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Meatless Monday just got a lot more delicious! This Walnut Taco Meat is made with only 7 ingredients and is a vegan alternative to your favorite taco meat recipe.
I can't believe it's taken me this long to share this walnut taco meat recipe! I used a similar mixture in my kale taco salad, and again in my ultimate taco salad, but this walnut taco meat is my FAVORITE of them all.
See, in my household, we're huge fans of "Meatless Monday". It's a great way to get out of your comfort zone while trying new and delicious food. This walnut taco meat fits the bill, and is a plant-based alternative to traditional meat.
Recipe features
- Made with walnuts + shiitake mushrooms for the ultimate texture
- Seasoned with easy-to-find ingredients
- An awesome way to trick your family (in my case, my husband) into eating mushrooms 😉
Ingredient notes:
- Walnuts: When blended/chopped, walnuts create a meat-like texture that other nuts, such as almonds or cashews, do not. Because of this, I don't recommend substituting for any other kind of nut!
- Mushrooms: Ok, so you can technically use any kind of mushrooms, since you're going to be dicing them up. I love shiitake mushrooms because they get slightly crispy (read: not mushy) when you sauté them with oil.
- Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, and soy sauce creates a delicious taco seasoning (trust me!!). But, if you want a substitution, you could use regular, store-bought taco seasoning, though you'll still have to add the soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos).
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Blend the walnuts. Start by adding the walnuts, along with the spices, to your food processor and pulse for 5 seconds or so. Then, with the motor still running, pour the soy sauce in through the top and pulse for 10-15 more seconds until everything is combined.
Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium, then add the diced mushrooms and salt and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they're soft.
Step 3: Combine. Last, scoop the walnut mixture out of your food processor and transfer it to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir to combine and heat until the walnuts are warm.
Tips and FAQs
-Be careful not to over-process the walnuts; otherwise, they'll be too mushy when heated and the texture won't be correct. You want them to resemble ground beef crumbles.
-Make sure to dice the mushrooms up really well, similarly to how you'd dice an onion.
-If you want the mushrooms to get crispy (my favorite!), simply sauté them for a little bit longer until they're golden brown.
-California Walnuts wrote about the versatility of walnuts -- be sure to check it out if you love this recipe!
Nope! If you absolutely hate mushrooms, you can use chickpeas (drained, rinsed and patted dry) or cooked lentils instead.
Yes! Prep this ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add it back into a skillet and heat over medium-low until it's warmed, or reheat in the microwave.
SO MANY! This walnut taco meat would be delicious in my spicy vegan enchiladas, added in vegan chili, sprinkled on top of vegan mac and cheese, and/or added into the Mexican quinoa meal prep bowl.
More vegan dinner recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Walnut Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw walnuts
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 oz. shiitake mushrooms diced
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Add walnuts, paprika, garlic, and cumin to your food processor then pulse for 5 seconds. With the motor still running, pour the soy sauce in through the top and pulse until mixture resembles meat (be careful not to over-mix -- the mixture should come together in 20 seconds or so).
- Next, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium, then add the mushrooms and salt and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Then, add the walnut mixture to the skillet and stir to combine until the walnuts are warm. Add more salt to taste and enjoy!
Laura says
I've made this a few times and love it! I'd like to make a bigger batch instead of making it fresh everytime. Do you know if it freezes okay? And be frozen before or after cooking?
Erin says
Great question! I haven't tried it, but I do think it would.. I'd freeze after cooking, but then you'll have to re-sauté to warm it up before eating/serving.
K Lynn Dreher says
"Per Serving" 410 Calories -- Is one taco one serving?
Erin says
The serving size varies greatly with this recipe, but that is per taco (walnuts are high in calories but also very good for you!)
Franneeannee says
Excellent! I’m going veggie and needed a taco filling that would work. This certainly does and I’m quite a seasoned taco lover. I’m surprised how good it is!
Erin says
I'm happy you liked it so much!
D__Jones says
Wow, my family was very impressed and we are CARNIVORES! We did ours without the mushrooms but the next time we certainly will add them. We used the seasonings as is and added a little taco seasoning as well. I will make these again - thanks for the recipe.
Erin says
I'm glad this recipe was a hit!
Ash says
It was easy and the texture was nice - crunchier than ground beef, but I like that.
The flavor profile was kind of off. I think it was too salty. Soy sauce was probably the wrong umami ingredient.
If I try it again I might substitute oyster sauce for the soy sauce and see how that goes.
Erin says
Hi Ash -- I'm glad you liked the recipe! This is meant to be a vegan meat substitute, hence why soy sauce is a good choice. But yes, if you're not vegan, feel free to use oyster sauce instead.
Shirlaine says
I must say for someone who doesn't like walnuts this was amazing. I was very sceptical for the only reason that there was walnuts in it. I've shared this recipe with everyone that
chose meatless lifestyle.
Make sure the walnuts are blended well my second batch I didn't as much, so was a bit crunchier than I would have like but delicious regardless. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I've been plant-base for 5 months now food.
Erin says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! My husband was VERY skeptical too, but he loves this recipe.
maia says
What do you think works as the best substitute for the shrooms? Thanks 🙂-Maia
Erin says
Hi! You could try using cauliflower instead, or omitting altogether and doubling up on the walnuts.
Sabrina says
so creative and so many things to make with these and love ground beef still but it's a nice way to swap to this healthier alternative every now and again so thank you and it even looks like ground beef!