TVP Taco Filling

[cat lover]

2 cups TVP
2 cups water
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup salsa
flour tortillas or taco shells


In a large skillet, heat the water over medium heat, and add the TVP, stirring well. Allow the TVP to reconstitute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add oil and soy sauce, then peppers and taco seasoning, stirring well. Allow to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Mix in salsa and remove from heat. Serve wrapped in a flour tortilla or hard taco shells. You could also add tomatoes, lettuce, beans and sour cream to your tacos.

[Yummys_Girl]

I've alway wondered about the TVP. Has anyoen ever had it? How did it taste? I got a recipe for cookies made with TVP. I was thinking about buying some and trying it.

[cat lover]

We use TVP a lot; you use it in place of ground beef. It is called Textured Vegetable Protein; it takes the flavor of what you cook it with beause it is soy and has no flavor of its own. Here is some information on it:

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Also known as textured soy protein, TVP is not tofu. It is, however, made from soy. TVP comes from defatted soy flour, which is a by-product of soybean oil, so it is plentiful in supply. It’s also quick to cook and a great source of vegetable protein without all the fat.



TVP comes in small dry chunks resembling, well, dried vegetables more than anything, or in a finely-ground form. It’s flavorless, but when you rehydrate it and add your own flavors, it makes a great protein-filled addition to many dishes calling for ground meat. Because of its varying texture, it’s versatile, and can take on the texture of many meats. For instance, it’s excellent in chili, tacos, veggie burgers and soups.

A 43-gram serving of TVP contains 120 calories and 21 grams of protein and hardly any fat. Since it’s so high in protein, it makes a great transition meat substitute.

When it’s used to replace meat in stews and soups, your family will hardly be able to tell the difference and since you can marinate it in many of the same sauces as meat, it can take on many of meat’s flavors.

Though TVP is much healthier than most meats, it’s still a high-protein processed food.

Natural food stores, health food stores and large supermarkets generally carry TVP; check the bulk section if you can’t find it.

[Yummys_Girl]

Thanks for the info, Cat Lover. I may pick some up tonight when I go to the store. But then I will need recipes and ideas how to use it

[cat lover]

You can use it in any recipe that you would use ground beef in, just rehydrate it first. Those directions should be on the pkg. If you need to know that or any actual recipes just let me know!

[Yummys_Girl]

Thanks. I bought some last night. Not sure what I'll use it in, first.