Go Dairy Free | Beef-flavored Un-Steak Strips (Vegan)

Barbara Gray-Creaghe, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ Honestly, I did not know what to expect from the Un-Steak slices when I started out. I cook frequently with meat and occasionally with tofu or eggplant, but this was the first time I had tried a meat subsitute. Approaching this new food with caution, I first tried to determine what would best complement the little faux meat slices as far as flavors. I then chose a suitable recipe where I would normally use beef so I could better compare and contrast the Un-Steak with the “real deal”.

I was pleasantly surprised! The Un-Steak was quick to prepare, had a good texture and was easily substituted for beef in the Thai Coconut Green Curry Beef recipe below. When I reheated it again for leftovers it was arguably better than the first time, the flavors having “married” over time.

One ingredient that the Un-Steak was missing was the fat and that was a flavor / texture that I thought I was really going to miss. It turned out to be something that I can happily live without! It was nice to be able to enjoy the taste of the other subtle ingredients without them being overshadowed by the fat of the meat. Another concern I had was that I would not feel satiated or that the fullness would not last. Luckily, that was not the case; with the Un-Steak slices I felt just as full as I would have with the meat and the feeling persisted. I was content with the meal and happy that I could be proud of my healthier food choices.

I would definitely use Un-Steak again in most of my recipes in the place of beef, especially stir fry. Go ahead, give it a try in your favorite recipe or try this one ...

1 package Un-Steak slices
12 oz coconut milk
4 oz chicken stock or water
1 TBL green curry paste
3 TBL Ffish or soy sauce

Prepare the Un-Steak slices according to the directions on the package.
In a medium saucepan combine the remaining ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add to the Un-Steak slices and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve over your favorite quinoa (as pictured) or rice.
Enjoy!

Where to Purchase: UnSteak Strips are a product of Nutritional Designs (ND Labs), see their website to purchase.

	1. 02-07-2008 12:13
	I tried ND Labs Un-Steak Slices. Served them at my father's day BBQ. It was great to offer a low cholesterol option to the burgers and franks. My guests loved it and I had no left overs. We used it to make peper steak - so I did not use your recipe - but it was great never the less. Thanks for giving me the tip to get this product.

Jill Goldstein

	2. 06-07-2008 14:18
	I took Jill recomendation and prepared Philly Cheese Steaks with the Un-Steak Slices. I had them at a family birthday party. The Un-Steak Slices were easy to prepare and worked. It was great to offer an alternative to my guests. The party was a success and so was the Philly Vegetarain Steak Sandwiches. Kudos to ND Labs - Nutritional Designs for this product.

Susan P

	4. 10-07-2008 05:54
	In addition to the steak strips I have made ND Labs, Nutritional Designs Vegetarian Taco Mix. I made the soylicious taco meal this week and it was better than great; we added black beans to it and a garnish of taco soy cheese and some homemade guacamole; then we put it into taco shells and holy tomole!!! It was hard to believe that something so tasty could also be so good for you. We have a special need for these products; my husband has high cholesterol and cannot tolerate statin medications due to their side effects. Recently he tried red yeast rice pills instead of these medications and the low statin content (naturally occurring) also caused similar side effects. Therefore, his diet is now critical in controlling the elevated lipids. Kudos to ND Labs for coming out with a product that is both not only tasty and nutritious but is also easy to prepare. http://hartsdale, new york

N. Grover

	5. 10-07-2008 05:55
	In addition to the steak strips I have made ND Labs, Nutritional Designs Vegetarian Taco Mix. It was better than great; we added black beans to it and a garnish of taco soy cheese and some homemade guacamole; then we put it into taco shells and holy tomole!!! It was hard to believe that something so tasty could also be so good for you. We have a special need for these products; my husband has high cholesterol and cannot tolerate statin medications due to their side effects. Recently he tried red yeast rice pills instead of these medications and the low statin content (naturally occurring) also caused similar side effects. Therefore, his diet is now critical in controlling the elevated lipids. Kudos to ND Labs for coming out with a product that is both not only tasty and nutritious but is also easy to prepare.

N. Grover