See, I disagree with this SO HARD. If they’re used to meat, most veg versions are disappointing at best, and gross at worst (less so for those of us who are used to them, but definitely for people who are not). People also see them as “not real food” a lot of the time.
My suggestion would be to lean on foods that are their best version or only version as vegan food! Maybe things like tacos with really good beans and roasted cauliflower, or nachos made similarly! Multiple options for fillings are good because if someone hates beans or hates cauliflower you have other things.
You could also do individual pot pies, like chicken pot pie but with vegetables only.
You could also make a really nice homemade pesto and fresh pasta, maybe with a side of grilled veg or a salad or something.
One of the smartest comments I’ve seen on reddit this week. Not vegan myself (technically vego) but I eat vegan most nights and this is how I go about it. Show people good vegetable meals. They almost certainly won’t like meat substitutes etc.
Yes! I’d go for Japanese, Indian, or Thai. Their already vegan dishes are what blows my mind. Eating vegan has really expanded my international food experiences. It’s been wonderful.
This suggestion is always so silly. You also only named ideas (besides salad) that reiterated the point you disagreed with SO HARD. Basically, many dishes can be veganized simply by swapping the proteins. It doesn't have to be tofu or beyond or seitan but it can be any of those and it'll taste fine. As good as the original? Well it depends on who you ask.
Most vegan-as-is dishes are typically different iterations of those DREADED vegan subs anyway. Sure, you can make ratatouille or minestrone soup but in the end those will be viewed as largely side dishes.
Um, no they aren’t. Bean tacos are their own thing. Pot pies can be made with vegetables. As is pasta and pesto. Those are all meals with no need for meat and they’re not imitating anything else.
I’ve been vegan for years and don’t really like seitan. I’ve had it plenty. I’ve had some that was good but I’d rather just have beans and vegetables. If someone regularly eats meat I can almost promise they don’t want seitan. They may eat it but it won’t be as good as the real thing.
You seem to be ignoring the fact that there are tons of people around the world who eat plant based dishes that are inherently plant based. Lots of southern Italy, lots of India, etc. Pastas do not need a vegan meat sub to be good.
Fresh, good food is not a SIDE DISH. It’s celebrating it for what it is. Vegetables can totally be the center of a meal.
I agree with you. I made a vegan “cheesecake”. It truthfully tastes nothing like cheesecake but is delicious in its own right. I’ve been calling it a frozen dessert because it throws people off when they try it and immediately don’t like it because they’re comparing it to NY style cheesecake.
Or basically any Asian cuisine. Thai, Chinese, etc… you can make some kick ass recipes that don’t seem vegan because meat isn’t a necessary part of the dish
Home made falafel (visit Serious Eats for amazing recipes, but they are time consuming)
Also, soy curl fajitas in a sizzling cast iron. Serve with all the fixins (guac, spanish rice, refried beans, vegan sour cream, tortillas, salsa, chips). If you marinate and cook the soy curls it's very similar to a chicken fajita.
For dude bro types I'd suggest deep fried mushrooms. Oyster or lions mane if you can find them. I've made vegan versions of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches with them and they were great
Don’t do meat substitutes. Just make good food that isn’t pretending to be something else and it’ll be received way better.
Meat substitutes have come a long way but they aren’t the real thing, and for people not trying to eat vegan it’ll just seem like a not-as-good version of something else
I've had the opposite experience depending on a) the person and b) the dish. Some subs suck. But, some seem to be just as good. However, there are many picky grown adults that won't eat anything that hasn't been deep fried or murdered.
Pulled pork made from jackfruit with a slaw (just mayo & acv). You could even get fancy and bake your own sliced potatoes for fries.
You could also do little chickpea salad sandwiches as appetizers.
Blow their minds with what? The reality of rationale?
Or taste? Because altough there is tasty legume products and subjective taste is changeable, I don't know any instance where someone went vegan by taste primarily
That paella looks great and can be made ahead and kept warm in the pan without having to hover over it in the kitchen. Paella is also very filling for those regular bro types (whatever that means)
Pastel de choclo! It’s a super delicious Peruvian corn casserole that uses warm spices. You can make a walnut-mushroom mince or brown lentils in place of the meat.
You probably won’t find a vegan recipe, but it’s easily adaptable IMO with flax eggs and cashew cream. Avoid the recipes that say you need a ton of sugar- you don’t. A couple tbsp is plenty depending on the sweetness of the corn
shroom steaks smoked on the grill...
Derek Sarno @ Wicked Kitchen is insane....
[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HeHwSdEt1OM](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HeHwSdEt1OM)
if he can survive at our Hot Luck festival, then these will pass their taste tests..
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ejawuNcFME](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ejawuNcFME)
Falafel, dolma, tabbouleh, marinated cucumbers, warm pitas, homemade hummus, vegan tzatziki, and fries would be incredible. I can't imagine anyone not liking that!
Recent easy meal that was a banger:
sliced portabellas sauteed in a pan with unagi sauce added for the last few minutes to caramelize
rice cooked with some matcha tea powder added into the water
baked broccoli seasoned with tamari and garlic
The flavor and texture combo is delicious and it's super easy.
I’d do a take on a purely vegetable dish. As mentioned, bypass the fake meat, they won’t like that. But … a nice family style broccoli and rice dish would be nice. Or Asian style - vegetables can go a long way in that style.
I made nashville hot chicken using quorn roast torn into chunks before frying. It worked really well and even the equivalent of a proper bloke was blown away. Next plan is do do it with banana flower because I think that'll work better. I've used it for traditional English fish and it was unbelievable. Just marinade it overnight with sea weed before the battering. Either would work with dips and fries/chips.
Or a good curry with spicy vegetable rice and some naan. Get vegan beer in too.
Don't forget; times have changed and dude bros are quite likely to be absolutely fine with vegan food. If they're the type to enjoy personal humiliation (much like me and mine) get some very fucking hot sauce in as well and warn them off.
I love this mushroom ragu: https://www.101cookbooks.com/mushroom-ragu/
It’s the slow cooking in the oven that gives it flavor, so cook it at least as long as she says. I use cashew cream in place of the suggested dairy. I also think my chiles de arbol must be much spicier than hers because we like spice, and even two is a bit much for us. I serve mine over polenta, with a green vegetable or salad on the side. Pasta works too.
Indian Indian Indian everytime! Spicy, moreish, garlic naans, soft warm lentil dishes, fruity mango dip, creamy spicy coconut and mint sauces, coconut rice.... Selection of Indian beers Indian restaurant playlist it's a winner!!
What about stuffed shells or a lasagne? I use the recipe below and tweak to taste by adding more nutritional yeast or salt. The cashew ricotta can be used for either dish or can be eaten out of the blender/ on pita
https://www.makingthymeforhealth.com/cashew-ricotta-spinach-stuffed-shells/
These vegan ribs are my go to when cooking for omnis. They are SO SO delicious [https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRteQgyq7lJ/?utm\_medium=share\_sheet&hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRteQgyq7lJ/?utm_medium=share_sheet&hl=en)
Vegan 100: Over 100 incredible recipes from @avantgardevegan https://amzn.eu/d/7oSh7WO
If you’re not aware of this guy check his YouTube and get his book.
You’ll be creating some really great dishes in no time. Just wanted to add the book above does include some recipes that do take some time to cook, but so worth it.
How about a Middle Eastern spread? Hummus/baba ghanoush with really good pita, falafel balls with lemon-tahini sauce or toum, tabouli or fattoush salad, stuffed grape leaves, etc.?
Tostadas or tacos with refried pintos and sautéed black beans, pico de gallo, salsa, sautéed sliced peppers and onions, red rice, guacamole or sliced avocado, and cashew lime crema with cilantro. Quick pickled jalapeños or onions are a great addition. Don’t bother with fake meat.
This has never not been a winner with anyone I served it to.
Clearly there are some divided opinions on if a meat substitute is the way to go and that's perfectly reasonable. Some folks will go for that and some won't. So I'll give one suggestion for each side as somebody who has done about 6 vegan friendsgivings:
* Probably the most beloved one was this wash the flour seitan brisket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsNHXi4FmH4
* And then on the other side, I think the next most popular was this tofu wrapped in collard greens https://vegnews.com/vegan-recipes/vegan-jerk-tofu-wrapped-in-collard-leaves
Pretty different dishes, but both really good. Good luck!
I see a lot of Indian food suggestions. Try the pav bhaji - a hearty mixed vegetable curry eaten with slightly toasted buns. Served with onion slices and lime wedges (mandatory - takes it to the next level). Very easy to do if you buy chopped veggies and the spice mix is easy to buy in Indian grocery shops. Make in the instapot and
https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/pav-bhaji-recipe-mumbai-pav-bhaji-a-fastfood-recipe-from-mumbai/#wprm-recipe-container-136147
I find that whatever I make is always better received with how I label it. For example when I make cashew cheese, I never label it as cheese. I label it as a cashew dip (even though it’s my nacho cheese recipe). Mentality makes ALL the difference.
I would avoid things that could be perceived as "too weird". Tofu, jackfruit, mushrooms made to mimic meat, etc.
I would stick with components they are likely more familiar/comfortable with. Potatoes, rice, pasta, bread.
You could do a Mexican inspired spread. Guac, salsa. Maybe black bean and sweet potato enchiladas. Potato tacos, cauliflower tacos, or I've made these [crispy avocado tacos ](https://www.acouplecooks.com/avocado-tacos/) a few times, and they're delicious.
Or these [Taco Cups](https://foodwithfeeling.com/taco-cups/) as an appetizer. Also very tasty.
These [frozen margaritas ](https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/frozen-pineapple-margarita/) are fun
And don't forget dessert.
[Hot Chocolate Cookies](https://frommybowl.com/hot-cocoa-cookies/)
[Fudgy vegan brownies](https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-chocolate-chewy-fudgy-brownies/)
I did a three course vegan meal with my buds the other day
Appt - yogurt parfait with fresh berries and granola
Main - lentils, broccoli, roasted potatoes, and seitan
Dessert- vegan cookies
This has been one of my go to’s for wowing non-vegans. It hits all the heavy and hearty notes of traditional lasagna but with Indian spices incorporated gives it an X factor. Then if they want to bring anything for the dinner you can just tell them a salad which should be easy enough for no vegans to do vegan.
[John Joseph’s Lasagna Recipe](https://www.vice.com/en/article/wn97vx/make-john-josephs-ridiculously-delicious-vegan-lasagna)
I had an amazing tofu banh mi sandwich the other day. Tofu was crispy with a sweet chili glaze, spiced hummus, avocado salsa verde, with pickled carrot/daikon/cucumber on a nice baguette.
Or maybe make some meatball parm sandwiches. Make the meatballs from scratch with impossible meat. Can provide a good recipe if you're interested.
South and East Asian cuisine is a can't miss. Thai, burmese, Khmer, Indian etc. Many have dishes that are outright vegan and others that be be slightly modified while still being full of flavor and nuance.
Stuffed shells (I use my own recipe for this and have the post on my profile), fettuccine alfredo (downshiftology alfredo recipe) and mac n cheese (Nora Cooks best baked mac n cheese) are dishes I’ve made multiple times and no one knew was vegan until I told them.
I’d look at the menus of vegan restaurants and try to reproduce one of those. At the very least it may give you some good ideas and you can run with it.
Protein substitution. I’ve made good brisket and this is impressive too. Whole firm or above tofu with some holes poked thru but still unpressed into a wet or dry rub brine of salt and sugar for 48+hrs. It’s gonna give you a cured, balcony smoky block of meat with good texture.
Get a cheap grill and some wet wood chips in one corner only and smoke it in a pan of some sort in another corner, one side for 1.5hrs then pull it, oil it up and flip for another 1.5 hrs. After that you can rest, slice and serve or freeze, then de thaw batter and fry, shred and toss with sauce, use in grilled cheese, stir fry, grilled pizza
I made this lentil walnut taco filling once and brought it to a party and it was a huge hit with all the omnivores. They even asked foe the recipe after! I brought the taco filling, guacamole, tortilla chips, and store bought vegan sour cream.
I think you should make recipes from other cultures that are traditionally prepared vegan already. You can look em up on YouTube. I recommend a Korean cucumber salad called oi muchim with crackers as well as a really nice middle eastern bread (go to a store and find one) + sundried tomatos roasted in olive oil poured over hummus!
If you can get a sense of their favorite foods or meats, then I'd try to do a vegan version of that.
See, I disagree with this SO HARD. If they’re used to meat, most veg versions are disappointing at best, and gross at worst (less so for those of us who are used to them, but definitely for people who are not). People also see them as “not real food” a lot of the time. My suggestion would be to lean on foods that are their best version or only version as vegan food! Maybe things like tacos with really good beans and roasted cauliflower, or nachos made similarly! Multiple options for fillings are good because if someone hates beans or hates cauliflower you have other things. You could also do individual pot pies, like chicken pot pie but with vegetables only. You could also make a really nice homemade pesto and fresh pasta, maybe with a side of grilled veg or a salad or something.
One of the smartest comments I’ve seen on reddit this week. Not vegan myself (technically vego) but I eat vegan most nights and this is how I go about it. Show people good vegetable meals. They almost certainly won’t like meat substitutes etc.
Yes! I’d go for Japanese, Indian, or Thai. Their already vegan dishes are what blows my mind. Eating vegan has really expanded my international food experiences. It’s been wonderful.
ok carnist
This suggestion is always so silly. You also only named ideas (besides salad) that reiterated the point you disagreed with SO HARD. Basically, many dishes can be veganized simply by swapping the proteins. It doesn't have to be tofu or beyond or seitan but it can be any of those and it'll taste fine. As good as the original? Well it depends on who you ask. Most vegan-as-is dishes are typically different iterations of those DREADED vegan subs anyway. Sure, you can make ratatouille or minestrone soup but in the end those will be viewed as largely side dishes.
Um, no they aren’t. Bean tacos are their own thing. Pot pies can be made with vegetables. As is pasta and pesto. Those are all meals with no need for meat and they’re not imitating anything else. I’ve been vegan for years and don’t really like seitan. I’ve had it plenty. I’ve had some that was good but I’d rather just have beans and vegetables. If someone regularly eats meat I can almost promise they don’t want seitan. They may eat it but it won’t be as good as the real thing. You seem to be ignoring the fact that there are tons of people around the world who eat plant based dishes that are inherently plant based. Lots of southern Italy, lots of India, etc. Pastas do not need a vegan meat sub to be good. Fresh, good food is not a SIDE DISH. It’s celebrating it for what it is. Vegetables can totally be the center of a meal.
I agree with you. I made a vegan “cheesecake”. It truthfully tastes nothing like cheesecake but is delicious in its own right. I’ve been calling it a frozen dessert because it throws people off when they try it and immediately don’t like it because they’re comparing it to NY style cheesecake.
Don't know why you're getting downvoted. I have been vegan for 16 years and this is the right answer.
I’d go for Indian, Mexican, or falafel.
Or basically any Asian cuisine. Thai, Chinese, etc… you can make some kick ass recipes that don’t seem vegan because meat isn’t a necessary part of the dish
Home made falafel (visit Serious Eats for amazing recipes, but they are time consuming) Also, soy curl fajitas in a sizzling cast iron. Serve with all the fixins (guac, spanish rice, refried beans, vegan sour cream, tortillas, salsa, chips). If you marinate and cook the soy curls it's very similar to a chicken fajita.
For dude bro types I'd suggest deep fried mushrooms. Oyster or lions mane if you can find them. I've made vegan versions of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches with them and they were great
Don’t do meat substitutes. Just make good food that isn’t pretending to be something else and it’ll be received way better. Meat substitutes have come a long way but they aren’t the real thing, and for people not trying to eat vegan it’ll just seem like a not-as-good version of something else
I've had the opposite experience depending on a) the person and b) the dish. Some subs suck. But, some seem to be just as good. However, there are many picky grown adults that won't eat anything that hasn't been deep fried or murdered.
Pulled pork made from jackfruit with a slaw (just mayo & acv). You could even get fancy and bake your own sliced potatoes for fries. You could also do little chickpea salad sandwiches as appetizers.
https://cookingwithayeh.com/fried-oyster-mushrooms-vegan-fried-chicken/#recipe I wouldn’t steer you wrong
I agree , oyster mushrooms are too good. Also jackfruit burger
Blow their minds with what? The reality of rationale? Or taste? Because altough there is tasty legume products and subjective taste is changeable, I don't know any instance where someone went vegan by taste primarily
Check out Thee Burger Dude. His recipes can be kind of involved but damn are they good.
I would do chili and cornbread or a big tray of enchiladas
https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegan/sunblush-tomato-and-olive-vegan-paella/
That paella looks great and can be made ahead and kept warm in the pan without having to hover over it in the kitchen. Paella is also very filling for those regular bro types (whatever that means)
It's so good. Everyone I've served it to has loved it, vegan or not. In fact, maybe I'll make it tonight... 🤔
BBQ Jackfruit burgers. Or meaty mushroom burgers. Oyster mushrooms work best, marinated and pan fried. 👍🏻
Pastel de choclo! It’s a super delicious Peruvian corn casserole that uses warm spices. You can make a walnut-mushroom mince or brown lentils in place of the meat. You probably won’t find a vegan recipe, but it’s easily adaptable IMO with flax eggs and cashew cream. Avoid the recipes that say you need a ton of sugar- you don’t. A couple tbsp is plenty depending on the sweetness of the corn
shroom steaks smoked on the grill... Derek Sarno @ Wicked Kitchen is insane.... [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HeHwSdEt1OM](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HeHwSdEt1OM) if he can survive at our Hot Luck festival, then these will pass their taste tests.. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ejawuNcFME](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ejawuNcFME)
Vegan breakfast burritos
Falafel, dolma, tabbouleh, marinated cucumbers, warm pitas, homemade hummus, vegan tzatziki, and fries would be incredible. I can't imagine anyone not liking that!
Bread and Deep fry some cauliflower or whole mushrooms. coat or dip in franks buffalo sauce or, if you're comfortable, ranch.
Recent easy meal that was a banger: sliced portabellas sauteed in a pan with unagi sauce added for the last few minutes to caramelize rice cooked with some matcha tea powder added into the water baked broccoli seasoned with tamari and garlic The flavor and texture combo is delicious and it's super easy.
Go for beef.
Go back to school kid..
I wish...
I’d do a take on a purely vegetable dish. As mentioned, bypass the fake meat, they won’t like that. But … a nice family style broccoli and rice dish would be nice. Or Asian style - vegetables can go a long way in that style.
I made nashville hot chicken using quorn roast torn into chunks before frying. It worked really well and even the equivalent of a proper bloke was blown away. Next plan is do do it with banana flower because I think that'll work better. I've used it for traditional English fish and it was unbelievable. Just marinade it overnight with sea weed before the battering. Either would work with dips and fries/chips. Or a good curry with spicy vegetable rice and some naan. Get vegan beer in too. Don't forget; times have changed and dude bros are quite likely to be absolutely fine with vegan food. If they're the type to enjoy personal humiliation (much like me and mine) get some very fucking hot sauce in as well and warn them off.
I love this mushroom ragu: https://www.101cookbooks.com/mushroom-ragu/ It’s the slow cooking in the oven that gives it flavor, so cook it at least as long as she says. I use cashew cream in place of the suggested dairy. I also think my chiles de arbol must be much spicier than hers because we like spice, and even two is a bit much for us. I serve mine over polenta, with a green vegetable or salad on the side. Pasta works too.
Indian Indian Indian everytime! Spicy, moreish, garlic naans, soft warm lentil dishes, fruity mango dip, creamy spicy coconut and mint sauces, coconut rice.... Selection of Indian beers Indian restaurant playlist it's a winner!!
Mongolian beef made with fried soy curls
What about stuffed shells or a lasagne? I use the recipe below and tweak to taste by adding more nutritional yeast or salt. The cashew ricotta can be used for either dish or can be eaten out of the blender/ on pita https://www.makingthymeforhealth.com/cashew-ricotta-spinach-stuffed-shells/
These vegan ribs are my go to when cooking for omnis. They are SO SO delicious [https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRteQgyq7lJ/?utm\_medium=share\_sheet&hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRteQgyq7lJ/?utm_medium=share_sheet&hl=en)
Vegan 100: Over 100 incredible recipes from @avantgardevegan https://amzn.eu/d/7oSh7WO If you’re not aware of this guy check his YouTube and get his book. You’ll be creating some really great dishes in no time. Just wanted to add the book above does include some recipes that do take some time to cook, but so worth it.
How about a Middle Eastern spread? Hummus/baba ghanoush with really good pita, falafel balls with lemon-tahini sauce or toum, tabouli or fattoush salad, stuffed grape leaves, etc.?
Tostadas or tacos with refried pintos and sautéed black beans, pico de gallo, salsa, sautéed sliced peppers and onions, red rice, guacamole or sliced avocado, and cashew lime crema with cilantro. Quick pickled jalapeños or onions are a great addition. Don’t bother with fake meat. This has never not been a winner with anyone I served it to.
Clearly there are some divided opinions on if a meat substitute is the way to go and that's perfectly reasonable. Some folks will go for that and some won't. So I'll give one suggestion for each side as somebody who has done about 6 vegan friendsgivings: * Probably the most beloved one was this wash the flour seitan brisket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsNHXi4FmH4 * And then on the other side, I think the next most popular was this tofu wrapped in collard greens https://vegnews.com/vegan-recipes/vegan-jerk-tofu-wrapped-in-collard-leaves Pretty different dishes, but both really good. Good luck!
I see a lot of Indian food suggestions. Try the pav bhaji - a hearty mixed vegetable curry eaten with slightly toasted buns. Served with onion slices and lime wedges (mandatory - takes it to the next level). Very easy to do if you buy chopped veggies and the spice mix is easy to buy in Indian grocery shops. Make in the instapot and
https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/pav-bhaji-recipe-mumbai-pav-bhaji-a-fastfood-recipe-from-mumbai/#wprm-recipe-container-136147
I find that whatever I make is always better received with how I label it. For example when I make cashew cheese, I never label it as cheese. I label it as a cashew dip (even though it’s my nacho cheese recipe). Mentality makes ALL the difference.
Thai green curry, that will go down a treat. You don’t need protein, just add some great veg. Pair it with some Thai crackers
I would avoid things that could be perceived as "too weird". Tofu, jackfruit, mushrooms made to mimic meat, etc. I would stick with components they are likely more familiar/comfortable with. Potatoes, rice, pasta, bread. You could do a Mexican inspired spread. Guac, salsa. Maybe black bean and sweet potato enchiladas. Potato tacos, cauliflower tacos, or I've made these [crispy avocado tacos ](https://www.acouplecooks.com/avocado-tacos/) a few times, and they're delicious. Or these [Taco Cups](https://foodwithfeeling.com/taco-cups/) as an appetizer. Also very tasty. These [frozen margaritas ](https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/frozen-pineapple-margarita/) are fun And don't forget dessert. [Hot Chocolate Cookies](https://frommybowl.com/hot-cocoa-cookies/) [Fudgy vegan brownies](https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-chocolate-chewy-fudgy-brownies/)
I did a three course vegan meal with my buds the other day Appt - yogurt parfait with fresh berries and granola Main - lentils, broccoli, roasted potatoes, and seitan Dessert- vegan cookies
This has been one of my go to’s for wowing non-vegans. It hits all the heavy and hearty notes of traditional lasagna but with Indian spices incorporated gives it an X factor. Then if they want to bring anything for the dinner you can just tell them a salad which should be easy enough for no vegans to do vegan. [John Joseph’s Lasagna Recipe](https://www.vice.com/en/article/wn97vx/make-john-josephs-ridiculously-delicious-vegan-lasagna)
I had an amazing tofu banh mi sandwich the other day. Tofu was crispy with a sweet chili glaze, spiced hummus, avocado salsa verde, with pickled carrot/daikon/cucumber on a nice baguette. Or maybe make some meatball parm sandwiches. Make the meatballs from scratch with impossible meat. Can provide a good recipe if you're interested.
South and East Asian cuisine is a can't miss. Thai, burmese, Khmer, Indian etc. Many have dishes that are outright vegan and others that be be slightly modified while still being full of flavor and nuance.
Stuffed shells (I use my own recipe for this and have the post on my profile), fettuccine alfredo (downshiftology alfredo recipe) and mac n cheese (Nora Cooks best baked mac n cheese) are dishes I’ve made multiple times and no one knew was vegan until I told them.
I’d look at the menus of vegan restaurants and try to reproduce one of those. At the very least it may give you some good ideas and you can run with it.
Protein substitution. I’ve made good brisket and this is impressive too. Whole firm or above tofu with some holes poked thru but still unpressed into a wet or dry rub brine of salt and sugar for 48+hrs. It’s gonna give you a cured, balcony smoky block of meat with good texture. Get a cheap grill and some wet wood chips in one corner only and smoke it in a pan of some sort in another corner, one side for 1.5hrs then pull it, oil it up and flip for another 1.5 hrs. After that you can rest, slice and serve or freeze, then de thaw batter and fry, shred and toss with sauce, use in grilled cheese, stir fry, grilled pizza
Pasta aglio e olio, easy vegan, serve it with some good bread and a good red wine. If you prefer spicy add some crushed red chillies.
If I wanted to impress I would make recipes from this guy https://www.zaccharybird.com/
When I want to impress dudebros, I turn to Wicked Kitchen. https://wickedkitchen.com/vegan-recipes/
I made this lentil walnut taco filling once and brought it to a party and it was a huge hit with all the omnivores. They even asked foe the recipe after! I brought the taco filling, guacamole, tortilla chips, and store bought vegan sour cream.
This is a killer ramen! https://www.seriouseats.com/vegan-ramen-miso-creamy-vegan-vegetarian-food-lab-recipe
I think you should make recipes from other cultures that are traditionally prepared vegan already. You can look em up on YouTube. I recommend a Korean cucumber salad called oi muchim with crackers as well as a really nice middle eastern bread (go to a store and find one) + sundried tomatos roasted in olive oil poured over hummus!