“Ovention is a winner”
Gamble Logo
How to Introduce Plant-based Options at Your Restaurant
How to Introduce Plant-based Options at Your Restaurant
Jun 04, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitter

It’s no secret that the popularity of plant-based food is on the rise. A renewed desire for a healthy lifestyle and a focus on environmental sustainability adds to the upward push of this nutritious trend. Millennial and Generation Z populations are leading the way in reducing overall meat consumption. And because this movement isn’t going away any time soon, eateries everywhere will want to pay attention to the growing demand and provide menu items that draw in the plant-loving crowd. Let’s dive in and discuss how to introduce these tasty meatless options into your restaurant’s fare.

What exactly does plant-based mean?
A plant-based diet is typically made up of fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds — often minimally processed or in their whole food form. These foods are chock-full of fiber, protein, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, antioxidants, and all-around goodness. Studies show that upping plant-based food consumption and limiting meat intake can lower cholesterol levels, decrease heart disease and reduce the risk of some types of cancers. And while all kinds of diners enjoy plant-based foods, those fueling the meatless movement are typically vegan (no animal products), vegetarian (no meat products), and flexitarian eaters (mostly plant-eating but occasionally eat meat).

A plant-based twist on the traditional
There are a host of traditional foods that occupy a sweet spot in the minds and hearts of many plant-based eaters, making even the strictest vegan think twice about straying from their meatless ways. The iconic mouthwatering cheeseburger is one of those temptations. But companies have upped the ante with an incredibly delicious solution; meatless burgers that are just like the real deal (not your typical frozen bean burger here). Many plant-based options, such as the Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger, have the same texture, flavor, and look like the original. Even carnivore-leaning customers often can’t tell the difference. Other manufactured meatless items that are easy to add to your menu are faux seafood, plant-based sausages, eggs, and dishes with non-dairy milk and cheeses.

Plant-based substitutions
Some of your staple menu items might need a slight tweak or substitution to become plant-based. For example, need a simple replacement for eggs in a recipe? Water with flax meal or chia seeds will do the trick. Aquafaba (juice from canned chickpeas) is also an egg substitute and can even make a nice frothy meringue. Another delicious tip for creating a vegetarian version of the original is to use seasoned, shredded jackfruit instead of pork in dishes like stir-fries, tacos or BBQ sandwiches. Coconut manna is an incredible (and slightly sweet) replacement for the butter on toast. And when in doubt, mushrooms, cauliflower, beans, tofu, and tempeh are hearty replacements for traditionally meat-centered dishes.

Preparing and cooking plant-based foods
Cooking up plant-based menu items can take a little more thought, but using the right equipment makes it easier. Some plant fibers are more sensitive to overcooking, and instead of a delicious cauliflower coconut curry, you can easily end up with curry cauliflower mush. Try testing out different plant-based recipes and adjust the heat and cook time until you get it just right. Smart equipment with precise heating technology and the ability to input preset heat and cook time-based on the recipe are great ways to ensure you have a perfectly cooked dish every time.

A helpful partner
The plant-based lifestyle is a healthy trend that’s here to stay. Learning ways to incorporate these dishes into your menu is a smart move for your operation and will bring smiles to the faces of your guests. Innovative equipment is a helpful partner in creating tasty new dishes that please. To learn more, take a look at our blog, “In Speed-Scratch Dishes, the Right Equipment Matters.”

Ovention Ovens Make It Easy
Shuttle® NEW 2600! 2000/1600/1200
Shuttle® NEW 2600! 2000/1600/1200

If you value precision and volume, Ovention has the perfect oven to fit your operation. The Shuttle sets the new standard for conveyor ovens everywhere. No other oven can operate as both a conveyor and a closed-cavity oven.

Matchbox® 1718/1313
Matchbox® 1718/1313

Cook a full menu of delicious offerings without an oven hood. The Ovention Matchbox 1718/1313 takes the traditional conveyor oven to a whole new level.

Conveyor 2600/2000/1400
Conveyor 2600/2000/1400

Simple, smart and the right fit for operators looking for a high-throughput conveyor oven. The Ovention Conveyor Oven is the most technologically elegant and operator-friendly conveyor on the market today.

Matchbox® M360 14/12
Matchbox® M360 14/12

Cook a full menu better, faster, and easier. The Ovention Matchbox M360 has Precision Impingement® technology, a unique cooking carousel, and a small footprint, making it the perfect fit for any operation.

Finishing F1400
Finishing F1400

Finish your plates with ease and precision with this robust IR finishing conveyor. Melt, sear, toast, and finish to perfection with this operator-friendly, quiet conveyor.

MiLO® Double/Single
MiLO® Double/Single

Revolutionary infusion of Decoupled Air and Infrared (IR) technologies. Independently controlled top and bottom cavities, each with its own interior light and control panel.

MiSA®‑a12
MiSA®‑a12

Introducing MiSA; Microwave Speed Assist. Higher quality, higher speed, smaller footprint.

Related
5 Small Ways to Make Big Gains on Your Profit Margins
Dec 15, 2023

Food, beverage, and labor costs make up the biggest slice of most foodservice budgets. Keeping these expenses at bay is […]

3 Reasons Quality Oven Equipment Is Your Kitchen’s Secret Ingredient
Nov 22, 2023

Ever wondered what sets a stellar kitchen apart from the rest? It’s not just the chef’s magic touch – it’s […]

On The Plate Creating Unique Dining Experiences
Aug 16, 2023

Dining out these days is about more than just the food; it’s about the whole culinary experience. From guest chefs […]

Schedule an Ovention Ovens Demo

Our goal is to partner with you to help you build your business. We will set up a demonstration that suits your needs, whether you want us to cook your current product, show you a range of new products, or do a side-by-side comparison with another oven we are ready to show you what Ovention can do.

Please complete ALL the fields below to schedule a demo.*

Find a Rep Near You

Experience an Ovention oven in action. We have test kitchens all across the country and representatives waiting to demonstrate our award-winning technology and ease of use. Contact us today to learn how one of our ovens can elevate your culinary versatility and build your business.

Cooked with Conveyor 2600/2000

0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop