Are you ready to elevate your taco night with a mouthwatering twist? Say goodbye to traditional meat and hello to our Walnut Vegan Taco Meat—a delightful, plant-based alternative that packs a punch of flavor! In just 25 minutes, you can create a savory filling that’s not only delicious but also nutritious, making it perfect for vegans and meat-lovers alike. With a blend of spices and the rich texture of walnuts, this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to make tacos that are both satisfying and guilt-free!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Finely chop 1 cup of walnuts and set them aside in a mixing bowl.
- Dice 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Make sure to have these ready to go as they will be sautéed together.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion.
- Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the finely chopped walnuts to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, followed by 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the walnuts are evenly coated with the spices and soy sauce.
- Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the walnuts to become slightly toasted.
- As the taco meat cooks, taste and add salt as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Once the walnut mixture is cooked and aromatic, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Your Walnut Vegan Taco Meat is now ready to be served! Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for salads.
- Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your walnuts, onion, and garlic ahead of time. You can store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more chili powder for extra heat or try adding some oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Toast the Walnuts: For an enhanced nutty flavor, consider toasting the walnuts in the skillet for a couple of minutes before adding the onion and garlic.
- Serve Creatively: This walnut taco meat isn’t just for tacos! Use it as a filling for burritos, a topping for salads, or even as a savory stuffing for bell peppers.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a fantastic addition to grain bowls or wraps the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
