Top 10 Quick Vegan Cooking Hacks You Need to Try!

If you're new to vegan cooking or simply looking to streamline your kitchen routines, mastering a few smart hacks can significantly enhance your culinary experiences. Whether it's speeding up prep time, enhancing flavors, or making your meals more nutritious, these vegan cooking tips are indispensable. Embrace these top vegan cooking hacks to elevate your vegan meals effortlessly.

Table of Contents

• Use Cashews for Creaminess
• Maximize Umami with Nutritional Yeast
• Quick Ripen Bananas in the Oven
• Freeze Tofu for a Better Texture
• Blend Silken Tofu for Egg Substitutes
• Use Aquafaba as an Egg White Substitute
• Boost Flavors with Spices and Herbs
• Make Vegan Buttermilk in Minutes
• Utilize a Slow Cooker for Beans and Legumes
• Keep a Vegan Flavoring Base on Hand

Use Cashews for Creaminess

One of the simplest ways to add a luxurious creamy texture to vegan dishes is by using cashews. Soak them overnight and blend with water to create a smooth, rich base perfect for sauces, soups, and desserts. This hack not only enhances the texture but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements various dishes.

Maximize Umami with Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a vegan cook's secret weapon for adding cheese-like flavor and umami to dishes. Sprinkle it on popcorn, stir into mashed potatoes, or add to soups for a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy. It's also packed with B-vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your vegan diet.

Quick Ripen Bananas in the Oven

If you need ripe bananas for baking or smoothies, speed up the ripening process by baking them in the oven. Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F until the skins are black and the fruit is soft. This hack is perfect for when you're craving banana bread on short notice.

Freeze Tofu for a Better Texture

Freezing tofu before using it can dramatically improve its texture, making it more meat-like and absorbent. Freeze tofu in its original packaging, thaw, and then press out the excess water. This process creates a firmer texture that's ideal for frying, grilling, or adding to stews.

Blend Silken Tofu for Egg Substitutes

Silken tofu can be blended and used as a replacement for eggs in baking. Use approximately 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu to replace one egg. This substitute works best in dense, moist cakes and brownies, adding the perfect texture without the eggs.

Use Aquafaba as an Egg White Substitute

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is an excellent vegan substitute for egg whites. It can be whipped into stiff peaks and added to recipes like meringues, mousses, and marshmallows. This hack not only utilizes a by-product but also mimics the desired airy texture of whipped egg whites.

Boost Flavors with Spices and Herbs

Enhance the depth of flavor in your vegan dishes by incorporating a variety of spices and herbs. Experiment with combinations like cumin, coriander, and chili for a Mexican-inspired taste, or dill, parsley, and tarragon for a French touch. Fresh herbs should be added at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.

Make Vegan Buttermilk in Minutes

Create vegan buttermilk by mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of plant-based milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it curdles. Use this buttermilk to add tang and tenderness to vegan baked goods like pancakes and biscuits.

Utilize a Slow Cooker for Beans and Legumes

Using a slow cooker for beans and legumes can save time and enhance flavor without the need for soaking. Rinse your beans, add them to the slow cooker with enough water, and cook on low for several hours. This method is energy-efficient and yields perfectly cooked beans that are ready to be added to any dish.

Keep a Vegan Flavoring Base on Hand

Prepare a vegan flavoring base, such as a sofrito or mirepoix, and store it in the fridge or freezer. Having this base on hand can save you prep time and add instant flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Simply sauté onions, garlic, and other aromatics and herbs, then blend or store as is.

By incorporating these quick vegan cooking hacks into your routine, you'll not only save time but also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your meals. Vegan cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming with these smart tips and tricks!