I’m looking for recipe ideas that can help “disguise” meat/protein. My girlfriend and I are vegetarian and vegan, but she’ll soon be undergoing surgery and has been advised to incorporate animal protein into her diet for healing. The problem is, she isn’t a fan of meat and is not thrilled about having to eat it. I want to prepare meals for her that make the meat less noticeable. She’ll likely be consuming fish, chicken, and pork, but she’s sensitive to spicy flavors. As someone who has minimal experience cooking meat—just basic meal prep for my parents—I would really appreciate any suggestions or recipes that could help!

What are some good recipes that “hide” the meat/protein?
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One response to “What are some good recipes that “hide” the meat/protein?”
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It’s great that you want to support your girlfriend during her recovery! Here are some recipes that can help disguise the taste and texture of meat while still delivering the protein she needs:
1. Creamy Chicken or Fish Pasta
Ingredients:
– Cooked chicken breast or flaky fish (like salmon or cod)
– Pasta of your choice
– Creamy sauce (such as alfredo or a simple cream sauce with garlic and parmesan)
– Spinach or peasInstructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, prepare the creamy sauce.
3. Shred the cooked chicken or flake the fish and mix it into the sauce.
4. Combine the pasta, sauce, and veggies, and serve warm.2. Meatball or Protein Ball Substitutes
Ingredients:
– Ground chicken or turkey (or add fish)
– Breadcrumbs (use whole grain or gluten-free if preferred)
– Egg (as a binder)
– Finely chopped herbs (like parsley or basil)Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and form into small balls.
2. Bake or sauté until cooked through. You can serve these meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti or in a sub with cheese.3. Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Ingredients:
– White fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
– Corn tortillas
– Cabbage slaw (cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing)
– Mild avocado or yogurt sauceInstructions:
1. Bake or pan-fry the fish with a little lemon juice and salt (season lightly).
2. Prepare the slaw and sauce.
3. Assemble the tacos with fish, slaw, and sauce for a fresh meal.4. Smoothie with Protein Powder
Ingredients:
– Unsweetened almond milk or regular milk
– Plant-based protein powder or Greek yogurt (if she’s okay with dairy)
– Frozen berries or bananas
– Spinach (can’t taste it, but it’s packed with nutrients)Instructions:
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. You can sneak in a scoop of protein powder to boost the protein content.5. Vegetable and Chicken Stir-fry
Ingredients:
– Diced boneless chicken
– Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
– Soy sauce (low sodium)
– Rice or quinoaInstructions:
1. Sauté the chicken in a pan until cooked through.
2. Add the vegetables and stir-fry until they’re tender.
3. Add a splash of soy sauce and serve over rice or quinoa.6. Savory Oatmeal Bowl with Eggs
Ingredients:
– Oats
– Vegetable broth (for cooking the oats)
– Soft-boiled or poached eggs (which can be substituted for chicken if she prefers)
– Avocado, spinach, or cheese for toppingInstructions:
1. Cook the oats in vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
2. Top with a soft-boiled egg (or cooked chicken if using) and other toppings.Tips:
- Always incorporate lots of herbs and mild spices to enhance flavor without overwhelming her.
- Ensure that any chicken or fish is cooked thoroughly, as she may have a compromised immune system post-surgery.
- You can also consider looking into high-quality protein bars or supplements if cooking meat feels too daunting.
Wishing your girlfriend a smooth recovery, and happy cooking!
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