Mexican inspired vegan tofu tacos! These easy vegan tacos are bursting with flavor with every bite, made with simple ingredients, and bound to impress the biggest meat eater.
I wish I had a picture of my mom’s face when I made these tacos for her. The only word she could get out of her mouth before taking another bite was “wow.”
Her reaction speaks for itself. These vegan tofu tacos are out of this world good and have more flavor than I would have though possible in a simple tofu taco.
It all starts with a base of Spanish rice (or cilantro lime rice if you prefer), fresh black bean and corn salsa, my tofu and walnut taco meat crumbles, chopped romaine lettuce for a little crunch, and a creamy dairy free cilantro lime crema to top if all off.
I’ve played around with so many different types of vegan taco meat over the years. My previous go to just wasn’t cutting it anymore and I felt like it was time for an upgrade.
You get the most perfectly crumbly and meaty texture, an incredible flavor thanks to chipotle peppers, and it’s both chewy and crispy and baked to perfection.
If you love this recipe, try my vegetarian nachos or tofu fajitas next!
Key Ingredients
Tofu Walnut Taco Meat: The vegan taco meat for this recipe is made from a base of tofu and walnuts and a whole lot of spices! It’s amazing, I promise.
Spanish Rice: You can absolutely use regular white or brown rice if you want to, but the Mexican rice will be done cooking before the taco meat and adds so much flavor! My Mexican green rice is also delicious here.
Chopped Romaine Lettuce: You can use any kind of lettuce you like, but green leaf and romaine add a nice crisp crunch to the tacos.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa: This essentially involves combining a can of black beans, corn, and your favorite salsa! I suggest using either my fresh homemade pico de gallo or one from your grocery store for the best flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: If you think cilantro tastes like soap, definitely leave it out of this recipe, but a little sprinkle on top adds some nice flavor.
Cilantro Lime Crema: Vegan tacos are never complete without a creamy dressing on top! This cilantro lime crema has a base of cashews and is ready in 2 minutes!
How to make tofu tacos
First, prepare the Spanish rice and taco meat if you have not done so already.
In a bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, corn, and salsa/pico de gallo.
In a high speed blender, blend all of the ingredients for the cilantro lime crema until completely smooth. Depending on your blender, you may need to let it run for a good minute to make sure the cashews process completely.
Soaking the cashews overnight makes this process much easier! Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. I like it pretty salty, so I usually add a bit more salt and some lime zest too!
Assemble the tacos by warming the tortillas on the stove and then adding in spanish rice, taco crumbles, lettuce, black bean/corn salsa, avocado and the cilantro lime crema. Enjoy!
Do they keep?
Once the tacos are assembled, I suggest eating them right away so nothing gets soggy. However, with all of the ingredients separate, everything will keep for about 5-7 days in the fridge.
The cilantro lime crema will probably make more than you will need for this recipe, so it will keep in the fridge for 1 week.
Store it in an air tight container for best results and give it a good shake before you use it next.
The best tortillas
You can use any kind of tortilla you like for this vegan tofu taco recipe. Corn, flour, corn + flour, almond flour, whatever you have! All of the ingredients in this recipe are gluten free as always, so use your favorite GF tortilla!
Whatever you choose, I highly recommend warming or toasting the tortillas before serving. You can do this on a pan on the stove, over an open flame, or pop them in an oven at 200 degrees until warm.
I like to put it on an open flame for 10 seconds to get slightly crispy edges. This is especially helpful if you’re using gluten free tortillas!
Most taco shells are vegan, but some might contain egg. Be sure to check the ingredient labels if you follow a vegan diet/lifestyle.
Corn tortillas are always a safe bet and generally only contain corn, lime and water. Siete foods is a favorite of mine and they make vegan and grain free tortillas!
Try these dinner recipes next!
- Sheet Pan Garlic Sesame Tofu
- Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce
- Easy Falafel Recipe
- Chickpea Tacos
- The Best Vegan Buddha Bowl
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Vegan Tacos with Walnut Taco Meat
by: claire cary
Ingredients
Tacos:
- 1 batch tofu walnut taco meat
- 1 batch Spanish Rice or cilantro lime rice
- 1 can black beans OR restaurant style instant pot black beans
- 1 cup corn
- ½ cup pico de gallo can also use regular salsa if that's all you have
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup chopped romaine or green leaf lettuce
- Chopped cilantro to top
- 8 small tortillas corn, flour, or other
Cilantro Lime Crema:
- 1 cup cashews soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, and then drained
- 3/4-1 cup water start with 3/4 and add more as needed
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, corn, and salsa/pico de gallo.
- In a high speed blender, blend all of the ingredients for the cilantro lime crema until completely smooth. Depending on your blender, you may need to let it run for a good minute to make sure the cashews process completely. Soaking the cashews overnight makes this process much easier!
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Assemble the tacos by warming the tortillas on the stove and then adding in spanish rice, taco crumbles, lettuce, black bean/corn salsa, avocado and the cilantro lime crema. Enjoy!
Mary says
Oh, my, goodness! I didn’t realize how much I was missing tacos until I made this recipe! To quote my husband “you could serve this to non-vegans and they would love it.” The texture and flavor are great. I served it with my own recipe for Spanish rice and I did make the crema sauce which is amazing!
Claire Cary says
I love that! So happy you enjoyed it and thank you for the feedback!
Veena Azmanov says
Definitely delicious and healthy. The vegan option sounds interesting. Best after all the meat feast treats.
Claire Cary says
My thoughts exactly! Thanks Veena!
Cindy Gordon says
Everything about this recipe is a YES for me! These tofu tacos were delicious. Even my kids loved them! That’s a WIN!
Claire Cary says
That’s a win in my book too! Thanks for the feedback, Cindy!
Adriana says
I have to confess I was not a tofu fan until I tried your recipe now I want tofu tacos every day!
Irina says
I think we will go for tacos today! Was looking for a great recipe and found yours. LOVE it! Running to the kitchen to make them. Thanks for sharing.
Claire Cary says
Hope you love them! Thanks Irina!
Romina says
Oh I must try these! I love the idea of the walnut taco meat!
Claire Cary says
Thanks Romina! So so good!