By 
If summer at your place means hosting vegan or vegetarian friends — or just eating more plant-based meals yourself — rest assured that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. We’ve paired up with our Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved partner Beyond Steak to show you how to cook delicious plant-based versions of your summer favorites. We’re serving up inspiration for everything from appetizers to salads to backyard classics, all made with this versatile product. “Not only are Beyond Steak plant-based seared tips a nutritional powerhouse, but you can get really creative from a culinary standpoint,” notes registered dietitian nutritionist Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., nutrition director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. To find out how, read on.
First Course Fiesta
For your big summer parties, you'll want to put out with a spread of starters that will please the palates of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. “You can easily incorporate a product like Beyond Steak into appetizers and entrées without compromising on taste, nutrition or sustainability,” Sassos says. “Guests at your party who are plant-based or just curious about incorporating more plants into their diet will appreciate the offering too.”
For instance, whip up this enticing fiesta favorite: Queso Dip made with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, heavy cream, Mexican beer, green onions, green chiles, tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, cilantro and pico de gallo, and then topped with savory Beyond Steak. The gooey classic will keep guests returning to the party table again and again, especially since Beyond Steak adds textural contrast that regular queso sometimes lacks. “I love that it has a meaty texture and doesn’t fall apart — it holds its own in a dish like this,” Sassos notes. Complement your dip with a platter of Beyond Steak Tacos With Salsa Verde — that vibrant green sauce gets punch from tomatillos, limes, garlic, jalapeño, white onion and cilantro.
Amp Up the Noodles
Noodles are a staple year-round, but consider stepping up your game this season with robust flavors and a plant-based protein. You don’t need to change the tune of your ramen completely — just try a Beyond Steak option with a veggie-based broth that’s packed with spice and complexity. “As a busy mom, I appreciate that Beyond Steak cooks up perfectly in five minutes, so I can quickly add a nutrient-dense protein source to any meal,” Sassos says. This Spicy Miso version, made with garlic, shiitake mushrooms, vegetable stock, soy sauce, mirin, tahini, miso, chili oil, ginger and rice wine vinegar, leans into lightly seared Beyond Steak tips for texture and even more umami. Or for those in the mood for less soup and more noodle, try Beyond Steak Lo Mein instead. This play on the classic combines baby corn, red bell pepper, crunchy water chestnuts, green onions, carrots, Beyond Steak and a hint of sesame oil in a veggie-rich noodle dish that’s just as good as takeout.
Slay It With Salad
Sometimes a cool, refreshing salad is all you need to make your menu pop. Instead of flank steak on top, how about Beyond Steak for some extra versatility? This vegan-friendly Vietnamese Salad — a crunchy, aromatic mix of bean thread noodles, carrots, daikon, basil, mint, scallions, cucumber, vegan nuoc cham sauce and Beyond Steak — has texture and flavor that provide a brief escape from the summer heat. “This plant-powered meal packs in antioxidants, fiber and more,” Sassos says. “Plus, the Beyond Steak offers up 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving to round out the salad and keep you satisfied.” If an ode to the cuisine of Mexico is more your speed, try an Avocado Salad instead: Mixed greens, ripe cherry tomatoes, black beans, creamy avocado, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, Beyond Steak and crave-worthy chipotle dressing come together in a salad that just won’t quit.
Get to the Grill
Instead of regular old beef burgers, try your hand at a Philly Cheesesteak, vegetarian-style. Beyond Steak can go right in a skillet atop the grill. “The plant-based seared tips are pre-chopped — the ultimate time-saving hack with this type of recipe,” Sassos explains. Toss them with bell peppers and onions, then melt some provolone on top for a hearty sandwich that tastes incredible. “A traditional Philly cheesesteak is loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol, but swapping in Beyond Steak for animal meat significantly reduces the total counts without compromising flavor,” Sassos says. Looking for more options? Make Carne Asada Tostadas, too, a dish that comes together in a snap: Start by placing a cast-iron skillet right on the grill to heat the Beyond Steak tips. Then use them to top round tortilla chips, along with smashed avocado, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, fresh lime juice and cilantro and voilà: A plant-based tostada you'll be eating on repeat.
