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Plant Based Recipes

The Tastiest Tofu Taco Meat

Tofu Taco Meat in a corn flour tortilla with tomato and cashew sour cream

Tofu is such an incredible and diverse ingredient in vegan cooking. I love using it for my Crispy Tofu Chicken and Basic Tofu Scramble. Today I’m showing you how to transform tofu into a delicious and super healthy taco meat substitute.

Why you’ll LOVE this Tofu Taco Meat

This tofu taco recipe is super easy and delicious. There is no prep work involved (like pressing or marinating) and it will be ready for the table in under 10 minutes.

It’s really the perfect tofu recipe for the novice.

Here’s a few more points to note:

  • Mimics the texture of hamburger perfectly
  • low in saturated fat and cholesterol
  • high in protein
  • low sodium (if you stick to the recipe as written)
  • Ultra-meaty flavor
Tofu Taco Meat in a glass bowl topped with smoked paprika

Ingredients to make the recipe

This vegan meat substitute is made for the beginner, so all of the ingredients are easy to find in-store and even easier to put together. The walnuts add an extra dimension of flavor and texture that really elevates this “meat” to the next level.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 block of extra firm tofu. You can find this in the produce or deli section
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts. If all you have is toasted and/or salted those will work here as well.
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chipolte powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • the juice of 1 lime

How to make the Tastiest Tofu Maco Meat

The method for making this healthy taco meat replacement is super simple.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Open and drain the package of tofu.
  3. Add the raw walnuts to the pan and toast for 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
  4. Add the tofu to the pan by breaking it into very small pieces. I do this by squishing it between my fingers as I drop it piece by piece into the hot pan.
  5. Sprinkle the tofu with the spices and stir.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the tofu.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tomato paste and lime juice, stirring to combine. It’s helpful to pre-mix the tomato paste and lime juice before adding it to the pan. The fresh lime brings out the depth of flavor without adding salt, and the tomato paste adds umami for a meaty flavor.

You shouldn’t need to add any water (or oil) to the pan to prevent sticking when you’re using a good non-stick pan. We use T-Fal in our house for all of our non-stick cooking and it’s incredible.

tofu taco meat in a pan being held to the camera by a spatula

How to serve Tofu Taco Meat

I usually serve this over a large salad topped with steamed corn, peppers, and black beans.

Of course you can easily use this in a hard or soft taco shell, or burrito.

Here are some of my favorite toppings and accompanying menu items:

More Tofu Recipes to try

Here are a few of my most favorite tofu recipes that I know you’re going to love!

Tofu Taco Meat in a corn flour tortilla with tomato and cashew sour cream

The Tastiest Tofu Taco Meat

This beginner friendly tofu recipe packs a powerful punch with classic Mexican flavor to elevate your burritos, tacos, and salads.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Tofu, Tofu Taco Meat
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 129 kcal
Author Megan Kerry

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chipolte powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 lime squeezed

Instructions

  1. Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Open and drain the package of tofu.
  3. Add the raw walnuts to the pan and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring often and being careful not to burn them.

  4. Add the tofu to the pan by breaking it into very small pieces. I do this by squishing it between my fingers as I drop it piece by piece into the hot pan.
  5. Sprinkle the tofu with the spices and stir.
  6. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the tofu.

  7. Remove the pan from the heat.

  8. In a small bowl mix the tomato paste and fresh lime juice.

  9. Add the tomato paste and lime mixture to the tofu and mix to combine.

Recipe Notes

**Calorie and nutritional information is an estimate only.

If you are not used to eating salt-free, you can add up to 1 tsp of salt to this recipe.

Taste as you go and remember, it’s always better to add salt to the food on your plate rather than during cooking. 

You can also try adding more lemon or lime juice if you are transitioning to a salt-free diet. 

 

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Megan Kerry

Megan Kerry is a Vegan Lifestyle Educator and Licensed Practical Nurse. Her content focuses on vegan recipes and ethical living. She is a mom of four children, a long time vegan, and an even longer time foodie. She loves veganizing any and all dishes and sharing her recipes and lifestyle tips with all of you!

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