Walnut Cauliflower Taco Meat Recipe
Introduction
This Walnut Taco Meat is a flavorful, plant-based alternative perfect for taco night. Made with chopped cauliflower and walnuts, it’s packed with texture and smoky spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty vegan taco filling.
Ingredients
- ½ medium-large head cauliflower, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 ½ tablespoons chipotle pepper adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375ºF and grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor bowl, combine chopped cauliflower, walnuts, chipotle adobo sauce, minced garlic, ancho chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Pulse until the mixture breaks down into small, crumb-like pieces.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Step 4: Serve the walnut taco meat in tacos, over salad bowls, or any way you like.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Swap walnuts with pecans for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- If you don’t have chipotle adobo sauce, use smoked paprika and a touch of tomato paste as a substitute.
- Try serving with fresh avocado, salsa, and cilantro for added freshness.
Storage
Store leftover walnut taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This filling also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the texture similar without nuts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
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Walnut Cauliflower Taco Meat Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Walnut Taco Meat recipe offers a delicious and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional taco fillings. Made with chopped cauliflower and walnuts blended with smoky chipotle adobo sauce and spices, then baked to perfection, it provides a flavorful and satisfying texture ideal for tacos, taco salads, or bowls.
Ingredients
Walnut Taco Meat Ingredients
- ½ medium-large head cauliflower, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 ½ tablespoons chipotle pepper adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Prep equipment: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper; set aside.
- Make taco meat: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chopped cauliflower, walnuts, chipotle adobo sauce, minced garlic, ancho chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Pulse several times until the cauliflower and walnuts break down into small, crumbly pieces resembling taco meat texture.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking. When finished, remove from the oven and allow the walnut taco meat to cool slightly on the sheet.
- Serve: Use the walnut taco meat as a filling for tacos, taco salad bowls, or other favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- The chipotle pepper adobo sauce adds smoky heat; adjust quantity to taste or omit for less spice.
- This walnut taco meat works well for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For added texture, toast the walnuts lightly before processing.
- Serve with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or salsa for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: Walnut Taco Meat, plant-based taco, vegetarian taco filling, cauliflower walnut taco, vegan taco meat alternative, healthy taco recipe
