Say hello to the easiest (and tastiest) recipe for vegan taco meat! Soaked walnuts are pulsed in a food processor until crumbly, then sautéed with homemade taco seasoning for a chewy, flavorful filling. It's rich, savory and perfect for tacos, nachos and more!
This vegan walnut taco meat looks, feels, smells and tastes like the real deal. This recipe uses one main ingredient (walnuts) plus a simple homemade taco seasoning that gives it an authentic taste. If you're feeling doubtful that walnuts could actually be good in a taco... just hear me out and give it a try! It's actually an incredible vegan swap for meat!
Tacos are a favorite in my household, and with tons of vegan dinner recipes to choose from, they’re always a hit. I love setting out a variety of ingredients so everyone can customize their own. The taco meat adds incredible flavor, plant-based protein, and a satisfying, meat-like texture - perfect for my crispy fried black bean tacos!
How to Make Vegan Taco Meat
For this meatless taco recipe, start things off by soaking the walnuts in advance to give them a chewy consistency. After that, pulse them a couple times in the food processor for the perfect meat-like, crumbly texture.
The walnut crumbles then get sautéed on the stovetop for a couple minutes with homemade taco seasoning. It's all so easy and so good! While everything combines on the stove, the walnuts release their toasty flavor and become golden brown. It is so delicious and yet so incredibly simple.
The Health Benefits of Walnuts in Taco Meat
Walnuts are filling and can control blood sugar levels which make them an excellent choice for creating vegan taco meat. Walnuts also contain omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3s could lower your overall risk of heart disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, Omega-3s also reduce joint pain and improve brain function and development.
Walnuts are also a good source of magnesium, which can lower blood pressure!
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
I make a quick homemade spice blend that takes this away from "walnuts in a tortilla" and straight into "authentic street taco" territory! The secret is the spice! I would guess that these are all in your spice cabinet already, so let's make a vegan, gluten-free taco seasoning!
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Maple sugar
- Salt and pepper
Now, let’s get to making this incredibly authentic vegan walnut taco meat! This dish is dairy-free, egg-free, meat-free, soy-free, peanut-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free and gluten-free. Plus, it is so easy to make, uses all pantry ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes!
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Homemade Vegan Taco Meat with Walnuts
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Say hello to the easiest (and tastiest) recipe for vegan taco meat! Soaked walnuts are pulsed in a food processor until crumbly, then sautéed with homemade taco seasoning for a chewy, flavorful filling. It's rich, savory and perfect for tacos, nachos and more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw unsalted chopped walnuts, soaked in advance*
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 batch homemade taco seasoning mix:
- 2.5 tsp ground chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp maple sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the walnuts in boiling water for one hour. Drain, rinse well and add to a 7-cup food processor. Pulse the walnuts 10-20 times until desired texture is reached. You don't want any large chunks but you don't want to process it so long that it becomes mushy. I look for a uniform crumbly texture with tiny crumbles. Set aside.
- Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. Add oil and the walnut crumbles from the food processor. Add all the seasonings and stir well to distribute evenly. Sauté the seasoned crumbled walnuts over medium heat until toasted golden brown, warmed through and fragrant (about 7 minutes). Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon while sautéing to ensure all sides of the walnut crumbles get evenly toasted. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Enjoy immediately or store leftovers after it has fully cooled to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftovers on the stovetop for best results.
Notes
You can use walnut halves in this recipe instead of chopped. I just find it easier to use chopped walnuts.
If serving to children or if you are sensitive to spicy foods you may want to use less chili powder.
Recipe time does not include time for the walnuts to soak. You can make this dish without soaking, but if you do I recommend sautéing the walnuts on the stovetop for longer. The final result will be good but not as "meat-like." The soaking really helps to soften up the walnuts. You can soak the walnuts in water overnight if desired. I like to use the quick soak method in the directions using boiling water for one hour. You can leave them soaking for longer if desired.
- Prep Time: 3
- Cook Time: 7
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Jeanne says
I’ve made this twice and truly love it. So easy and simple yet full of flavor and possibilities!
Elaine Gordon says
Yay! Thank you for letting me know, Jeanne! I love it too and I'm so happy to hear you feel the same. I agree it is quite versatile 🙂 Best, Elaine
Lo says
I made it with onions and peppers and it was yum!
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Lo! Thanks so much! So happy to hear you enjoyed this one. I love that you added some veggies to it too - always a good idea! I bet that was delicious. Best, Elaine
Abby says
Love this recipe. It’s simple to make and really tasty! I have swapped walnuts for peacans when I ran out. Also super yummy!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Abby! I'll have to try with pecans next time! Thanks for the idea!