What do you think?
Rate this book
Protein Ninja: Mit Power durch den Tag - 100 herzhafte pflanzliche Rezpete für den ultimativen Proteinkick
I wanted protein recipes other than that mashing a vanilla-flavored powder with almond butter and flax seeds and calling it a day. I wanted something that really made me feel as if I was cooking. And yes, even good old-fashioned baking! Adding pure, unflavored, but wholesome plant-based protein powders to recipes brings out my inner foodie alchemist. I heard the call of the protein ninja.Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or eat-everything-you-can-get-your-hands-on, a weeknight home chef, everyday athlete, or just a busy person looking wholesome, protein-rich snacks and meals, you deserve something better than another chia seed ball or protein shake for dinner. Award-winning vegan chef Terry Hope Romero leads the charge with 100 lean, mean recipes using a wide range of readily available ingredients -- from supermarket-friendly staples to cutting-edge superfoods and an arsenal of gluten- and soy-free options. With an everything-you-need-to-know rundown on plant-based protein sources, and chapters like Stealthy Protein Pancakes, Waffles, Scrambles, & Much Much More, Super Savory or Sweet, and Better than Ever Burger Bowls, you'll soon be sneaking plant-based protein into your breakfasts, dinners, and everything in between.Dig Chocolate Avocado Smoothie BowlGolden Corn Hemp Protein WafflesBaked Veggie Pan OmeletEdamame Spelt FlatbreadsGaram Masala Red Lentil ToastCheezy Herb Kale SconesGreen Goddess Burger & Roasted Potatoes BowlTomato Gravy & Biscuit Kale BowlKorean Tofu Taco SaladLemongrass Tempeh Meatballs with Peanut Satay SauceWaffled Tofu, Waffles & Collards BowlBlack Bean Hemp BrowniesPeanut Butter Coconut Cherry Chewies. . . and many more!
Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
About the author
Terry Hope Romero
17 books89 followersTerry Hope Romero, author and co-author of bestselling vegan cookbooks Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar, and Viva Vegan!: Authentic Vegan Latina American Recipes has also presented informative and lively cooking demonstration and talks to hungry crowds at food festivals and conferences the world over, ranging from Paris, New York City, Boston, Toronto, and many more. Terry also contributes to VegNews (leading vegan lifestyle magazine) her Hot Urban Eats column. She also holds a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University.
Terry lives, cooks and eats in NYC.
Terry lives, cooks and eats in NYC.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2016
I gave this book 3 stars because while all the recipes look AMAZING! I was a little bummed to see that so many recipes rely on protein powders. If that's something you are into this book is great. But as someone who thinks they are unnecessary I was disappointed to see them used so heavily in this book.
For example, all the bread recipes call for protein powder & it's not just a few Tablespoons is like 1/2C. So I can't just eliminate it. I'll have to play around with subbing flour or something.
I went ahead & got the book anyway because the recipes all look delicious & I am such a fan of her Salad Cookbook.
For example, all the bread recipes call for protein powder & it's not just a few Tablespoons is like 1/2C. So I can't just eliminate it. I'll have to play around with subbing flour or something.
I went ahead & got the book anyway because the recipes all look delicious & I am such a fan of her Salad Cookbook.
September 1, 2016
It is no secret I really like Terry Hope Romero and Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Sometimes I feel like the vegan world is crammed with feel good Californians, so having some snarky New Yorkers with killer food makes me happy. Since Terry and Isa both started to write their own cookbooks, it has always been interesting to see how each person cooks. Romero seems to write about specific topics- whether it is a specific world cuisine, salads, or in this case- protein.
Photos
There isn't a photo for every recipe, but then again, do we need that? Answer- probably not. I mean we don't need to see what a smoothie bowl looks like more than once. But the photos that are in the book are beautiful and fun. Instead of JUST featuring the recipe, the photographer arranges the recipe as if it is just being arranged in the kitchen.
The photographer worked with Terry Hope Romero for her sister book Salad Samurai and for Isa Chandra Moskowitz's book Isa Does It. As I praised with Isa Does It, the photos look as if you walked into a working kitchen, but somehow with the perfect lighting and the perfect amount of mess. Although the photos are clearly staged, it does give the recipes a sense of approachability that encourages people to make them everyday.
Set-up
Romero takes a quick approach, giving you an introduction and some protein basics. This is probably a good thing since she uses protein powders in so many of the recipes. She talks about the basic different powders and why she chooses to use one in a certain recipe and not another. I am a little disappointed that she doesn't include soy protein isolate, or at least explain why she doesn't like it. It use to be THE protein for vegans.
She then touches base for other common ingredients she uses and talks about some cooking basics. Most people can skip this section but if you never cooked brown rice before? Well Romero has you covered so you don't have to pause that podcast to google "how to cook brown rice." Heck I even used her coconut bacon recipe in that section.
Recipe categories? I liked how she divided them up: Unstoppable Smoothie Bowls and Granola; Stealthy Protein Pancakes, Waffles, and Much Much More; The Protein Bakery Basket; Super Toast: Savory and Sweet; Protein-Packed Patties and Burgers; Better Than Ever Burger Bowls; Grain and Noodles Bowls; and finally Sweet Treats.
Writing
As with all Terry Hope Romero's book, I am always impressed with her writing. It is always open and very relatable. She more or less mocks the pseudo-enlightened statements that are the so common ever since M.F.K. Fisher. She also has no visible typos or issues with the recipes- oh wait except for one. Her chickpea eggplant hemp veggieballs have no hemp in them. It bothers me endlessly. But truthfully, this is the least amount of issues I've seen in a cookbook where there is always one or two ingredients out of place or letters missing.
Overview
It seems there is a divide in the vegan world over this cookbook. A lot of vegans complain that it feeds into the "protein complex" that America has. Which is sad because Terry Hope Romero addresses this in the introduction. She, for the most part, wrote this book for weight lifting vegans. And I have to say, I think this is super helpful. I know Alexa would love this book since she is a big crossfitter, and is a flexitarian. She would like to avoid dairy and eggs, but when you are surrounded by a world that loves the paleo diet, it is hard to learn about vegan protein. This book would be perfect for her. Terry's recipes recommends cheap protein powder, aka not to use Vega (though some recipes need that, like the smoothie bowls)
What I also love about this book is that there are lots of tips to save your recipes. Many people don't live with their significant other, or eat the same thing as each other. So I hear lots of vegans say that they can't make a full recipe because it will go to waste. Romero gives lots of notes on which recipes you can double and freeze. This has been nice for me since I am expecting so I am stocking my freezer up for sleep deprived post baby me.
Right now, protein isn't on my list of things to pay attention to. I've been getting what I need, and probably should be eating more whole grains (as a pregnant lady that is) But once I deliver I probably going to dive into this cookbook. I find that this has lots of recipes that are very warming, and don't use as much fresh produce. So testing out these recipes while I have my CSA is a little bit of a struggle.
Otherwise I love this book. I will be using it a bunch in the future. If anyone is a vegan weight lifter, even with light weights, they will probably want to pick up this book. Terry Hope Romero uses protein powder, yes, but I think she varies the types making it friendly for lots of vegans. I am still a little sad she ignore soy protein, but hey, she likes to use tofu so that's okay.
Recipes
I reviewed some individual recipes on my blog. Click here to read them
Photos
There isn't a photo for every recipe, but then again, do we need that? Answer- probably not. I mean we don't need to see what a smoothie bowl looks like more than once. But the photos that are in the book are beautiful and fun. Instead of JUST featuring the recipe, the photographer arranges the recipe as if it is just being arranged in the kitchen.
The photographer worked with Terry Hope Romero for her sister book Salad Samurai and for Isa Chandra Moskowitz's book Isa Does It. As I praised with Isa Does It, the photos look as if you walked into a working kitchen, but somehow with the perfect lighting and the perfect amount of mess. Although the photos are clearly staged, it does give the recipes a sense of approachability that encourages people to make them everyday.
Set-up
Romero takes a quick approach, giving you an introduction and some protein basics. This is probably a good thing since she uses protein powders in so many of the recipes. She talks about the basic different powders and why she chooses to use one in a certain recipe and not another. I am a little disappointed that she doesn't include soy protein isolate, or at least explain why she doesn't like it. It use to be THE protein for vegans.
She then touches base for other common ingredients she uses and talks about some cooking basics. Most people can skip this section but if you never cooked brown rice before? Well Romero has you covered so you don't have to pause that podcast to google "how to cook brown rice." Heck I even used her coconut bacon recipe in that section.
Recipe categories? I liked how she divided them up: Unstoppable Smoothie Bowls and Granola; Stealthy Protein Pancakes, Waffles, and Much Much More; The Protein Bakery Basket; Super Toast: Savory and Sweet; Protein-Packed Patties and Burgers; Better Than Ever Burger Bowls; Grain and Noodles Bowls; and finally Sweet Treats.
Writing
As with all Terry Hope Romero's book, I am always impressed with her writing. It is always open and very relatable. She more or less mocks the pseudo-enlightened statements that are the so common ever since M.F.K. Fisher. She also has no visible typos or issues with the recipes- oh wait except for one. Her chickpea eggplant hemp veggieballs have no hemp in them. It bothers me endlessly. But truthfully, this is the least amount of issues I've seen in a cookbook where there is always one or two ingredients out of place or letters missing.
Overview
It seems there is a divide in the vegan world over this cookbook. A lot of vegans complain that it feeds into the "protein complex" that America has. Which is sad because Terry Hope Romero addresses this in the introduction. She, for the most part, wrote this book for weight lifting vegans. And I have to say, I think this is super helpful. I know Alexa would love this book since she is a big crossfitter, and is a flexitarian. She would like to avoid dairy and eggs, but when you are surrounded by a world that loves the paleo diet, it is hard to learn about vegan protein. This book would be perfect for her. Terry's recipes recommends cheap protein powder, aka not to use Vega (though some recipes need that, like the smoothie bowls)
What I also love about this book is that there are lots of tips to save your recipes. Many people don't live with their significant other, or eat the same thing as each other. So I hear lots of vegans say that they can't make a full recipe because it will go to waste. Romero gives lots of notes on which recipes you can double and freeze. This has been nice for me since I am expecting so I am stocking my freezer up for sleep deprived post baby me.
Right now, protein isn't on my list of things to pay attention to. I've been getting what I need, and probably should be eating more whole grains (as a pregnant lady that is) But once I deliver I probably going to dive into this cookbook. I find that this has lots of recipes that are very warming, and don't use as much fresh produce. So testing out these recipes while I have my CSA is a little bit of a struggle.
Otherwise I love this book. I will be using it a bunch in the future. If anyone is a vegan weight lifter, even with light weights, they will probably want to pick up this book. Terry Hope Romero uses protein powder, yes, but I think she varies the types making it friendly for lots of vegans. I am still a little sad she ignore soy protein, but hey, she likes to use tofu so that's okay.
Recipes
I reviewed some individual recipes on my blog. Click here to read them
January 8, 2017
Like many other reviewers, I was disappointed in this book. Here is the summary on the listing at my library:
"Award-winning vegan chef Terry Hope Romero leads the charge with 100 lean, mean recipes using a wide range of readily available ingredients-- from supermarket-friendly staples to cutting-edge superfoods and an arsenal of gluten- and soy-free options. With an everything-you-need-to-know rundown on plant-based protein sources, you'll soon be sneaking plant-based protein into your breakfasts, dinners, and everything in between."
Do you see anywhere in there where it says "using protein powders"? No. No you do not. In fact, it says "readily available ingredients" and "supermarket-friendly staples." I am pretty sure that I would have a hard time finding unflavored pea protein powder at my local grocery store. And I don't have it in my pantry. Sadly, most of the recipes in here rely on different types of protein powder to get their protein punch. I did find a few recipes in the book (not using protein powder) that I will try, but overall I was not impressed.
"Award-winning vegan chef Terry Hope Romero leads the charge with 100 lean, mean recipes using a wide range of readily available ingredients-- from supermarket-friendly staples to cutting-edge superfoods and an arsenal of gluten- and soy-free options. With an everything-you-need-to-know rundown on plant-based protein sources, you'll soon be sneaking plant-based protein into your breakfasts, dinners, and everything in between."
Do you see anywhere in there where it says "using protein powders"? No. No you do not. In fact, it says "readily available ingredients" and "supermarket-friendly staples." I am pretty sure that I would have a hard time finding unflavored pea protein powder at my local grocery store. And I don't have it in my pantry. Sadly, most of the recipes in here rely on different types of protein powder to get their protein punch. I did find a few recipes in the book (not using protein powder) that I will try, but overall I was not impressed.
March 30, 2016
While the recipes look tasty, over 75% require a protein powder. This was super disappointing as the title of the book says "Plant-Based", which i was wrongfully assuming to mean "whole-food". It would be great if there was some sort of substitution guide to walk through how to keep these recipes fully plant based.
March 7, 2025
I love this book. Terry is so creative in how she uses protein powder to pump up baked goods, such as protein pancakes, cheezy scones and blueberry muffins. Its just so nifty to incorporate protein powder in these recipes! She also offers a thorough description on how different types of protein powder work in recipes. She uses pea, rice and hemp protein. Myself, I've only been using pea protein and now I understand my cooking failures more!
The burgers and bowls from this book are also amazing, such as the Korean Taco Bowl for which I used dried pea protein curls, and the Pro Mac n Cheese that has hemp protein powder in the cheese sauce 💡
I really dont get why so many people whine about protein powder in a book that focuses on protein 😂 if you prefer a no-protein book, well, Protein Ninja isn't the book for you.
The burgers and bowls from this book are also amazing, such as the Korean Taco Bowl for which I used dried pea protein curls, and the Pro Mac n Cheese that has hemp protein powder in the cheese sauce 💡
I really dont get why so many people whine about protein powder in a book that focuses on protein 😂 if you prefer a no-protein book, well, Protein Ninja isn't the book for you.
November 15, 2020
I really like Terry Hope Romero, but maaaaaan, this book is super not my bag.
First of all, there are super not enough pictures. And the pictures that are there...don't look very appetizing to me. Everything just looks so dry! Plus, the back cover makes it sound like it's full of supermarket-friendly staples...um, like pea, hemp and brown rice protein powder? And Romero also seems to assume you have about eight different kinds of flour hanging out in your pantry--spelt, chickpea, buckwheat, vital wheat gluten, whole wheat white, all-purpose, whole-grain pastry...okay, that's only 7, but that's still 5 or 6 more than I've got!
I...am sending this one back to the library from whence it came, stat. No thank you!
First of all, there are super not enough pictures. And the pictures that are there...don't look very appetizing to me. Everything just looks so dry! Plus, the back cover makes it sound like it's full of supermarket-friendly staples...um, like pea, hemp and brown rice protein powder? And Romero also seems to assume you have about eight different kinds of flour hanging out in your pantry--spelt, chickpea, buckwheat, vital wheat gluten, whole wheat white, all-purpose, whole-grain pastry...okay, that's only 7, but that's still 5 or 6 more than I've got!
I...am sending this one back to the library from whence it came, stat. No thank you!
October 14, 2021
Tried one of the recipes today and it just happened to be the best tofu scramble I've ever made. Looking through the rest of the book, most recipes don't seem too complicated or time consuming, and the humor sprinkled through the instructions refreshingly elicited more smiles than eye rolls. Already planning my next dishes!
June 16, 2022
I liked this book and it is quite sophisticated in its use of proteins. it goes well beyond the typical health sports type book, offering a lot of pea protein recipes, and other great sources of protein.
May 25, 2017
One of the best here. Great collection of protein-heavy vegan recipes. REALLY good.
November 16, 2017
Easy to understand recipes that look healthy and tasty.
December 9, 2017
This cookbook needs more pictures to accompany each recipe. I always find I’m more tempted to try the recipe of the picture looks delicious. I’d say there’s only one picture for every 4 recipes.
November 1, 2024
I don't really know that just adding protein powder to recipes is such a ninja move, but I guess if you're looking for new ways to use protein powder this is probably a good book for you.
June 15, 2016
3.5 - For some reason I find this book tricky to navigate-- maybe because I'm curious about how protein is added into each recipe so I find myself reading the ingredients more than focusing on the dish itself. But overall, I like the concept of this book-- it's a good resource for vegan athletes as well as people who want a paleo-ish approach to a vegan diet. I dabble in vegan protein smoothies from time to time if I'm really training hard, but haven't incorporated protein powders into any of my cooking, so I think that's pretty interesting. I think this would be a book I'd consider adding to my shelf just because it's unique and might provide some good ideas-- particularly for my very athletic vegetarian partner who has a hard time keeping weight and muscle on.
March 30, 2016
Has some great ideas for high-protein vegan meals. It relies heavily on a variety of protein powders (which is what I was looking for) including using them as an alternative to flours in baking. There's a weird chapter on "toasts" that I thought was a stretch, and the dinner entrees are *super* vegan-style healthy... not totally my palate. Greatest value here for me was the info in the intro, and the breakfast options and "smoothie bowls."
February 7, 2024
I'm always looking for more ways to add more protein to our meals. Romero is the queen of seitan, seriously she has the best recipes. I was skeptical at first since this book had a lot of burger recipes, but Romero gives recipes to make other meals with the burger patties. The Sunny Oats Bowl is one of my favorites.
Do not miss the Sunny Golden Waffles in the breakfast section.
Romero has been a staple cookbook author on my shelf ever since I went vegan close to a decade ago.
Do not miss the Sunny Golden Waffles in the breakfast section.
Romero has been a staple cookbook author on my shelf ever since I went vegan close to a decade ago.
March 28, 2016
Delicious & filling breakfast recipes,which are mainly the ones I've been focused on so far.
February 18, 2016
Lots of ways to fit more protein into a vegan diet. As I'm not vegan, this isn't totally applicable, however, I did appreciate the protein based approach!
March 8, 2016
Love the authors other books, but this one is not for me.
September 27, 2016
Now that I've tried a couple of different protein powders, (watch out for yucky pea protein powders) this book is totally worth it!
April 23, 2017
“Protein Ninja. Power through you day with 100 hearty plant-based recipes that pack a protein punch” is another win. Terry Hope Romero outdid herself with another amazing cookbook. This is companion to “Salad Samurai”.
The idea of this book was born from Terry’s own needs, since she was going to the gym and needed protein in her body. This book is perfect for athletes, or just anyone who is looking for new, delicious recipes.
Again, there are amazing photos of some of the dishes. Not every recipe is accompanied by photo though. Also it looks that photos are just thrown there in no particular order and it is hard to connect a picture to the recipe. The book is beautifully designed, and printed. There are info, if the recipe is gluten free, or soy free, etc., which is helpful.
From smoothie bowls, granolas, to baked goods, burgers and noodle bowls, this book contains recipes with protein punch. Very often author uses vegan bought protein powders like: pea protein powder, brown rice protein powder or hemp protein powder. I personally would like to see less of this ingredient the the recipes, and be substituted with natural proteins instead.
Some of the recipes don’t need much time or preparation, but some take a while to get it ready. Some are easy and some are more complicated.
In general this is another great cookbook by Romero , filled with many amazing recipes, with different flavors, and textures. This book gets 4 stars from me.
The idea of this book was born from Terry’s own needs, since she was going to the gym and needed protein in her body. This book is perfect for athletes, or just anyone who is looking for new, delicious recipes.
Again, there are amazing photos of some of the dishes. Not every recipe is accompanied by photo though. Also it looks that photos are just thrown there in no particular order and it is hard to connect a picture to the recipe. The book is beautifully designed, and printed. There are info, if the recipe is gluten free, or soy free, etc., which is helpful.
From smoothie bowls, granolas, to baked goods, burgers and noodle bowls, this book contains recipes with protein punch. Very often author uses vegan bought protein powders like: pea protein powder, brown rice protein powder or hemp protein powder. I personally would like to see less of this ingredient the the recipes, and be substituted with natural proteins instead.
Some of the recipes don’t need much time or preparation, but some take a while to get it ready. Some are easy and some are more complicated.
In general this is another great cookbook by Romero , filled with many amazing recipes, with different flavors, and textures. This book gets 4 stars from me.
Read
July 8, 2017As other reviewers have mentioned, this cookbook relies considerably on protein powders; almost every recipe calls for some type (pea, hemp, brown rice, etc.) of powder. If this is of interest, the author gives a very good description of such powders, their uses, storage, where to buy, etc. in the opening chapters of the book. This cookbook would be a good resource if one was inclined to try incorporating more of them into one's cooking but at this time, however, they're not for me. I also didn't find too many of the recipes to be labeled gluten-free, a category which is included among the recipe descriptors. I'm sure some could be modified to be such.
Good for those who enjoy or would like to try using protein powders in their vegan cooking and who don't necessary need to be gluten-free.
Note that this review is based on an earlier version of the book: Protein Ninja: Power Through Your Day with 100 Hearty Plant-Based Recipes That Pack a Protein Punch. (Goodreads only had the Kindle version of this.)
Good for those who enjoy or would like to try using protein powders in their vegan cooking and who don't necessary need to be gluten-free.
Note that this review is based on an earlier version of the book: Protein Ninja: Power Through Your Day with 100 Hearty Plant-Based Recipes That Pack a Protein Punch. (Goodreads only had the Kindle version of this.)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews