Vegan Taco Meat (No Nuts or Mushrooms!)
This is the most incredible Vegan Taco Meat, perfectly spiced, loaded with flavor and hearty and chewy like traditional taco meat. It is easy to make and is totally oil-free! Plant-based and high protein!
Servings: 6 tacos
Calories: 93.1kcal
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu
- 3/4 cup cup (120g) finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup (120g) water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons American chili powder (store-bought without salt or my homemade blend)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120g) tomato sauce/passata (not tomato paste)
- 1/2 tablespoon (10g) pure maple syrup or agave
- 1 tablespoon (15g) sriracha
- fresh lime juice for squeezing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a pan with parchment paper.
- Have all the spices measured and ready to go.
- Drain the tofu and pat it dry. If it has excess water, press it with a tofu press or several layers of paper towels to get the excess water out. It is important it is dry for the best flavor and texture.
- Crumble the tofu into tiny pieces like ground beef and spread out into an even layer onto the lined pan. I just used my hands and it was very easy to do.
- Bake for 20 minutes. It should be firm and browned a bit on the edges.
- To a large pot, add the red onion over medium heat with 1/2 cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally until translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add all of the spices and stir into the onions and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add a splash of water if needed, to prevent sticking.
- Add the tomato sauce, syrup, sriracha, and baked tofu. Stir until everything is well combined. Cook for 5 minutes or so until thickened and well mixed and heated through. Taste and add any more salt, if needed.
- Add a splash of lime juice and serve. For building my tacos, I like to use corn tortillas and add red onion, lettuce, vegan cheese, cilantro, sriracha, and lime juice. So good!!
- This taco meat would also be excellent in anywhere you desired a "ground beef". Like lasagna, soups, stews, chili, etc.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 taco shell filled | Calories: 93.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.3g | Protein: 7.7g | Fat: 3.8g | Sodium: 408.8mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 3.2g