[EMBARGO 2/6 At 9 A.m. EST] We Tried Beyond’s Two Newest Steak Products: Here’s What We Thought

It is an exciting era for those following a plant-based diet. When I transitioned to veganism in 2018, the market was quite limited. While there were early versions of veggie burgers and some mock chicken available, the current variety is vastly superior. From plant-based sausages—my personal favorite—to vegan meatballs perfect for pasta night, there is no shortage of convenient meal options. One product-comparison/” title=”Okta vs Azure Active Directory (AD): Product Comparison”>product I have been buying frequently is Beyond Steak. These steak-style tips are found in the freezer section of most major grocery stores. By sautéing them in a pan with a bit of oil, you get a simple protein substitute for skirt steak. I typically use Beyond Steak for stir-fries when I want a change from tofu, though there are countless other recipes that could benefit from this versatile protein.

Before this review, I had only sampled the brand’s original seared tips, but I was eager to try the two newest variations: chimichurri and Korean barbecue-style. I prepared both versions and compared them against the original seared tips I already enjoy to determine which flavor was best and whether these new offerings are worth the purchase.

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

What are the Beyond Steak plant-based seared tips?

The Beyond brand is well-established in the plant-based meat industry. It offers a wide range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground meat, and meatballs, which are sold in grocery stores nationwide. The company also provides food service options, so you might encounter Beyond products on restaurant menus as well.

Beyond Steak plant-based seared tips are a soy-free alternative crafted from seitan (wheat gluten), fava beans, oil, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder. The original steak tips are unflavored, yet they possess a savory, fatty quality that is remarkably similar to traditional steak. A ¾ cup serving provides 6 grams of fat, 300 milligrams of sodium, and 21 grams of protein. The new flavored versions contain 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving.

Because these tips are made with seitan, they are not suitable for those with wheat allergies. The wheaty profile of the seitan is quite prominent. However, the reason I have been purchasing these tips since their 2022 launch is that the flavor is easily customized with marinades or sauces. While I enjoy adding a thick stir-fry sauce or marinating them in Mediterranean herbs for pita wraps, there are many ways to season them. Now that two pre-flavored options have hit the market, I wanted to see if they eliminate the need for that extra preparation.

Where can you buy the Beyond steak tips?

Beyond Steak is widely available in grocery stores across the country, making it easy to find at retailers like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target. I personally purchase bulk bags from my local BJ’s Wholesale Club. The advantage of buying in larger quantities is the ability to meal prep for the week; while most stores carry 10-ounce bags, I can find 28-ounce packages at BJ’s. Prices for 10-ounce bags generally range from $6 to nearly $10.

As of the publication date, the chimichurri and Korean barbecue-style steak are exclusively available at Sprouts Farmers Markets. The suggested retail price is $8.99.

I immediately noticed that these chimichurri pieces were larger than the original steak tips I have bought previously. Upon opening the bag, I detected a stronger garlic scent than anticipated, though it did not quite replicate the experience of a fresh, chimichurri-coated steak off the grill. While achieving that flavor in a frozen product is difficult, I was hoping for a more herbal aroma to match the “chimichurri” label.

There was very little scent released while the steak cooked. Chimichurri sauce is typically defined by its herbal, punchy, and fresh qualities, which were lacking here. Regarding taste, these chimichurri-spiced pieces are certainly more flavorful than the brand’s plain steak, which can taste like under-seasoned seitan, but I am not entirely convinced by the “chimichurri” branding. I could detect faint notes of parsley, but the complex herb profile that makes the sauce so iconic was missing.

That said, these would be excellent topped with additional chimichurri or another sauce. While the product did not perfectly capture the intended flavor, it is approachable and versatile. I could see myself serving these with tzatziki, hummus, pesto, or even barbecue sauce, making it a success in certain respects.

Taste test: Korean barbecue-style

Although I have never been to a Korean barbecue restaurant, I have had enough Asian-inspired barbecue sauces to understand the flavor profile this product aims for. I expected the meat to come with a sauce coating, but it was just as dry as the other Beyond Steak products. The frozen pieces had a sweet, fruity, and floral aroma with hints of pineapple. However, there was no sauce present to mimic the typical Korean barbecue experience, nor were there any included packets to coat the meat after cooking. Consequently, the meat never became overly sweet or cloying. Initially, I thought it was a success, but my opinion waned as I ate more. The meaty flavor remained dominant, while the barbecue notes faded away. If you served this to someone without mentioning the flavor, “Korean barbecue” would likely not be their first or even second guess.

Furthermore, there is not enough flavor for this protein to stand out in a dish like a bao bun. If you were using it in a stir-fry, you would need extra sauce in the bag to coat your rice or vegetables. While it is a tasty addition to the Beyond lineup, I do not find it as versatile or successful as the chimichurri variety.

The verdict: Are the new steak tip flavors worth buying?

My primary focus in evaluating these products was approachability. I am accustomed to the flavor of plant-based meats, such as Beyond’s wheaty-tasting steak, but those new to the category might find it off-putting. In that regard, these new flavors could be particularly useful. Both the chimichurri and Korean barbecue-seasoned meats have enough character to mask the taste of the seitan, potentially making them more palatable for omnivores.

If I had to choose one, I would pick the chimichurri. While it did not fully deliver on its herbal promise—and it was a bold move for the brand to attempt that flavor profile—the herbs were pleasant enough, and the steak would be much more enjoyable for a plant-based beginner than the plain version. Meanwhile, the Korean barbecue style hinted at a sweet, delicious profile, but it still requires refinement. I do not think it would be a successful substitute for home-cooked Korean barbecue. If paired with something as mild as a radish, let alone spicy kimchi, its flavor would be completely overwhelmed. Still, it is not as bland as the original steak, which is a positive.

Both products show potential, even if they fell slightly short of their flavor promises. It is a step in the right direction and an honest effort that both plant-based eaters and omnivores can appreciate.