10+ Vitamin B12 Food Recipes to Boost Your Energy and Health
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in your overall health. It supports your energy levels, brain function, and red blood cell formation. Including recipes that are high in vitamin B12 can help you maintain good health while enjoying delicious meals.
Incorporating a variety of vitamin B12-rich foods into your diet can be simple and fun. From hearty breakfast options to flavorful dinners, you can find plenty of ways to boost your intake of this important vitamin. This article will share tasty recipes that make it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of vitamin B12.
1) Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese
A smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese is a delicious way to enjoy vitamin B12. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the salmon. This dish is easy to make and great for breakfast or brunch.
To prepare, start with a toasted bagel, spread your favorite cream cheese on top, and layer it with sliced smoked salmon. You can add fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the taste.
You can also sprinkle some capers for a salty bite. This meal not only tastes great but is also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 bagel
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 3-4 ounces smoked salmon
- Fresh dill or chives (optional)
- Capers (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Toast the bagel until golden brown.
- Spread cream cheese evenly on both halves.
- Layer smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
- Add fresh herbs and capers if desired.
- Enjoy your tasty bagel!
2) Whole-Grain Raspberry Jam Bars
Whole-grain raspberry jam bars are a delicious way to enjoy a snack packed with flavor. These bars are great for breakfast or as a quick treat during the day. You will love how easy they are to make.
To start, you will need whole wheat flour, oats, nuts, and raspberry jam. This combination not only tastes good but also offers some nutritional benefits. The oats and whole grains add fiber while the jam gives a nice fruity touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, nuts, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine honey and melted coconut oil.
- Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Spread half the mixture into a baking dish.
- Layer the raspberry jam evenly over the mixture.
- Top with the remaining mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
3) Homemade Beet Hummus
Homemade beet hummus is a tasty and colorful dip. It’s packed with nutrients and is easy to make. You can enjoy it with pita bread, veggies, or as a sandwich spread.
To start, roast some fresh beets until they are soft and tender. You’ll blend them with chickpeas, tahini, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of cumin for flavor. The result is creamy and delicious.
This hummus not only looks great but also offers a boost of vitamin B12 when paired with other ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to your healthy snack list!
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Roast the beets for 40-45 minutes until soft.
- Let the beets cool, then peel and chop them.
- In a blender, combine beets, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4) Quinoa Vegetarian Chili
Quinoa vegetarian chili is a tasty and healthy option packed with flavor. You can use black beans, kidney beans, and lots of fresh vegetables. It’s filling and great for lunch or dinner.
To make it, cook your quinoa and set it aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and a mix of chopped peppers until soft. Add the beans, cooked quinoa, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
For extra flavor, sprinkle in some chili powder and cumin. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. You can serve it hot with a squeeze of lime juice on top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Lime juice (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add green and red peppers, and cook until soft.
- Stir in black beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Add cooked quinoa, chili powder, and cumin.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve with lime juice.
5) Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and delicious way to add vitamin B12 to your meals. This recipe uses lean ground beef and fresh broccoli, making it both healthy and satisfying.
You will sauté the beef with garlic and ginger for flavor. The broccoli adds fiber and vital nutrients. Soy sauce and a touch of honey round off the dish with a nice balance.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without much fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for cooking
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil.
- Sauté the onion until soft.
- Add the ground beef, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Stir in the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle soy sauce and honey over the beef and broccoli. Mix well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve warm.
6) Chicken Liver Pâté
Chicken liver pâté is a delicious and nutritious dish. It’s packed with vitamins, especially vitamin B12, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. You can spread it on toast or enjoy it with crackers.
For this recipe, you’ll need fresh chicken livers. They are quick to prepare and very flavorful. Sauté them with garlic and shallots for an aromatic base.
The pâté can be served warm or chilled. It pairs well with pickles or a light salad. This dish is perfect for an appetizer or a snack.
Ingredients
- ½ lb chicken livers
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- ¾ cup butter
Cooking Instructions
- In a pan, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in the chicken livers and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Chill in the fridge before serving.
7) Warm Mackerel & Beetroot Salad
This warm salad is a great way to enjoy mackerel and beetroot while getting a boost of vitamin B12. The smoky flavor of the mackerel pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted beetroot.
Start by boiling some new potatoes and flake the mackerel into large pieces. Cut the beetroot into bite-sized chunks. Mix everything together with a light dressing to enhance the flavors.
This dish is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. It takes just a short time to cook, making it perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 450g (1lb) new potatoes
- 3 smoked mackerel fillets, skinned
- Beetroot, cut into chunks
- 2 tsp creamed horseradish sauce
- 6 tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Boil the new potatoes for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Flake the mackerel fillets.
- Cut the beetroot into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the potatoes, mackerel, and beetroot in a bowl.
- Drizzle with creamed horseradish and olive oil, then mix gently.
8) Breakfast Burrito with Bacon
Start your day with a tasty breakfast burrito that combines eggs, bacon, and some fresh veggies. It’s packed with protein, making it a great choice for breakfast.
To make this burrito, cook crispy bacon and scramble some eggs. You can add ingredients like cheese, peppers, or avocado for extra flavor.
Warm a tortilla in a pan, then layer in the bacon, eggs, and your favorite toppings. Roll it up tight, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of bacon
- 1 tortilla (10 inches)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup diced peppers (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, scramble the eggs.
- Warm the tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Layer the eggs, bacon, cheese, and peppers on the tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly, tuck in the ends, and serve hot.
9) Easy Clam Chowder
Easy clam chowder is a simple and delicious meal you can make at home. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines clams with potatoes, onions, and spices for a comforting dish.
You can serve it as a main course or as an appetizer. It pairs well with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this warm bowl on a chilly day!
Ingredients
- 1 can of clams (about 10 ounces)
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Then, add the clams and their juice, and pour in the milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
10) Fortified Nutritional Yeast Soup
This delicious soup is a fantastic way to boost your vitamin B12 intake. Using fortified nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and essential nutrients, perfect for a cozy meal.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until they’re soft. Then, add chopped vegetables like carrots and celery.
After adding the chopped vegetables, pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
Stir in the fortified nutritional yeast, letting it dissolve into the soup. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the veggies are tender. You can season with salt, pepper, and herbs to your taste.
Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors along with the health benefits.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fortified nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (like thyme or parsley)
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pot.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking until soft.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot.