burger, have a very meat-like texture and savory flavor. Others, like the Gardein patties, are more tender and require a bit of seasoning to really shine.
Incorporating Plant-Based Burgers into Your Lifestyle
So you want to give plant-based burgers a try? Here are a few ideas:
- Recipes: There are lots of delicious plant-based burger recipes out there. Try this roundup of Beyond Burger recipes from Cookie + Kate, or this vegetarian BBQ ideas article from Allrecipes.
- Dining out: More and more restaurants are offering plant-based burger options, so don’t be afraid to ask if they have one. Many chains, like Burger King and White Castle, now offer plant-based burgers as a permanent menu item.
- Transitions: If you’re looking to transition to a more plant-based diet, start small. Try swapping out meat for plant-based options a few times a week, and gradually increase from there.
The Future of Plant-Based Burgers
The plant-based burger market is only going to continue growing, with new innovations and brands entering the space all the time. Beyond Meat has already introduced plant-based sausages and chicken strips, and Impossible Foods has announced plans to create plant-based pork and chicken. As these options become more accessible and affordable, they could have a significant impact on the food industry as a whole.
So there you have it. Next time you find yourself at the crossroads with a package of meat-based burgers in one hand and a plant-based alternative in the other, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and try the plant-based option. You might be pleasantly surprised.