The invention discloses a nitrite-substituted meat processing method, and belongs to the technical field of food processing. The nitrite-substituted meat processing method comprises the following steps: selecting raw materials, carrying out pickling treatment and processing a meat product, so that the final products of the meat product are prepared; and the nitrite is substituted by a nitrite substitute during the step of carrying out pickling treatment. The nitrite substitute comprises the following components in parts by weight: 4-5 parts of monascorubin, 0.7-1.3 parts of betanin, 4-6 parts of potassium sorbate, 2-3 parts of D-sodium isoascorbate, 1.5-2.5 parts of nisin, 9-11 parts of sodium lactate, 1-2 parts of natamycin, 5-6 parts of natural vitamin E, 1-2 parts of a rosemary extract, 0.5-1.5 parts of sage essential oil, 1-2 parts of tea polyphenols, 15-16 parts of L-sodium glutamate, 0.5-1.5 parts of flavoring 5'-disodium ribonucleotide, 40-43 parts of a yeast extract, 4-5 parts of sodium tripolyphosphate and 0.5-1.5 parts of ethyl maltol. The nitrite-substituted meat processing method disclosed by the invention is simple, easy to operate and free of nitrite addition; and the prepared meat products are very good in qualities, color, luster and taste.