Description
This Vegan Walnut Taco Meat recipe offers a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional taco fillings. Made with finely chopped walnuts sautéed with aromatic spices, garlic, and onion, and enhanced with soy sauce and fresh lime juice, this savory mix provides a satisfying texture and bold flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Walnut Taco Meat
- 3 cups walnuts (whole or half pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari sauce, coconut aminos)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Pulse the walnuts: Use a food processor or blender (or chop them by hand) to pulse the walnuts until they are chopped but some large chunks remain. Avoid over-blending your walnuts as they will turn mushy. Set aside.
- Cook onion & garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add seasonings: Turn the heat to medium low. Add the cumin and chili powder to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring often to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Cook walnuts: Add the pulsed walnuts to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Pour in the soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the walnuts are heated through and lightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the walnut taco meat immediately in your favorite tacos, taco bowls, or as a protein-rich filling for wraps and salads.
Notes
- Do not over-process walnuts to maintain texture.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
- This filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: vegan walnut taco meat, plant-based taco filling, vegan tacos, walnut ground meat, easy vegan recipe
