DIY Vegan Fast Food (Big Mac, Tofu Nuggets & Macaroni Salad)

I decided to recreate some fast food favourites and show you guys how to easily make vegan versions of some of your favourite fast food meals. It’s surprisingly easy to make healthier versions of fast food and without harming animals.. who knew?!

I made some delicious tofu nuggets (two different ways), a macaroni salad which reminds me of the KFC macaroni salad which I used to love and a vegan version of the Big Mac, because I couldn’t do a fast food video without adding the Big Mac in there!

WATCH VIDEO HERE: 

 

Easy Fast Food Inspired Vegan Recipes

 

Vegan Tofu Nuggets (2 similar but different ways) Recipe

I tweaked the recipes from these blogs: 40 Aprons and The Lazy Broccoli

Ingredients:

  • 1 block firm or extra firm tofu
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • Batter option #1:
    • 3/4 cup corn starch
    • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp garlic
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp salt
  • Batter option #2
    • 2 tbsp corn starch
    • 2 tbsp water
    • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl or a container. Pour pickle juice over the tofu and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
  2. Make batter while the tofu is marinating (see instructions below). Drain the tofu well.
  3. For Batter Option #1 – Mix all batter ingredients in a bowl.
  4. For Batter Option #2 – Mix corn starch and water in a small bowl to create a thin paste. In a separate bowl or plate, mix all other batter ingredients together.
  5. Heat a thin layer of oil in a frying pan on medium high heat.
  6. For Batter Option #1 – Coat each piece of tofu with the breading and fry on each side for a few minutes until they are nicely browned.
  7. For Batter Option #2 – Coat each piece of tofu with some of the corn starch liquid and then dip into the breadcrumbs mixture to coat. Fry on each side for a few minutes until they are nicely browned.
  8. Dip in whatever sauce you wish and enjoy!

 

KFC Inspired Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 package of dry macaroni (around 250g)
  • 2-3 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 carrots thinly diced
  • 1/2 small onion, minced
  • 2-3 dill pickles, diced
  • 1 cup vegan mayo (or more depending on your preference – see below for cashew mayo recipe)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions: 

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. While pasta is cooking, you can prep all the other ingredients. I like to throw the veggies into a food processor and let it do the dicing and mincing for me.
  3. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water.
  4. Add all ingredients into a big mixing bowl and mix well. Add more vegan mayo if desired.
  5. Refrigerate and eat later or you can eat immediately if you’re impatient like me. Enjoy!

Cashew Mayo Recipe

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup cashews
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp yellow or dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions: 

  1. Either soak the cashews overnight or add water and let it boil for about 20 minutes to soften them.
  2. Add the softened cashews and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor or a blender and blend until smooth.

 

Vegan Big Mac 

Recipe derived from PETA website

Ingredients (for one gigantic burger):

  • 2 vegan friendly burger buns
  • 2 slices of vegan cheese (I used Earth Island Cheddar Style slices)
  • 2 veggie patties (I used Yves – the Good Veggie Burger)
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • Thinly sliced dill pickles
  • Vegan Big Mac Sauce –
    • 1/2 cup vegan mayo (see above for easy Cashew Mayo recipe)
    • 1 tsp yellow mustard
    • 1 tbsp relish
    • 1 tsp white vinegar
    • 1/8 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

  1. Cook veggie burger patties on one side according to package instructions. Flip over and place one vegan cheese slice on top of each patty. Cover and cook for another couple of minutes.
  2. While veggie burgers are cooking, you can make the Big Mac sauce. Add all sauce ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
  3. Now we can assemble the burger. Take the bottom of one bun and layer with half of the Big Mac sauce, onions and lettuce. Place one vegan burger patty on top and top with half of the pickles. Place another bottom bun on top and repeat the same process – layer with Big Mac sauce, onions and lettuce, then place the other vegan burger patty on top and top with the rest of pickles. Then add the top part of the bun and you are finished!

 

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2 thoughts on “DIY Vegan Fast Food (Big Mac, Tofu Nuggets & Macaroni Salad)”

  1. Bethany Kluender

    Do you think that sunflower seeds would work in place of cashews? My boyfriend is allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts.

    1. Cheap Lazy Vegan

      hmmm I’m not sure because cashews and sunflower seeds are very different and cashews have a more creamy consistency… but you could give it a try?

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