In the past decade, plant-based meat has gone from a niche alternative to a full-blown culinary movement, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of vegan steak. Following the explosion of realistic vegan burgers in the 2010s, led by game-changers like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, vegan meat products from chicken to seafood have moved from niche health food stores to major fast-food chains and national grocery shelves. This signaled a shift in public interest toward sustainable and animal-free protein options. 

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The movement has since evolved into a more ambitious frontier: recreating the complex texture, flavor, and experience of a perfectly cooked steak. Early innovators proved that plant-based meat could sizzle, sear, and satisfy, capturing the attention of vegans and meat-eaters alike.

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Now, a new wave of companies is pushing the boundaries even further, crafting vegan steaks that aim to rival their animal-based counterparts in every way. From marbled cuts that grill like sirloin to juicy, fibrous textures made with mushrooms, the world of plant-based steak is quickly becoming as diverse as it is delicious.

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Here’s what you need to know about vegan steak, including where to buy it and how to make your own at home.

What is vegan steak?

Vegan steak is a plant-based alternative designed to replicate the look, texture, flavor, and cooking experience of steak made from cows—without using any animal products. Unlike earlier meat alternatives that focused on ground meat, vegan steak aims to mimic the complexity of whole cuts, including the muscle-like fibers, marbling, and juicy interior. 

RELATED: Juicy Marbles Unveils the First Plant-Based, Whole-Cut Pork: “Our Cleanest, Most Nutritious Recipe Yet”

It’s typically made from ingredients like wheat gluten (seitan), soy, pea protein, mushrooms, or mycelium (the root structure of fungi). It may also incorporate oils, natural flavors, and even food science innovations like 3D printing or fermentation to recreate the rich, savory depth of traditional steak. Whether it’s designed for pan-searing, grilling, or slicing rare, vegan steak offers a way to enjoy the sensory experience—while aligning with plant-based, ethical, or environmental values.

Is vegan steak healthier?

Vegan steak can be a healthier choice, especially for those looking to reduce saturated fat, cholesterol, or their environmental footprint. But not all plant-based steaks are created equal—some are cleaner than others. If you’re opting for a vegan steak made with whole-food ingredients, like a mycelium or soy-based cut with minimal processing, it can be healthful. But if it’s more of a processed alternative, it’s still best enjoyed in moderation, much like conventional red meat.

Brands that make vegan steak

Here are the best vegan steak brands you’re likely to find on store shelves.

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1  Beyond Meat

Crafted from plant-based ingredients like faba beans and wheat, Beyond Steak tips are fully cooked and effortlessly elevate your favorite meals—whether you’re making tacos, fajitas, stir-fry, or salads. Earlier this year, Beyond Meat expanded its plant-based steak lineup with two pre-seasoned steak tip varieties: Beyond Steak Chimichurri and Beyond Steak Korean BBQ-Style. And stay tuned—Beyond Meat is also working on a “whole-muscle” mycelium steak made with minimal ingredients, according to CNBC.
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Impossible Steak Bites_Bulgogi BowlImpossible Foods

2  Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods recently introduced its inaugural steak product, Impossible Steak Bites, at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA. These pre-cooked, bite-sized pieces aim to replicate the taste and texture of traditional steak, reflecting nearly 15 years of research and development by Impossible Foods to understand and replicate the sensory experience of eating meat. The product comes pre-seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and spices, and consumers can easily cook the bites by sautéing them with vegetables for a quick stir-fry, adding them to tacos, or serving them alongside eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.
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3  Meati

Uniquely, Meati Foods offers mycelium-based steaks, made from the root of mushrooms. Its flagship offering, the Classic Steaks, delivers 17 grams of protein per serving and features a remarkably meaty texture that mirrors traditional steak. The brand also offers a pre-seasoned carne asada-style steak, infused with a bold, Latin-inspired spice blend. Unlike soy or wheat-based alternatives, Meati’s products are rich in fiber and packed with naturally occurring micronutrients from fungi, making them a nutrient-dense, whole-food, plant-based option.
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4  Gardein

Gardein’s beefless steak tips deliver a tender, juicy, meat-like taste and texture that works perfectly in your favorite family dishes. Convenient and versatile, these meaty tips can be cooked in the microwave, air fryer, or on the stovetop—making them an easy addition to weeknight dinners or a quick protein-packed snack. Pair them with your go-to steak sauce and hearty sides for a satisfying plant-based plate.
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5  Juicy Marbles

Slovenian food startup Juicy Marbles has developed a marbled plant-based filet mignon that replicates the texture and flavor of premium beef. Using a proprietary layering technique, the company recreates the fibrous structure of real muscle tissue, resulting in a steak that cooks and sears like traditional meat. Their product has gained popularity in fine dining establishments and upscale grocery stores across Europe, reflecting a growing demand for high-end plant-based meat alternatives.
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Chunk Foods

Chunk Foods’ retail lineup features a range of plant-based whole cuts made with cultured soy protein. The lineup includes 4-ounce frozen steaks with 25 grams of protein per serving, a hearty 6-ounce steakhouse cut packing 37 grams of protein, 10-ounce slabs offering 31 grams of protein, and pulled meat with 25 grams of protein—perfect for stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads.
FIND IT HERE

 Happy Veggie World steakHappy Veggie World

7  Happy Veggie World

Happy Veggie World’s Black Pepper St’eks deliver rich flavor and a remarkably authentic texture. Made with soy protein, lightly seasoned and bite-sized, these steaks are ready to be tossed into your favorite dishes with ease.
FIND IT HERE 

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8  Redefine Meat

True to its name, Redefine Meat’s mission is to revolutionize center-of-the-plate protein. By leveraging cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, the company has developed a remarkably realistic vegan beef flank that closely mimics the flavor, texture, and mouthfeel of a traditional whole-cut steak. This plant-based innovation has already made its way into over 6,000 restaurants and hospitality venues, as well as top retailers across the UK, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Germany.
FIND IT HERE

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9  Green Rebel Foods

Launched in 2020, Indonesian brand Green Rebel Foods has quickly gained attention for its flavorful range of vegan whole cuts made with natural, clean-label ingredients. Among its standout products are the Beefless Steak, crafted from shiitake mushrooms for a rich, umami taste.
FIND IT HERE

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10  Novameat

Spanish startup Novameat is harnessing the power of 3D-printing technology and advanced food engineering to replicate the intricate structure of animal muscle tissue—down to the myofilaments, myofibrils, fibers, fascicles, and fascia found in real connective tissue. Novameat’s Shredded Nova-Be*f is made with just a handful of ingredients, including yellow pea protein, sunflower oil, seaweed extract, and natural flavors—all chosen for both their health benefits and taste. What truly sets the plant-based beef apart is its distinct fibrous texture, expertly designed to soak up marinades and dressings.
FIND IT HERE

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11Millennial Flavor Town

The meat-free masses can once again enjoy wagyu steak, and it’s all thanks to South Korean startup Millennial Flavor Town and its MM Beef product line. Rice koji, beets, soy, and fermented mushrooms are transformed into juicy, marbled cuts of meat with a little help of Korean charcoal grilling and a patented fermentation process. The startup currently boasts four vegan cuts: strip loin, rib, tenderloin, and sirloin. Not based in South Korea? A US launch is currently in the works.
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How to make your own vegan steak

Making your own vegan steak at home is easier than it sounds and allows for total customization of flavor and texture. Most homemade versions start with a base of vital wheat gluten, which gives the steak a meaty, chewy consistency. After kneading and shaping the mixture into steak-like cuts, it’s typically steamed or baked to firm it up, then pan-seared or grilled for that delicious outer crust. Here are some recipes for vegan steak to try at home.

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1  Seitan Vegan Steak

This vegan steak recipe uses a blend of vital wheat gluten and lentils for a hearty, beef-like chew. The flavor is rich and savory, thanks to a bold, plant-based marinade that the steaks soak up beautifully. The real magic happens when these seitan steaks hit the grill or barbecue—delivering that satisfying char and smoky finish you’d expect from a classic steak, all without the meat.
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2  Tender and Juicy Vegan Steak

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, these seitan steaks are a plant-based game changer. Seasoned to perfection and strikingly similar in appearance to traditional steak, they offer a satisfying texture and are incredibly high in protein—making them as nourishing as they are delicious. With a whopping 58 grams of protein per steak (thanks to vital wheat gluten), they’re a fun and filling option for anyone craving a meaty bite without the meat.
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3  Succulent Vegan Steak

This recipe really hits that same satisfying spot as traditional steak: it’s meaty, chewy, boldly savory, and packed with protein. Serve this vegan steak with a batch of crispy fries or roast potatoes, maybe add some cauliflower cheese and green beans on the side, and you’ve got the ultimate comforting dinner.
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4  Vegan Steak With Garlic Butter

This vegan steak strikes the perfect balance between tender and chewy, thanks to protein-rich vital wheat gluten. It’s seared to perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce, delivering deep umami flavor in every bite. Paired with roasted vegetables, it’s a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress even the most devoted meat lovers.
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5  Vegan Steak Strips

Want to make your own vegan steak strips at home? This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using soy curls and simple seasonings. The soy curls absorb all the bold flavors, giving you a deliciously meaty texture perfect for tacos, salads, stir-fries, and more.
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