19 ways to add extra protein to your meal plan using Quorn
In the new year rush to give up meat and focus on eating plant-based meals, it's easy to forget about Quorn - the reliable meat alternative that's perfect to adding an extra boost of protein to vegetarian or vegan meals.
It's the ideal alternative to meat if you're new to meat-free eating, as using it in recipes in place of chicken, pork, or beef mince is easy.
Plus, it's far better for the planet - Did you know, that eating Quorn mince instead of beef just once a week for a year saves the same amount of carbon emissions as 20,000 boiling kettles?
#MeatFreeMonday is here to stay. Vegan diets have risen in popularity 360 per cent in the last 10 years – and there are now over 2.3 million vegetarians and 850,000 vegans, according to 2020 data – as studies continue to find that eating less meat can be better for both your body and the environment.
Of course, not all vegan food is automatically healthy. And while swapping beef for tofu and chicken for paneer is all very well, it can very quickly become rather repetitive and boring.
Sure, Quorn recipes may not conjure the most exciting of images, but the 'Mycoprotein' is packed full of essential nutrients like protein and fibre, and is low in saturated fat.
Scroll for WH's expert opinion, health benefits and round-up of the best Quorn recipe ideas to help inspire more exciting veggie and vegan alternatives.
First off, what is Quorn?
Quorn is a UK meat-free brand and uses a meat substitute called Mycoprotein, derived from a natural fungus. The fungus is fermented in order to grow the Mycoprotein, which is then made into various Quorn products like nuggets.
Mycoprotein is unique because it's a complete source of amino acids - which is important for your protein intake. The Mycoprotein is also what creates Quorn's meaty texture.
Is Quorn healthy?
In a sentence: Quorn can definitely be eaten as part of a healthy and balanced diet. But, there can be no doubt that it’s a ultra processed food. ‘Plant-based’ doesn’t automatically mean healthy.
However, if you’re vegan and a keen gym-goer, Mycoprotein is what you need to build muscle mass. It's naturally high in protein with 11g per 100g, and fibre at 6g per 100g. Plus, Quorn is low in saturated fat and contains a number of vitamins and minerals
For those struggling with excess fat, it's also good news. Research has found that Mycoprotein can help your body manage glucose and insulin in the blood.
19 Quorn recipes to try tonight
1/ Air fryer Quorn chicken fajitas
Fajitas are a brilliant speedy dinner option for when you're short on time. This easy recipe can be made in an air fryer -further cutting down cooking time and negating the need for lots of oil (AKA added fats).
Serve with a tomato salsa and limey sour cream dip for the most delicious midweek meal.
2/ One-pot Quorn sausage arrabiata
Did someone say pasta for dinner? Yes please. This spicy, tomato-based sauce is totally moreish and super easy to prepare. Served with crispy pieces of Quorn sausages, it's the perfect healthy comfort food dish.
If you're not a fan of green beans, feel free to swap out for broccoli or peas (just make sure to get those greens in).
3/ Quorn Thai curry
Picture: Lemongrass, chillies, root ginger, coriander and soy sauce sautéed and stirred through Quorn chicken pieces, coconut milk, green beans, lime zest and courgette… The ultimate tasty workout refuel.
The recipe makes enough for four (did someone say meal prep?) and only uses one pan- so say goodbye to excessive washing up. Packed full of veg and flavour, this Thai curry is the dream after a long day at work.
4/ Quorn pomegranate, papaya and apple balsamic salad
Pomegranate, papaya and cucumber combined could never taste bad but are made tastier by the addition of Quorn chicken pieces. It takes only 10 minutes to make and is a light and flavoursome summer salad alternative.
Veggies, if you're craving fresh flavours, this dish is topped with fresh coriander, mint and tangy apple balsamic vinegar. Yum. Perfect for an easy lunch or quick garden dinner. Get cooking.
5/ Vietnamese noodle salad with sticky Quorn sweet chilli mini fillets
Crunchy fresh vegetables, sweet and sticky Quorn mini fillets and rice noodles make this a perfectly balanced bowl.
Plus, it's quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. If you can't find Thai basil, ordinary basil works just as well in this easy recipe.
6/ Quorn and quinoa power bowls
Inspired by flavours of the Middle East, this dish tops quinoa, chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, spinach and carrots with Quorn chicken pieces, fresh parsley and a creamy tahini dressing.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon and you’re good to go.
7/ Quorn mince and lentil burgers
Forgo the Five Guys veggie sandwich and make your own burgers. These Quorn mince and lentil burgers are 172 calories a serving, high in protein, and flavoured with smoked paprika, red pesto and basil—simple and tasty.
Top with anything you like, but sliced red onions, fresh tomatoes and ripe avocado work a treat.
8/ Quorn nuggets pitta
Picture a warm pitta bread stuffed full of Quorn nuggets, crunchy tomato, onion, parsley and mint salad, and topped with cool mint yoghurt and tangy chilli sauce.
The perfect dinner if you fancy something fun and easy to assemble, or if you're cooking for friends. They're a treat without the need for meat.
9/ Quorn meat-free mince chilli tacos
Although tacos are originally from Baja California in Mexico, and contain 'de pascado', (aka fish), a meat-free alternative is just as tasty.
Cook for a fun Mexican-inspired meal combining classic tacos, chilli powder, cumin and cinnamon with green pepper, tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato puree and oregano and Quorn mince. Placed in a warm taco shell and topped with yoghurt, spring onions, cucumber and coriander, chopped tomato and iceberg lettuce, the dish is fail-safe. An interactive, hands-on meal for all your family or friends to get involved with.
10/ Quorn fillet skewer kebabs
These speedy chicken kebabs are the ideal midweek meal. The limey tomato salsa and coriander add a summery feel to this dinner, and the succulent pieces of Quorn fillet make the perfect filling for a flatbread.
To up the fibre content, serve with roasted sweet potato wedges or a slaw-style salad.
11/ Chickpea, harissa and Quorn harissa stew
With a double protein whammy of chickpeas and Quorn, this is an ideal post-workout dinner for when your stomach is rumbling and you're craving something that'll fill you up.
WH top tip? Drizzle with tahini and flaked almonds for a soul-warmingly good high-protein stew that's just as tasty and enjoyed cold as it is served hot.
12/ BBQ teriyaki Quorn fillets
A zingy, flavourful Quorn recipe served atop a delicious vegetable-full Buddha bowl.
You can use up whatever veg you've got in the fridge for the Buddha bowl base —WH loves red cabbage, carrot, edamame and radishes, but get experimenting.
13/ Quorn smoky chipotle tacos
Stuck for dinner inspiration? Tacos are always full of flavour, and this smoky twist on the traditional is no exception.
Make your own chipotle paste, garlic and onion mix and pair with smooth avocado, citrusy pickled onions and crunchy taco shells. Delicious.
14/ Quorn bolognese
In need of comfort food? This homemade spaghetti bolognese uses Quorn Mince, mushrooms, and onion and a delicious vegetarian bolognese sauce. If you're always on the go, why not try batch cooking – freezing the extras for a later date.
15/ Quorn chilli con carne
A quick and easy chilli con carne recipe is quick and great for when cooking ahead of time.
Serve with guacamole, yoghurt, tomato salsa and tortilla chips for extra fibre (and deliciousness...).
16/ Brazilian coconut curry with Quorn pieces
Bring the flavour of South America straight to your doorstep with this curry recipe. Quick and easy to make – you’ll thank us later.
This meal is also naturally low in saturated fat and high in fibre and protein. Winner winner, Quorn dinner.
17/ Quorn fillets and bean wrap
Another lunchtime alternative for those on the go. Simple to make and easy to transport.
The pulses add a welcome dose of fibre and essential vitamins, and you can change up the herbs and spices depending on your preference.
18/ Quorn pieces mini crustless quiches
High in protein and small in size. Make these little in-between meal fillers for the perfect snack on the go. With the recipe serving 12, you’re bound to have enough for the duration of the week.
19/ Quorn pieces paella
Paella isn't off limits if you're going meat-free. This simple recipe for a Quorn-based version of the classic Spanish dish is super easy and a brilliant option for meal prep. You won't be missing out on the traditional smokiness, either. This recipe makes the most of Quorn Vegan Pepperoni Slices to create this moreish flavour.
Read next:
Processed red meat harms more than just your heart: it’s linked to dementia too
Finding Veganuary a slog? Treat yourself to a night out at KIN
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER .
You Might Also Like
