Saving Time with Gadgets and Tools for Vegan Cooking

We’ve all heard that you should use the right tool for the job, and this is definitely true of the tools used in vegan cooking. Even if you’re not vegan, and even if you have a well-stocked kitchen, if you may want to consider expanding your batterie de cuisine. In this week’s blog, we’re going to explore the essential kitchen gadgets and tools for vegan cooking that will elevate your culinary skills and make plant-based meals easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from blenders and food processors to tofu presses and spiralizers. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to create delicious vegan dishes with ease.

1. High-Speed Blender

A high-speed blender is a must-have tool in any vegan kitchen. It can handle everything from smoothies and soups to sauces and nut butters. A powerful blender can break down tough ingredients like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, creating creamy and smooth textures that are hard to achieve with regular blenders.

Benefits of a High-Speed Blender:

Versatility: Make everything from creamy soups and smoothies to nut milks and sauces.
Nutrient Extraction: Breaks down plant cell walls, making nutrients more bioavailable.
Efficiency: Saves time by quickly blending ingredients to desired consistency.

Popular Brands: Vitamix and Blendtec are renowned for their durability and power. Investing in one of these can make a significant difference in your vegan cooking journey. I have used Vitamix for years and have never been disappointed.

2. Food Processor

A food processor is another essential tool for vegan cooking. It excels at tasks that require chopping, slicing, and shredding, making it perfect for preparing ingredients for various dishes. I have a larger Cuisinart and a smaller one. My Cuisinart is no longer available, but this one is similar, and I’ve been using the KOIOS for smaller jobs. It’s nice because it also has an immersion blender attachment.

Uses of a Food Processor:

Chopping and Slicing: Quickly chop vegetables or slice them uniformly.
Dough Making: Create dough for vegan pizzas or pastries with ease.
Nut Butters and Dips: Make homemade nut butters, hummus, and pestos effortlessly.

Key Features to Look For:

Powerful Motor: A strong motor can handle tough ingredients like nuts and root vegetables.
Multiple Attachments: Look for a model with various blades and discs for versatility.

3. Tofu Press

Tofu is a staple in many vegan diets, and a tofu press can greatly improve its texture and flavor. Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to absorb marinades better and become crispy when cooked. A tofu press is one of the vegan cooking tools that I use every week.

Advantages of Using a Tofu Press:

Enhanced Texture: Removes water for a firmer and more satisfying texture.
Improved Flavor: Allows tofu to soak up more marinade, enhancing taste.
Crispy Cooking: Pressed tofu crisps up better when pan-fried or baked.

How to Use a Tofu Press:

Place tofu block in the press.
Adjust the pressure to remove excess water.
Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking.

4. Spiralizer

A spiralizer is a fun and useful gadget for creating vegetable noodles, a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. It works by turning vegetables into long, spiral-shaped strands, perfect for salads, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. It’s nice to have even if you’re not vegan, but is not among my necessary tools for vegan cooking. I have one, but I hardly ever pull it out.

Why Use a Spiralizer:

Creative Dishes: Make zucchini noodles, sweet potato spirals, and more.
Healthy Eating: Increase vegetable intake with fun and appealing presentations.
Time-Saving: Quickly transform veggies into noodles for fast meal prep.

Types of Spiralizers:

Handheld Spiralizers: Compact and easy to store but require manual effort.
Countertop Spiralizers: More stable and efficient, with multiple blade options.

5. Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a versatile and durable tool that every vegan cook should own. It retains heat exceptionally well and can be used for frying, sautéing, baking, and more.

Benefits of a Cast Iron Skillet:

Pay attention to the size. These are heavy, but one of the most versatile tools I have. It can cook on the stove top, in the oven, on the grill, and I can use it to press paninis. The only things it doesn’t do is go in the microwave or dishwasher!

Even Heating: Distributes heat evenly, perfect for cooking vegetables and plant-based proteins.
Durability: Built to last a lifetime with proper care.
Naturally Non-Stick: Develops a natural non-stick surface over time.

Caring for Your Cast Iron Skillet:

Seasoning: Regularly oil and heat the skillet to maintain its non-stick properties.
Cleaning: Avoid soap; use hot water and a stiff brush instead.

6. Mandoline Slicer

A mandoline slicer is an excellent tool for achieving precise and uniform slices of vegetables and fruits. It’s perfect for creating salads, chips, and garnishes with professional-looking results.

Advantages of a Mandoline Slicer:

Uniform Slices: Achieve consistent thickness for even cooking.
Versatility: Slice, julienne, and waffle-cut vegetables with ease.
Time-Efficient: Quickly prepare ingredients, saving prep time.

Safety Tips for Using a Mandoline Slicer:

Use the Hand Guard: Always use the hand guard to protect your fingers. This is the voice of experience.
Go Slow: Take your time to maintain control while slicing.

7. Immersion Blender

An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is a convenient tool for blending soups, sauces, and smoothies directly in the pot or bowl. It’s portable and easy to clean, making it a great addition to your kitchen. I use the KOIOS mentioned above.

Why You Need an Immersion Blender:

Convenience: Blend hot soups directly in the pot without transferring.
Easy Storage: Compact and takes up less space than a traditional blender.
Versatile: Perfect for making smoothies, sauces, and even whipped cream.

Using an Immersion Blender:

Move Slowly: Blend in up-and-down motions for best results.
Be Cautious: Avoid splattering by keeping the blender head submerged.

8. Air Fryer

Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to create crispy, delicious food with minimal oil. For vegan cooking, they are perfect for making crispy vegetables, tofu, and plant-based snacks. I have this air fryer and it worked well, but when I bought a new stove I got one with an air fryer option.

Benefits of an Air Fryer:

Healthier Cooking: Use less oil for lower-calorie dishes.
Quick and Easy: Cooks food faster than traditional ovens.
Versatile: Roast, bake, fry, and grill a variety of plant-based foods.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer:

Shake the Basket: For even cooking, shake the basket halfway through.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space for air circulation to achieve crispy results.

9. Nut Milk Bag

A nut milk bag is essential for making homemade nut and seed milks. It allows you to strain blended mixtures, resulting in smooth and creamy dairy-free milk.

Why Use a Nut Milk Bag:

Control Ingredients: Make fresh milk with your choice of nuts or seeds.
Save Money: Homemade milk is often cheaper than store-bought options.
Freshness: Enjoy the taste of freshly made, preservative-free milk.

Making Nut Milk with a Nut Milk Bag:

Blend nuts or seeds with water.
Pour mixture into the bag over a bowl.
Squeeze out the liquid, leaving pulp behind.

10. Rice Cooker

A rice cooker is a time-saving gadget that perfectly cooks rice, grains, and even some legumes. It’s especially helpful for vegan meal prep and batch cooking. I use my Instant Pot rather than having a separate appliance.

Advantages of a Rice Cooker:

Consistent Results: Perfectly cooked rice every time.
Multi-Functionality: Many models also steam vegetables and cook grains.
Set and Forget: Automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions add convenience.

Using a Rice Cooker:

Rinse Grains: Rinse rice or grains before cooking for better texture.
Follow Instructions: Use the provided measuring cup for precise results.

11. Herb Scissors

Herb scissors are a handy tool for quickly chopping fresh herbs. They have multiple blades that cut herbs evenly, making meal prep faster and more efficient.

Benefits of Herb Scissors:

Quick and Easy: Chop herbs directly over dishes with minimal effort.
Even Cutting: Ensures uniform pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
Less Mess: Reduces chopping board mess, making cleanup easier.

Using Herb Scissors:

Clean Thoroughly: Wash blades after use to prevent herb residue buildup.
Use for Various Herbs: Ideal for parsley, cilantro, chives, and more.

12. Salad Spinner

A salad spinner is essential for washing and drying greens quickly and effectively. It ensures your salads have the right texture and that dressings adhere better to dry leaves. I use this for drying herbs or canned beans if I’m going to roast them and I want them to be especially dry.

Why You Need a Salad Spinner:

Crispy Salads: Removes excess water for crisp, fresh greens.
Versatile: Use for washing fruits and vegetables too.
Convenient: Saves time and effort compared to manual drying.

Tips for Using a Salad Spinner:

Spin in Batches: Avoid overcrowding for better results.
Use as Storage: Store greens in the spinner to keep them fresh longer.

13. Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is a valuable tool for vegan cooking, speeding up the cooking process for beans, grains, and stews. It uses steam pressure to cook food quickly, preserving nutrients and flavors. I use my Instant Pot as it’s more versatile, taking the place of a pressure cooker, ricer, yogurt maker, slow cooker, and more.

Advantages of a Pressure Cooker:

Time-Saving: Cook beans and grains in a fraction of the time.
Energy-Efficient: Uses less energy compared to traditional cooking methods.
Flavorful Results: Retains nutrients and enhances flavors through pressure cooking.

Using a Pressure Cooker:

Follow Instructions: Adhere to specific cooking times for different foods.
Release Pressure Safely: Use the natural release method for best results.

14. Dehydrator

A dehydrator is an excellent tool for making healthy snacks like dried fruits, vegetables, and even homemade fruit leather. It preserves food by removing moisture while retaining nutrients and flavor. I have an Excalibur that is similar to this one, but I don’t use that much and there are cheaper alternatives. I would suggest you either dehydrate at a low temperature in your oven or buy something smaller to see if it’s something you’re going to use. They’re expensive and they take up space. However, if you preserve a lot of food, it might be worth the investment.

Why Use a Dehydrator:

Healthy Snacks: Make preservative-free snacks with whole foods.
Preservation: Extend the shelf life of seasonal produce.
Cost-Effective: Create your own snacks at a fraction of store-bought prices.

Using a Dehydrator:

Even Slicing: Cut produce evenly for consistent drying.
Rotate Trays: Ensure even drying by rotating trays periodically.

15. Juicer

A juicer is a great addition for anyone looking to incorporate more fresh juices into their diet. It extracts juice from fruits and vegetables, providing a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. I have three juicers: a masticating juicer, a centrifugal juice, and a manual juicer. the difference between centrifugal and masticating is described below. Why don’t I use them? Because they are difficult to clean and you loose the fiber. You could add the fiber to baked goods, but I generally tossed them into the compost. I prefer to use the Vitamix and make smoothies. But, for those of you that would like to have fresh juice….

Benefits of a Juicer:

Nutrient-Rich Drinks: Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables in one drink.
Customizable Blends: Create juice combinations tailored to your taste.
Reduce Waste: Use leftover pulp in soups, muffins, or composting.

Types of Juicers:

Centrifugal Juicers: Fast and efficient, suitable for hard fruits and vegetables.
Masticating Juicers: Slow juicers that retain more nutrients and yield more juice.

16. Griddle

A griddle is perfect for cooking pancakes, burgers, and stir-fries without the need for excess oil. Its large surface area allows you to cook multiple items at once, making it ideal for meal prep. You can use this one over two burners (be sure to heat them both, and if one is larger, adjust that to make the heat consistent over the entire pan), or an electric.

Advantages of a Griddle:

Even Cooking Surface: Provides consistent heat for uniform cooking.
Versatility: Cook a variety of foods, from breakfast to dinner items.
Easy Cleanup: Non-stick surfaces make cleaning quick and hassle-free.

Using a Griddle:

Preheat Before Use: Allow the griddle to heat up before cooking.
Use Cooking Spray: Lightly coat with spray for best results

17. Miso Muddler

A miso muddler is a pretty specific tool, but I love miso, so recently purchased one. I have to say, I use it several times a week.

Versatility: It can be used for making miso soup, dressings, or to mix small amounts
Convenience: It doesn’t take up much space and is easy to clean
Cost effective: It’s one of the least expensive items on the list

Using a Miso Muddler

Measure: You simple twist the muddler into the miso and it will draw the miso into the muddler
Dissolve the miso: The muddler fits perfectly into the basket, and whisking the miso within the basket submerged into the other dressing ingredients helps to dissolve the miso into the dish.

Conclusion

Having the right kitchen gadgets and tools for vegan cooking can significantly enhance your vegan cooking experience. Each tool we discussed plays a crucial role in making plant-based meals more efficient, delicious, and enjoyable. By investing in these essential kitchen gadgets, you’ll be well-equipped to create a variety of flavorful and nutritious vegan dishes. Happy cooking!

By focusing on these essential kitchen gadgets and tools for vegan cooking, you can make your culinary journey both enjoyable and efficient. From high-speed blenders to pressure cookers, each tool adds value to your kitchen. So, get ready to experiment with these gadgets and create delicious plant-based meals!