I Tried TikTok's Viral High-Protein Vegan Meals

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Yeah I pick things up and put them down, so what?! I've been trying to boost my protein intake so I saught out some of the most popular viral high-protein tiktok recipes I could find.
Chickpea Tempeh Caesar Wraps: thatveganbabe.com/vegan-caesa...
Cheesy Beany Broccoli Bowl : www.tiktok.com/@sophsplantkit...
Cheesy Quesadilla: thatveganbabe.com/vegan-quesa...
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Time Codes:
0:00 - Intro
3:09 - Chickpea Tempeh Caesar Wrap
10:22 - Cheesy Beany Broccoli Bowl
14:43 - Tofu Scramble Cheesy Quesadilla

[@MerleONeal]

I realize this was confusing but the beans were boiled pre-soak!! I just didn't show in the video, I think they were just old beans. I just don't want anyone worried about The Great Butter Bean Poisoning Of 2024! Thank you for your concerns tho hahaha

[@ErinChamberlain]

Glad you clarified!! I was worried about you!!

[@akariprince]

You're supposed to soak before cooking to make the cooking process faster. You probably undercooked them.

[@AF-ke9by]

You’re making healthy food… I just polished off a half dozen vegan donuts. 🤦‍♀️

[@O2life]

But why not just fully cook them so they turn out yummy?

[@karencorey290]

vegan Meringue cookies just use Aquafaba instead of egg whites. you can add whatever flavor you want!

[@julieblair7472]

If you're not planning to make something foamy, you don't need the aquafaba, people need to chill. It's water.

[@JoaoIsntJohn]

Nay! 'Tis bean water

[@natedawgmomtakeover9972]

Ehhhhhh

[@OpinionatedLumber]

I made meringues from aquafaba once and it turned out to be the most disgsuting thing I've ever made

[@nellybaur1652]

It also makes some great & easy vegan mayo and crepes but people do indeed need to chill

[@kirstennielsen5832]

I appreciate that you make executive recipe decisions related to the amount of dishes. Because same.

[@MerleONeal]

you've gotta. When I end up spending 30 minutes cleaning up after a SINGLE recipe it's too much

[@O2life]

Pro-tip for wraps: Steam the tortilla on one side, over a little boiling water for about 20-30 seconds. You can use a steamer basket or just set it over a pot that's a little smaller than the tortilla. Put the steamed side down, fill with ingredients, then roll as usual. Wrap won't break! And it will taste a lot better, too. Pro-tip for quesadillas: just do one (dry) tortilla at a time, folded over, so you have one side that is closed. Make sure the pan is hot before you put it in. Consider using a dry pan instead of oil.

[@MerleONeal]

THANK you

[@hannahhuffines738]

Life-long dried bean cooker here! Older dried beans simply take a lot longer to cook, and extra water (I’ve found). I made a pot of pinto beans this week and the beans were old as the hills, so it took about 3-4 hours for them to get tender (and that was with a quick soak). Dried beans can feel like a pain if that’s the only thing you’re working on, but they’re easy to have going in the background while you’re at home or cooking other meals! Just focus on their texture as they cook rather than having a fixed time in mind, checking like every 30-45 minutes.

[@MerleONeal]

Do you use an instant pot or do you boil them/ simmer them?

[@twitchy_bird]

​@@MerleONeal an Instapot is great for sure, but I always just boil them in a regular pot like my granny and everybody did.

[@joeb4142]

This! 👆🏻💯 Dried beans FTW!

[@altertopias]

The old beans thing is so true. I used to have to cook beans for 3h, sometimes even more, with uneven results, but I moved recently, and with the brand they sell here I only have to cook them for an hour! It's heaven.

[@nueroptera]

I prefer dried beans flavor and texture and uh...reduced flatulence factor. Typically, I soak them starting in the morning on my countertop in cold water for 8 hours. Drain the soaking water and rinse. Then I use the instant pot, making sure the water covers the beans completely (otherwise they'll be technically cooked/safe but hard if they're out of the water) and it only takes like 8 minutes plus the time it takes to come to pressure.

[@teixeiraangel]

We use dried beans a lot at home, but I would suggest a small instapot to cook them in. You don’t have to soak them overnight and can basically have dried beans cooked in under an hour.

[@nicnat324]

"Yes I reuse my plastic bags, and you should too." I'm so happy to know others do this. It's so wasteful (and expensive) not to.

[@natedawgmomtakeover9972]

We don’t even get plastic bags here in jersey. But glad you guys at least get to reuse them 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@natedawgmomtakeover9972]

Ahh, you meant ziplock

[@dfwolfe23]

Super Simple Caesar Salad Dressing. 1 cup cashews soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight. 3/4 cup water 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 1/2 tablespoons miso (yellow or white) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 clove garlic 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Drain and rinse cashews. Put cashews and all the remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. If needed thin with a bit more water.

[@MerleONeal]

Thank you!

[@hibiscus10moon]

this is what i use for pasta sauce 😂 context is key

[@Blondetop]

Aquafaba Mayo recipe is just the Aquafaba, salt, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, and olive oil - blended, adding olive oil slowly until it thickens. I find it takes a little more salt than you'd expect but it’s cheap and tastes great on wraps, burgers, etc!

[@jaminwaite3867]

My fav recipes is from The Viet Vegan. 10/10

[@disasterbanoodle1822]

Ive never worried about dented cans. Bloated is bad. But in the 90s my folks would malcom in the middle style have us "drop" cans and say we got them from the reduced cart to survive in leaner months.

[@KrisRN23935]

Small tip to help your wrap game: lightly steam the tortilla before use. It won't break as easily. Just cover tortilla w/ a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

[@MerleONeal]

thank you!!!!

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Gotta admire the determination to film despite the sick brain. It was the special beans!!! Hope you're feeling better, Merle 💚

[@MerleONeal]

Those special beans never fail me!!!

[@daveinca2]

Loved this video! Always good to see how much work AND clean up these recipes take. Would love to see more high protein vegan recipes.

[@ErinChamberlain]

Merle, I just adore you. I love your singing! You have a BEAUTIFUL voice, sick or not. I love these just general vegan recipe videos that don't require any crazy science lol. As I'm just starting out I need to KISS (Keep it simple silly lol). How was your trip?? Hope you had an amazing time. Get to feeling better soon sister!

[@MerleONeal]

You are too kind! and yes I agree, the less science the better in my book lmfao. Exciting that you're newly on the vegan journey! Trip was great, I'm actually editing the vlog for it now! Already feeling better :)

[@viivi4196]

based on the celcius, I don't roast my chickpeas in that high of a temperature! I usually do them at 200C for like 15 mins so they don't get dry! but the wrap looks delicious anyway :)

[@MerleONeal]

Great tip! and yeah, I ended up basically rehydrating them in their dressing bc they were so dry lol

[@ViCT0RiA6]

yees merle perfect timing i need some high protein meals too! i love when you remake a recipe your way and its sooo yum

[@SarahRsache6644]

I love this!! Thank you for doing all the leg work

[@MerleONeal]

glad ya liked it

[@sunny5ma]

Love our reigning vegan queen as always and you giving us the Celsius conversion ❤❤, I'm a sucker for a long video so, so excited to have that as well. Can't wait for the next one ❤❤❤🎉

[@kataclysm6]

My job uses aquafaba for cocktails (like whiskey sours) regularly and it always comes out great! There’s never any bean or salty taste. Honestly a great egg white replacement.

[@MerleONeal]

Good to know!

[@Swanselm]

How do you source that much aquafaba!?

[@sappyxsam]

Aquafaba is a great egg replacement especially in baking!! 3tbs is roughly 1 egg. recently I made pancakes with this method and it turned out great! I’ve also made cream “cheese” and brownies

[@payojaaa]

omggg all the recipes looked soo good!! i am gonna try all these in the weekend!!!!

[@MerleONeal]

YESSS do it!! I have been repeatedly eating the caesar wrap

[@payojaaa]

@@MerleONeal YES I WILL TRY AND SHARE HERE!!

[@beruska3271]

merle thanks for this video lol !! love high protein recipes and u did an amazing.job with these (:

[@MerleONeal]

thank you

[@karleybioanthro]

Your kitty and puppy snuggling is so cute 🥰

[@MerleONeal]

They love each other so much 🥹

[@Loveismyteacher]

I love this. Thank you for making vegan recipes seem more approachable. I’m a mom, a student and I have a business so I need easy recipes. Can you do a video with your go to vegan recipes?

[@MerleONeal]

This is a great idea!

[@annettemartin586]

Fwiw I appreciate this style of video! It's helpful to have someone who I trust not to sugarcoat everything review a recipe that I've been seeing online. It looks good, but is it actually good, you know?

[@strawberrysoymilkshake]

I gave up on baking my chickpeas because I hate when they're dry, I just pan fry them now! Just be careful not to burn the spices. And add a lil lemon juice on them once they're cooked. They go especially well alongside roast pumpkin cubes. ❤

[@cathleenwarner1778]

Oh, 3 ideas for when you're feeling better, 1. Vegan food you found in London 2. Another celebrity meal or 3. Another ranking video. :)

[@iMitchell423]

Love your videos, Merle. ❤️

[@MerleONeal]

So glad

[@charlie6923]

I love the random musical theater references you always throw in :P

[@retired_man_about_town]

Looks great!

[@MerleONeal]

thank you :)

[@MikeyVeeganz]

Listen Joya I was a lil skeptical about the blue cheese but babaaay shut me up bcuz that looked GoodT!!! 🤤

[@ambissing]

I love the chaos in this video. This is totally me including the rack that still has the remnants of the previous roasted item

[@maetaylor5677]

Fav moment of this video.. "this is the next day".. " I just ruined the whole point of me putting on this sweater 🤣🤣" You are just the best !

[@artichokeenthusiast]

The Into The Woods reenactment was pure gold👏👏😂 You've got some acting chops girl!!

[@staceyneedscoffee]

That wrap with the mods sounds so yum!

[@MerleONeal]

it was unREAL

[@kegankoch3537]

My partner uses the aquafaba to replace egg whites in a pisco sour....

[@snooshi]

Dry beans need to be boiled for an hour or more after being soaked.

[@MerleONeal]

I did boil them! :(

[@paige5333]

Butter beans are a southern staple and I LOVE them just boiled in some veggie broth and ham flavor seasoning, but I’m excited to see all the innovation happening with butter beans

[@t.e.n3466]

this was so fun haha always looking for some tasty vegan high protein meals

[@VerhoevenSimon]

I especially liked the broccoli bowl. For the chickpeas, I prefer roasting them around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20ish minutes to prevent them from drying out.

[@MerleONeal]

yeahhh when they get dry they are just like little pebbles lmao

[@khadeejatrenchard]

great recipes, great humour, great ideas

[@MerleONeal]

Thanks so much!

[@MadamoftheCatHouse]

The dog and the cat love each other! Mine do too! I've had the cat 6 yrs and got the dog 6 mths ago. Both rescue.

[@MerleONeal]

They doooo it's all i ever wanted from the time we adopted Lucille and now they cuddle ALL THE TIME. It's the best

[@littlepatrinka7941]

I love when you’re surprised at how good something is! Save yourself some cleanup by placing your blender container on the scale, clear or take the scale, add ingredient, clear/tart, add the next ingredient, clear/tart. It’s the best part of using a scale - measuring in one container!

[@MerleONeal]

THISS is so brilliant!!!!! wowowow

[@littlepatrinka7941]

OMG! That’s supposed to be tare, not take or tart but you get the drift 🤦‍♀

[@missfroghophophop6953]

I freeze my bean water . The cubes are about a tablespoon each.

[@ratwithahat2]

Wait the beans? They were morbing?! It's morbing time?! I hate my voice always, but I'm also not sick much, so maybe I gotta try that out 🤔 Also half a clove of garlic is a CRIME! You should have put two in just to spite the recipe. Fun video! You butter beanlieve I enjoyed the video!

[@MerleONeal]

Agreed, 1/2 a clove is a certified OFFENSE. And yes, give sick a whirl, it's really somethin

[@iJoshDG]

I was in the pit orchestra for my high school's Into the Woods, omg. Yes

[@alexgee365]

liking for the recipes and also Merle's smoky-sick voice

[@creedreaming]

Recipe for Aquafaba as you wished :D - Aquafaba, whisk it until its set like egg white (might not be as "hard" as egg white) - melt chocolate and whisk it into the set aquafaba - (add sweetener if u like - I normally don't) Here you go - like mouse au chocolat with only 2 (3) ingredients - Enjoy!

[@basbleupeaunoire]

I'm glad butter beans are having a moment. I hope that will make the large ones easier to find.

[@breejeanne]

I have to try those cheesy beans!! This was also my first year trying butter beans, and man are they tasty!

[@MerleONeal]

yessss omfg you must try it. did you get canned butter beans or did you re-hydrate them? and if so HOW did you rehydrate them? lol

[@breejeanne]

@@MerleONeal I used canned!!

[@moneyhoon5044]

Super fun video!

[@MerleONeal]

Thank you 🤗

[@marissam9448]

If you want to save your aquafaba for baking at a later time, you can freeze it.

[@codimisera166]

Dude, I've never watched u before but ur energy is great. I freaking hate the high pitched, peppy, obnoxious women that make videos. Ur voice and attitude is so refreshing and down to earth and great to listen to!!! ❤❤❤🎉

[@CorineT]

It all looks so good, and I have a can of chickpeas sitting unused 😂 Maybe my lazy ass will make myself a nice meal today

[@MerleONeal]

you deserve it!!!

[@christianhenrriquez1354]

The Into the Woods reference was amazing 😂

[@mexicannotfrench7908]

I'm also sick right now :( I hope you feel better!

[@laura4700]

I'll definitely have to try the second recipe, it looks delicious! Btw. what blender are you using? I'm looking to buy one but am not sure which one to get, would love some recs :)

[@MerleONeal]

Vitamix!!

[@MerleONeal]

if you want a less expensive option, Ninja blenders are good too

[@CurlyAndCurvy]

I giggled at "smoked pap...rika" 😄

[@lindsayponiryan]

The butter bean renaissance is def bc of new PR bc butter beans are actually LIMA BEANS !!!!!!! And mine have never turned out. After watching your video I MAY try again. Loving your content !

[@MerleONeal]

Thank you! And I'm honestly relieved to hear someone else has had this same struggle with the damn butter beans

[@charlottemoncur]

Pressure cook dried beans. Perfect every time

[@brittanyparker4659]

Honestly I don't bother saving aquafaba often, it gets be super bloated and gassy and sometimes not worth it. Waiting for you to try a version of a whole roasted cauliflower with blended tofu/bean as a sauce it looks soo good

[@MerleONeal]

oh mannnn that cauilflower recipe sounds SOOOOO good. is there one in particular you like?

[@bethanybroussard5993]

Merle! Let me help you with your wraps! Once you fold the left and right sides you have the get the part you're folding over from front to back completely over the ingredients to be able to tuck in everything nice and cozy. Just a helpful tip 😅 Also, it's not just you, I always feel like air frying beans just makes them dry and the defeats the point of a juicy bean! 🤷‍♀

[@justin_g_smith]

Iconic pun! I liked it!!

[@MerleONeal]

I like you!

[@Foo007]

Hi Merle- What brand air fryer do you use? I’ve been trying to find a large size oven-type and yours looks like a very large capacity

[@lamemechose7072]

I never make quesadillas with two burrito-sized tortillas anymore. It’s too messy. Even if you’re going to eat it all in one sitting, it’s much easier to assemble, cook, and dip a folded tortilla. For small and medium tortillas, it’s much less of an issue.

[@kristen7013]

You can freeze aquafaba in an ice cube tray if you think you might need it later but don't want the pressure of using it right away. It's not a big deal though. No one expects non vegans to be using it.

[@MerleONeal]

That's true!!!

[@AdaminaCarden]

Where are you getting your nooch that it's so much? I just get mine refilled at the refill store and it's really not too bad. That cheezy bean dish looks great though!

[@VinceKully]

hot tip: heat that tortilla up on a hot pan (20 seconds/side) and it becomes way easier to wrap (and doesn't crack) edit: also where do u find the boxed silken tofu?

[@MerleONeal]

I get it at Sprouts!

[@shaebecooking2266]

Did you cook the beans completely before adding them to the sauce? It takes an hour+ to cook beans.

[@cathleenwarner1778]

Fun video, feel better

[@MerleONeal]

ty :)

[@bwinelv]

This is why I use aluminum foil/parchment paper/a silicone baking sheet in my air fryer because I’m too lazy to clean it every time 😂

[@TO5TADA]

Mayonnaise is always an option with aquafaba. Heard you can make merengue with the aquafaba as well.

[@LuisA-sm2on]

I have the same problem with aquafaba. I feel guilty throwing it away but I just save it and the throw it away later.

[@maddysettle5904]

"They had shed their skin - it was morbin' time!" 💀

[@22joshbb]

I think fermented tofu would be a good replacement for the nutritional yeast in the cheese sauce

[@MerleONeal]

TRUE

[@LorraineRo]

For the Aquafaba: you should tey the heavenly brownies from Raimbow Plantlife. Will be making them today for my bday 😁

[@studycats221]

You can do vegan omelette with aquafaba, and vegan marshmallows!!!! I miss marshmallows so much, and we dont have it where i live, so aquafaba is my friend)))

[@partpartdieupark8889]

I must admit, I enjoyed the grumpy vibe 😂

[@chiclett]

you can use aquafaba to replace egg and make mayonnaise, for one

[@donnadkshad6213]

Butter Beans are very creamy Beans. They tend to be super soft after cooking.

[@ariluv83]

If you warm up the tortilla on the stove a little it will be more pliable and easier to wrap.

[@emdegn1904]

SOUNDSSSS like we need an aquafaba episode!!

[@melaniejuttner3784]

I put my Aquafina in an ice block tray and freeze. Sauce stash has the best white sauce recipe . I don’t keep every can though .

[@MerleONeal]

ohhhh his recipes rock, i'll have to look into that

[@ivylovesrunning]

They all look good.

[@hoebeanzz8949]

the only things i can think of to make with aquafaba are macarons and mousse but im a baker so ofc i only think of desserts

[@MerleONeal]

And I never bake! so thats another reason why I feel like aquafaba doesn't serve me

[@SauceStache]

I mean butterbeans are SUPER good!!!

[@MerleONeal]

Do you boil yours before soaking or after? because I boiled them before and they still turned out crunchy

[@verdakalyani]

@@MerleONealyou soak them for at least 2-4 hours before boiling the beans. You can pressure cook them, it’s way easier. I’m from India and we soak our beans overnight so they can cook faster.

[@marisapollock4703]

This is exactly me with dented cans 😂 Every time.

[@MerleONeal]

IT'S SCARY

[@aaronnicholson8205]

The key to soaking dry beans is to salt the water.

[@lmmhallucinates]

Aquafaba (especialy fresh) can make really nice vegan meringues

[@pytle]

Keep the Puns coming Merle!

[@kellyreadingbooks]

Love this! I'm also trying to get more protein

[@cookinthekitchen]

Love your hair today❤

[@VathSophanin]

Good recipe

[@MonkeyLuv127]

Did you cook the beans after you soaked them?

[@marcruz6701]

Aquafaba idea: recreate the Cava restaurant garlic dressing. They have a tiktok video on how its made.

[@smithnatascha87]

When my grandma or i made butter beans, they always shed their skin. We just ate them like normal. Never killed us lol. I do prefer to buy them frozen though, I like less work lol

[@carbon_lifeforme]

honestly id mash the chickpeas in that wrap for a creamy texture

[@MerleONeal]

notttt a bad idea!

[@Alex-lq5zw]

I too am sus when it comes to aquafaba 😂 would be interested to see you try out some recipes!

[@nuttygirl83]

I have made vegan swiss meringue buttercream with it! That was delicious and while not quite as good as regular swiss meringue buttercream made with eggwhites and butter, it was pretty dang close. I mostly use it in baked things that require a light texture that you would get from egg whites. I don't use it as an egg replacer in quick breads and cookies and other denser desserts like some people do. For that I like flax better. It adds more protein and works just as well if not better.

[@RASullivanCreative]

Try Aquafaba as an egg replacer- wait for it…. For a great Whiskey Sour. Zero bean taste and makes the whiskey sour light and amazing.

[@teresasmith6028]

Yeung Man Cooking has great recipe for vegan mayo using aqua faba.