5 Best Nutritional Yeast Substitutes for Vegan Recipes
If you’re a vegan, plant-based eater, or someone who simply avoids dairy products, you might be familiar with nutritional yeast. This deactivated yeast is a popular ingredient due to its nutty, cheesy flavor. But, what happens when you don’t have any nutritional yeast in your pantry? Here are five of the best nutritional yeast substitutes for vegan recipes.
1. Cashew Nutritional Yeast Sauce
If you want a similar taste and texture as nutritional yeast, cashews are an excellent substitute. Soak half a cup of cashews in water for at least four hours and blend them in a high-speed food processor until smooth. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of salt, and blend again. You can use this creamy sauce as a topping for pizza, salads, or pasta.
2. Tofu
Tofu is a versatile ingredient. Not only is it a great source of plant-based protein, but it can also mimic the cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast. To make a tofu-based sauce, blend half a block of silken tofu with half a cup of vegetable broth, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, two teaspoons of onion powder, and a teaspoon of salt. The result is a creamy, tangy sauce that works well with roasted vegetables, nachos, or sandwiches.
3. Miso Paste
Miso paste, which is made from fermented soybeans and grains, adds a rich and savory umami flavor to dishes. It can be a great nutritional yeast substitute in soups, stews, and dressings. Start by mixing one tablespoon of miso paste with two tablespoons of water to create a thin sauce. You can adjust the proportions depending on your taste preferences.
4. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a nutritious ingredient that can add a nutty flavor to vegan dishes. To make a sunflower seed-based sauce, soak a cup of sunflower seeds in water overnight. Drain the water and blend the seeds with one cup of non-dairy milk, two tablespoons of lemon juice, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. This sauce works well as a dip for vegetables, a sandwich spread, or a pasta sauce.
5. Bragg Liquid Aminos
Bragg Liquid Aminos is a soy sauce alternative made from soybeans and water. It is a great nutritional yeast substitute as it adds a salty, savory flavor to dishes. You can use it in dressings, stir-fries, or marinades. It is also a good source of amino acids, which are crucial for muscle growth and repair.
In conclusion, nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in vegan recipes due to its cheesy, nutty flavor. However, if you don’t have nutritional yeast in your pantry, there are several substitutes available, such as cashews, tofu, miso paste, sunflower seeds, and Bragg Liquid Aminos. These ingredients can add a new dimension of flavor to vegan dishes and help you create delicious meals without relying on nutritional yeast.
