Vegan Walnut Taco Meat

This walnut taco meat is packed with flavor and plant-based protein, making it perfect for tortillas, salads, or taco bowls. The walnuts create a hearty, satisfying texture similar to ground beef that might even win over meat-lovers—my husband actually likes it, and that’s saying a LOT!

Over a decade ago, I ditched the store-bought faux taco meat and started making this recipe. All you need is five simple ingredients—most of them pantry spices. Plus, this recipe tastes better than store-bought options and you’ll skip the synthetic ingredients found in many faux meats. It’s an easy, repeat-worthy recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegan walnut taco meat packs a ton of flavor, but the ingredient list is delightfully simple. It’s made with a few everyday pantry staples you may already have on hand:

• Raw walnuts (soaked): The star of the show! Soaking them softens the nuts and helps them take on that meaty texture. You can usually find raw walnuts in the baking aisle or bulk bins.
• Tamari: Just a small amount adds a rich, savory depth that makes the walnut “meat” taste like it’s been cooking for hours. Tamari works perfectly here. You’ll find it in the international foods aisle or near the soy sauce.
• Spices: Cumin adds warmth, paprika gives a smoky touch, and chili powder brings a gentle kick. Grab all three in the spice aisle at any grocery store.

How to Make Walnut Taco Meat

If you’ve only ever tried boring, vegan “meat,” get ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown. This walnut taco meat is hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just a few simple steps:

1. Place raw walnuts in a bowl of water for at least 20 minutes. Overnight is even better. Soaking softens them and helps create a meaty texture.
2. Drain the walnuts once soaked and give them a quick rinse.
3. Combine the drained walnuts and tamari in a food processor along with your spices. Pulse until the mixture is chopped and looks like ground (minced) meat with a crumbly texture.
4. Give it a quick taste and add a pinch more of your favorite spices. Spoon the walnut taco meat into tortillas, cabbage wraps, or taco bowls with your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan walnut taco meat is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to serve it at home:

• Cabbage or lettuce wraps: A crunchy, low-carb option that makes the tacos feel fresh and light. I do this in my 21-Day Cleanse.
• Classic tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas and pile in the walnut meat with your favorite veggies. It’s also delicious tucked into my bean and rice burritos for a hearty, plant-based meal.
• Taco bowls: Layer the walnut meat over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
• Toppings: Finish with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, pickled onions, black beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, or guacamole. My avocado crema or cashew cream make great vegan finishers.
• Family-style taco night: Set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own tacos or nachos. Kids love choosing their favorite toppings, and it keeps dinner fun and interactive.

More Taco Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving the hearty, flavorful vibe of this vegan taco meat, you’ll love these vegan tacos too. They’re delicious as written, and you can also add the walnut taco meat as an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• Crispy and classic, these tacos de papa feature seasoned potatoes wrapped in warm tortillas.
• Crunchy and bold, these crispy chickpea tacos deliver big flavor in every bite.
• Inspired by Austin’s vibrant food, these Austin vegan tacos are colorful, zesty, and packed with plant-based goodness.
• Smoky, tender, and saucy, these BBQ jackfruit tacos are a mouthwatering vegan twist on barbecue.

If you make this walnut taco meat recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.