How does a vegan get to enjoy all of delights of Asian dishes when so many include meat? Well, sometimes, it’s homemade meat alternative (ie seitan) or tofu that comes to the rescue. “Why do vegans need to eat meat-like things, if you don’t want to eat meat, don’t”. Or something like that. For many people, we weren’t raised vegan. We grew up eating meat and dairy like most people. We’ve all been conditioned to think that’s the only way to have a proper, balanced diet. We all know that to not be true anymore.

For all of you who aren’t Canadian, you will have to find an alternative to the fake meat I used for this recipe, because this is a Canadian product by Farm Boy (who have upped their vegan game immensely in the last year, if you visit Canada, be sure to check them out!) I would say a close relative of the “beefless” tenders I use is the Gardein beefless tips (these!)

Vegan Beef and Broccoli

I haven’t eaten beef in 20 years, but when I did, I LOVED beef and broccoli when we would order Chinese food. It was my mom’s favourite dish too. When Farm Boy came out with their faux meats I tried the chickenless chicken tenders first and loved them! It took me a bit to buy the beefless ones, basically because I didn’t miss any beef dishes. Then it hit me one day…….beef and broccoli. This is a simple and super fast dish to make! Especially if you have an Instant Pot to make the rice in record time!!

Ingredients:

• 1 C cooked rice of choices (my staples are basmati or brown rice)
• 2 C broccoli florets (fresh or frozen!)
• 1 pkg Farm Boy Beefless Tenders (these!) – thawed
• 1/4 C onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp oil/water/broth
• 1/3 C garlic hoisin sauce
• 1/4 C sriracha
• 1/4 C soy sauce/tamari
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Cook rice according to directions on package.
2. Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes, until they are bright green
3. Heat a frying pan on medium heat, add oil (or broth/water) and heat for a few minutes.
4. Add onions and fry, 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
5. Add beefless tenders and stir in with onions and garlic.
6. Add sauces and mix them all in together.
7. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes so the sauces can fully absorb into the ‘meat’.
8. Taste the sauce and make adjustments that suits your taste – some may want to up the heat with more sriracha!
9. Place it all in a big bowl and top with some sesame seeds