Here’s a new trick for plant-based eating that will rock your world. Because it did for us! Meet this Walnut Vegan Taco Meat! It might sound odd, but the combination of mushrooms, walnuts, and spices makes a mixture that’s very similar in texture and flavor to real meat. We’ve had a few testers try this and everyone agrees: it’s so delicious! Use it in tacos, taco salad, and even in chili. It’s a great homemade alternative to processed veggie crumbles! Here are all the secrets.
Ingredients for vegan taco meat
What to expect with walnut taco meat? Well, here’s the thing: it’s not exactly like meat. It doesn’t quite have the same chewy texture. But it’s very close! In fact, it’s the closest thing we’ve ever had. And that’s saying something, since we’ve been writing vegetarian and vegan recipes for 10 years! Here’s what you’ll need for this kitchen magic trick:
Whole walnuts: make sure to measure them wholeBaby bella (cremini) mushrooms: you can also substitute white button mushroomsSoy sauce or tamari: or coconut aminos for soy freeKetchup: or use tomato paste for sugar freeCumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powderKosher saltOlive oil
Want more ideas for walnuts? Try these 10 Tasty Walnut Recipes.
Why it works: the basic idea behind walnut taco meat
Here’s the main idea behind this vegan walnut taco meat. It might sound odd: until you try it for the first time! You’ll be sold, one bite in. (At least, we were.) Here are the main steps you’ll complete:
Chop walnuts and mushrooms very finely to the texture resembling ground beef. Add savory seasonings to amp the “umami” flavor of these ingredients. Saute the mixture until it is lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in a little olive oil to approximate the richness of ground beef.
Use a food processor (or knife)
You’ll need one special tool for this vegan taco meat: a food processor! But you can also make it with a knife. Here are a few notes on the chopping:
Use a large-sized food processor. If all you have is a small one, you can do it in batches. Pulse, don’t process! The key here is to pulse until the texture resembles ground beef. Don’t even think turning on the food processor continuously! If you do that, it turns into a watery paste. Alternatively, use a knife! It takes a little longer, but you can definitely chop the mushrooms and walnuts, then stir in the spices.
Vegan taco meat is a great alternative to purchased crumbles
This vegan taco meat is a great alternative to store-bought veggie crumbles. In fact, some brands are essentially just as much a processed food as ground beef itself (though some brands these days are more natural). You can also store it just like store-bought! Keep reading…
Storage info for walnut taco meat: freeze it!
The nice thing about this vegan taco meat: you can freeze it just like purchased veggie crumbles! This makes it perfect for throwing crumbles into soups, salads, and more. Here’s what to do if you make these crumbles in advance:
Refrigerate 1 week. It lasts very well in the refrigerator: simply reheat it in a skillet for a minute or two. Freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze it, place it on a baking sheet in a single layer for 1 hour. Then remove the crumbles from the tray and place them in a freezer safe container. Store for up to 3 months and reheat in a skillet before serving.
Ways to serve vegan taco meat
The uses for these crumbles are endless! In fact, they’re so good we can’t help but use them on everything! Don’t limit yourself to only recipes with the word “taco”. Here are some vegan recipes where walnut taco meat shines:
Tacos like vegan tacos, plant based street tacos, black bean tacos or refried bean tacos (see more tacos)Salad like our Ultimate Taco Salad (with genius creamy dressing) or Mexican saladNachos like Sheet Pan Nachos or the BEST Vegan Nachos
Ways not use it? Avoid using this taco meat in chili (it gets soggy) or to make burgers (it doesn’t hold up.
This vegan taco meat recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free
More vegan recipes
Here are a few more key vegan recipes that work as substitutes in a whole food plant-based diet: 4.9 from 18 reviews **If you can’t find smoked paprika, you can substitute chili powder here.
Cashew Cream is a great vegan substitute for sour cream and in creamy saucesVegan Nacho Cheese (Queso) is fantastic for nachos or a dip for chipsGo-To Vegan Pancakes or Vegan Waffles are perfect for lazy morningsVegan Chocolate Pudding is a rich sweet treatVegan Fajitas, Epic Vegetarian Fajitas or Vegetarian Enchiladas are a filling plant-based dinnerVegan Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy crowd-pleaser
