You won't miss the meat in these vegetarian taco meat substitutes! Here are hearty and flavorful alternatives for the best meatless tacos.
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Hello, Rhubarbarians! Let's get into the vibrant world of meatless tacos, where we find savory, flavorful, plant based alternatives stuffed into a tortilla.
You'll find an array of taco meat substitutes that are packed with flavor, as well as tips for the best "meaty" textures.
From protein-packed legumes to savory mushrooms, taco meat alternatives and plant based meat substitutes are truly delicious!
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Why you'll love these
Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or just simply trying to eat more meatless meals, there's something for everyone here!
- Incredible flavor: these meatless taco substitutes aren't just about skipping meat; they're about embracing bold, enticing flavors. Each option brings its unique taste profile, from the hearty satisfaction of black beans to the umami-rich goodness of mushrooms.
- Hearty choices: as the only vegetarian in my family, I'm here to tell you that everyone in my family loves meatless taco night. They don't miss the meat at all!
- Versatility galore: meatless taco options are incredibly versatile. Whether you're a fan of seasonal veggies or tofu's ability to soak up flavor, these substitutes can be adapted to suit your culinary cravings. Plus, you can get creative with toppings and seasonings to tailor each taco to your liking.
- Texture: if you're worried about missing the satisfying texture of meat tacos, fear not! These taco meat alternatives include ingredients that offer meaty textures and mouthfeel, so you won't miss out on that delightful taco experience.
Spices and seasonings
Want to know the key to making a great taco filling? The spices and seasonings!
If you're taco filling is unseasoned, whether it's plant based or not, it will be underwhelming.
Here is my go to, super basic homemade taco seasoning:
- 1 part chile powder
- 1 part dried oregano
- 1 part ground cumin
I like to use this as a starting point for most of my Mexican inspired seasoning. You'll absolutely need salt and pepper, plus other spices and seasonings to make the taco filling interesting and adjusted to your liking. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chipotle chile powder.
Pro tip: go ahead and use your favorite store bought taco seasoning! No judgments here.
Taco meat substitutes
The possibilities are endless in the world of vegetarian taco fillings, but here are my favorites and the ingredients that I use most often to feed my vegetarian self and my meat loving family!
Tofu
When it comes to crafting mouthwatering meatless tacos, one ingredient reigns supreme in the world of plant-based protein: tofu.
A blank canvas for flavor: Tofu's magic lies in its ability to soak up the flavors of seasonings and marinades. When pressed and then marinated, each bite of tofu is infused with flavorful spices, creating a savory, satisfying bite every time.
Be sure to purchase super firm or extra firm tofu and press out all of the liquid. Then, marinate the tofu and cook until crispy. This will ensure the best texture and flavor.
Try these vegan tofu tacos with cilantro sauce
Mushrooms
These fantastic fungi have earned their place as a superstar meat substitute, adding depth and umami to your tacos that will satisfy any meat eater.
Meaty texture, meatless choice: When it comes to replicating the texture of meat in tacos, mushrooms are unparalleled. Their naturally firm yet tender texture makes them an ideal substitute, providing that hearty bite you'd expect from traditional taco fillings. Whether you're grilling portobello slices for a smoky touch or using finely chopped mushrooms for a ground meat replacement, they deliver on the satisfying mouthfeel and umami flavor.
Be sure to brown your mushrooms until all of the liquid has evaporated to avoid a spongy texture.
Try these portobello mushroom fajita tacos
Beans and lentils
These humble legumes bring not only a rich, hearty texture but also a burst of plant-based protein that elevates your taco game to a whole new level.
Plant-based protein powerhouses: Beans, such as black beans and pinto beans, and lentils are renowned for their high protein content. They provide a satisfying and filling element to your tacos, making them a perfect choice for those looking to boost their protein intake without the need for meat.
Be sure to add texture to your bean taco filling with chopped nuts or pepitas, or choose fresh and crunchy toppings.
Try these pinto bean and pecan taco lettuce wraps
Veggies
Here, vegetables take center stage as the unsung heroes of your taco fillings. These fresh and vibrant gems bring a spectrum of colors, textures, and tastes to your tacos that can be adjusted to your taste and with the changing seasons.
A rainbow of colors and flavors: Vegetables are nature's palette, offering an array of colors and flavors that can elevate your meatless tacos. From the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the earthy richness of roasted sweet potatoes, each vegetable adds its unique touch to taco night.
Choosing vegetables that are fresh and in season will ensure that they are the most flavorful and vibrant.
Try these ale marinated roasted sweet potato tacos
Store bought meat alternatives
While I love getting creative in the kitchen with seasonal ingredients, there are times when convenience is the name of the game. Enter store-bought meat alternatives, a game-changer for busy taco nights when you want something quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Quick and Effortless: These pre-packaged options have come a long way in recent years, offering a wide range of plant-based proteins that mimic the taste and texture of meat. Some packages even come pre-seasoned, slashing prep time and effort in the kitchen.
I have tried several store bought taco meat substitutes, and my favorite of them all is Impossible Beef. I buy the unseasoned frozen patties from Costco and season them to my liking. My son can't tell the difference between Impossible beef and ground beef!
Another option that I love is the Trader Joe's soy chorizo. It's loaded with flavor and pretty spicy! Perfect for a vegetarian breakfast taco or burrito.
Serving suggestions
Whether you're hosting a taco night with friends and family or enjoying a cozy dinner for one, the way you serve tacos can take your taco experience to the next level.
Once you have your taco filling, you'll want to focus on tortillas, toppings, sauces, and maybe some side dishes.
Your favorite taco toppings are perfect for meatless tacos too! Try fresh cabbage or slaw, pickled onions or jalapenos, fresh radish slices, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or cheese and sour cream (dairy free if needed).
Here are some of my favorite sauces/salsas to top on tacos:
Or click here to check out ten of the best sauces for tacos!
Side dishes to pair with meatless tacos:
Meal prep and batch cooking
Picture this: you return home after a long day, and the thought of cooking from scratch doesn't faze you. Instead, you open the fridge, pull out your prepped taco fillings, and assemble a taco dinner in no time. Meal prep and batch cooking can significantly reduce the stress associated with meal planning and last-minute cooking.
Start by making a large batch of your chosen taco meat substitute. Make enough to feed you and your family for at least 2 meals or more.
Freeze half of the meatless taco meat for another time and enjoy the other half for dinner and/or meal prepped lunches.
Prepping the toppings and sauces ahead of time as well will make getting dinner on the table for taco night super fast and lunches ready to go for busy mornings.
Recommended equipment and resources
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out making tacos at home, here's a list of essentials and resources that will help you with your meatless taco game.
- Skillet or Pan: A high-quality skillet or non-stick pan is a kitchen essential for cooking up your favorite meat substitutes or sautéing veggies for taco fillings.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Precise chopping and slicing are key when preparing ingredients for your meatless tacos. Invest in a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to make your prep work a breeze.
- Food Processor or Blender: If you're planning to create your own meat substitute from ingredients like mushrooms, beans, or nuts, a food processor or blender will be your best friend. They are also perfect for making blended salsas and sauces.
- Taco Holders or Stands: While not mandatory, taco holders or stands can make assembling and serving tacos a neat and visually appealing process. They help keep your tacos upright and prevent fillings from spilling out.
- Mixing Bowls and Utensils: Mixing bowls and utensils like spatulas, spoonulas, and tongs are essential for tossing and seasoning your taco ingredients. Opt for stainless steel or glass bowls for durability.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in cooking, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is handy for getting your spice blends and marinades just right.
- Spices and Seasonings: A well-stocked spice rack is your secret weapon for adding depth and flavor to your meatless taco fillings. Essentials like cumin, chili powder, and oregano are a must, unless you are opting for store bought taco seasoning.
- Recipe Resources: Explore vegetarian and vegan recipe websites (like this one), blogs, and YouTube channels for endless inspiration and step-by-step tutorials on meatless taco recipes.
Here is a list of ten flavorful vegetarian taco recipes we make regularly in our house!
If you make this recipe, please let us know on social media or in the comments below! Leave a star rating in your comment or tag us on Instagram with #Rhubarbarians
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