7 High Protein Recipes for Dinner That Will Satisfy Your Hunger

Are you looking to boost your protein intake with delicious, plant-based meals? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your diet, these high-protein dinner recipes will keep you full, satisfied, and energized.

Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find high-protein, vegan-friendly dinner options.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll share 7 mouthwatering, protein-packed vegan dinner recipes that are quick, easy, and full of flavor. These recipes are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile—perfect for any day of the week.

Why Is Protein Important in a Vegan Diet?

Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, and helps maintain muscle mass.

While many people associate protein with animal products, there are plenty of plant-based sources that offer an excellent protein punch.

Lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, and edamame are just a few examples of vegan-friendly protein sources.

7 High-Protein Vegan Dinner Recipes

Now, let’s dive into these high-protein vegan dinner recipes that are as tasty as they are nutritious. Each recipe is designed to give you the protein your body needs, with whole food ingredients that are easy to prepare. Let’s get started!

Each recipe is designed to serve 2-4 people, depending on portion size. The protein content per serving is based on the amount of protein in each recipe divided by the number of servings. Adjusting portion sizes or ingredient quantities will impact the protein content.

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1. Lentil & Chickpea Vegan Curry

If you’re craving a comforting, protein-packed dish, this hearty lentil and chickpea curry is the perfect choice. Full of rich flavors from turmeric, cumin, and garlic, this curry will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, and cook for another minute.
3. Add the lentils, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender and the curry has thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 20g

2. Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables

This simple tofu stir-fry with vegetables is a vegan favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tofu is a fantastic source of protein, and when paired with colorful vegetables, it makes for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté until golden brown on all sides.
2. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
4. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, and stir to coat evenly.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 25g

3. Vegan Chickpea & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in vitamins and fiber, and when stuffed with a hearty chickpea and spinach filling, they make for a perfect high-protein vegan dinner. This dish is delicious and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and mashed
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tahini for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 40-45 minutes until soft.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan, and sauté the spinach until wilted.
3. Add the mashed chickpeas, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan, and stir to combine.
4. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice them open and stuff them with the chickpea and spinach mixture.
5. Drizzle with tahini before serving.

Servings: 2
Protein per serving: 18g

4. Vegan Quinoa & Black Bean Salad

Packed with quinoa, black beans, and a tangy dressing, this quinoa and black bean salad is both protein-rich and refreshing. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a filling side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, avocado, corn, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 15g

5. Vegan Tempeh Tacos

Tempeh is another high-protein vegan food that is perfect for tacos. It’s packed with protein and provides a hearty texture that makes these vegan tacos satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 block tempeh, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced avocado, salsa, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add crumbled tempeh and cook until golden brown.
2. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, soy sauce, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tempeh is coated in the sauce.
3. Warm the tortillas and fill them with the tempeh mixture.
4. Top with lettuce, avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 22g

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6. Vegan Spaghetti with Lentil Bolognese

If you’re a fan of Italian food, this lentil Bolognese sauce is a game-changer. It’s packed with protein from lentils and tastes just like the traditional meaty version.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 package spaghetti (whole wheat or gluten-free)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add the cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
5. Serve the lentil Bolognese sauce over the pasta and garnish with fresh basil.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 24g

7. Vegan Black Bean & Corn Chili

This vegan chili is hearty, flavorful, and full of protein. It’s perfect for a cold evening, and the combination of black beans, corn, and spices makes it a delicious option for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn kernels, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Servings: 4
Protein per serving: 18g

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much protein should I eat as a vegan?

A: The recommended daily intake of protein for an average adult is around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, athletes or those with higher activity levels may need more. Always listen to your body and adjust your intake as necessary.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

A: Absolutely! These recipes are very versatile. You can swap ingredients like tempeh for tofu or use different veggies in your stir-fry. Get creative and make them your own.

Q: Are these recipes gluten-free?

A: Yes, many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free, such as the quinoa salad, lentil curry, and chili. Be sure to check any packaged ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if necessary.

Conclusion

With these 7 high-protein vegan dinner recipes, you can enjoy tasty, nutritious meals that will keep you feeling full and energized.

From tofu stir-fry to lentil curry, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, these recipes are the perfect way to incorporate more protein into your diet.

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