25 Minutes or less Ground Tofu and Walnut Taco “Meat”
This ground tofu walnut taco “meat” is so easy! Don’t let the long ingredient list trick you into thinking it’s complicated. Most of the ingredients are spices you probably already have in your spice cabinet!
How to use tofu and walnut taco “meat” :
This taco “meat” doesn’t just have to be used in tacos.
You can top a salad with it
add it to marinara for a meaty pasta
put it in enchiladas
and the list goes on. Get creative!
What you will need:
- Tofu and walnuts- Give this taco meat it’s meaty texture
- Garlic and onion- These aromatics are the classic backbone of most savory dishes.
- Olive oil- For sautéing and to help the tofu not stick to the pan.
- Spices- This is where most of the flavor comes from. In this recipe I use, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne powder, rubbed sage, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, nutritional yeast and salt.
- Soy sauce- To help give an umami flavor to the meat.
- Liquid smoke- To enhance the smoky flavor.
- Lime juice- To add zest and acidity.
- Maple syrup- For depth of flavor.
- Tomato sauce- For more acidity and to help give more depth of flavor.
- Water-To help everything come together.
Method:
This taco meat can be made in 25 minutes.
- Drain and press tofu
- Combine dry spices in a bowl and combine the liquids in a bowl.
- Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
- Add crumbled tofu to pan and cook for around 7 minutes.
- Add the dry spices to the tofu and then add the liquid ingredients and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Tip:
To make this an easy weekday meal I suggest combining all of your dry spices ahead of time so when your ready to start cooking you wont have to take the time to measure all of the spices.
Ground Tofu and Walnut Taco “Meat”
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz. extra firm block of tofu
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup walnuts ground
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne powder(optional)
- 1/4 tsp rubbed sage
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Drain tofu and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Place a weighted object on top and set aside.*
- To a small bowl add all the dry spices starting at garlic powder and ending at salt. Set aside. To another small bowl add your liquid ingredients; soy sauce, liquid smoke, lime juice, maple syrup, tomato sauce and water. Then set aside
- To a cast iron frying pan add 1-2 tbsp. of olive oil. On medium heat Sauté onions until just before they become translucent about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes making sure to stir frequently so the garlic doesn't burn.
- Crumble the tofu into small pieces into the frying pan. Cook for 7 minutes making sure to stir every other minute.
- Add all of the dry spices and the processed walnuts to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add all of the liquid ingredients from the small bowl you set aside and cook for 5 minutes. Making sure to stir frequently and scape up any cooked bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add to a tortilla with your favorite toppings** and hot sauce or salsa.
Notes
If you are looking for more dinner recipes I think you will also love this Spicy Peanut Soup, this Vegan Ricotta Stuffed Shells, and this Vegan Penne Alla Vodka with Smoky Tofu Crumbles.
If you love this tofu and walnut taco “meat”
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If you love this recipe be sure to share on Instagram and be sure to tag me @angelinas_veggiekitchen
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