21 Vegetarian Taco Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love
You don’t have to follow a plant-based diet to be curious about vegetarian taco recipes. Besides, whether you’re a fan of carnitas or tofu, anything nestled into a warm tortilla is bound to be delicious.
Coming up with tasty yet creative vegetarian taco ideas is simpler than you may think too. It starts with the type of filling you want to use—there are nearly endless plant-based options out there, Stephen Chavez, a chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, tells SELF. Try some seasonal vegetables like meaty mushrooms, zucchini, squash, or tender potatoes, Chavez says. Or for an even heartier choice, lean on some of your favorite vegetarian proteins like beans, jackfruit, walnuts, or vegan chorizo, he says.
Once you decide on your filling, determine what taste you want your taco to have, Chavez says. This is where seasonings are going to come in handy. If you like spicy bites, toss in some jerk or chipotle powder. If you like more floral notes, throw in some za’atar or even sumac, he says. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your go-to flavor boosters.
Then, of course, there are the toppings, which can really take your taco to the next level, Chavez says. Salsa can certainly do the trick in boosting flavor, he says. Think a refreshing pico de gallo, a corn version, or a peach rendition. You can also use toppings as another way to add protein to make your tacos more filling, he continues. So if you’re making salsa, why not throw some beans like black, pinto, or edamame in there? Another easy garnish is pickled onions: You can batch-cook a bunch ahead of time, store them in your fridge, and reach for them to provide some tangy notes, he says.
Tacos can serve as a blank canvas, and it’s up to you what you want to fill them with, Chavez says. But if you’re new to cooking with plant-based ingredients as the main character, you may need a little inspiration on where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up 21 vegetarian taco recipes that are so good they’ll have you stretching meatless Monday into Tuesday…and maybe even Wednesday too.
Lola Dweck via Lola's Cocina1Potato Tacos from Lola's Cocina
Potatoes are a great staple you probably already have on hand, so why not turn them into a taco filling? Boil until tender, mash them, and then brighten it all up by adding some crisp romaine lettuce, juicy ripe tomatoes, and spicy salsa.
Get the recipe here.
Nancy Lopez via Mexican Made Meatless2Mexican Steak Tacos from Mexican Made Meatless
Sub in oyster mushrooms for steak in this taco recipe. To get that hearty meat-like flavor and texture, season them with garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper, and grill until crispy and golden.
Get the recipe here.
Nancy Lopez via Mexican Made Meatless3Mexican Chorizo With Eggs Tacos from Mexican Made Meatless
Combine two highly stanned groups—breakfast food and tacos. Fill a warm flour tortilla with vegan chorizo and fluffy scrambled eggs the next time you want a tasty morning bite.
Get the recipe here.
Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack via Muy Bueno4Easy Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos from Muy Bueno
Go for frozen cubed squash to save yourself some prep time. That way, you can focus on all the delicious toppings you’ll need, like creamy queso fresco and a refreshing salsa to brighten up the taco.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea5Vegan Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Yes, walnuts can substitute for meat—and you can even season them like you would ground beef or chicken too. Scoop some spicy jerk walnut filling into a tortilla and finish it with a creamy scoop of sour cream to cool it all down.
Get the recipe here.
Ericka Sanchez via Nibbles and Feasts6Tofu Street Taco from Nibbles and Feasts
Bake some tofu with your favorite taco spices like garlic powder, chipotle powder, paprika, and nutritional yeast. Then stuff that into a warm corn tortilla and top it off with delicious and refreshing add-ons like sliced radishes, serrano peppers, cilantro, and zesty lime juice.
Get the recipe here.
Lola Dweck via Lola's Cocina7Tacos de Huevos a la Mexicana from Lola's Cocina
The next time you host a brunch, make a batch of these breakfast tacos to impress all of your guests. This recipe is great for large crowds because you can scramble up a bunch of eggs and then lay out a fun topping bar for your friends to scoop onto their handheld tacos.
Get the recipe here.
Maggie Unzueta via Mama Maggie's Kitchen8Bean Taco Dorados from Mama Maggie's Kitchen
If you love empanadas, you’ll adore the preparation of these tacos. Stuff in your favorite vegetarian filling (this one uses mashed beans), seal the edges of the tortilla, and fry until golden and crispy.
Get the recipe here.
Ericka Sanchez via Nibbles and Feasts9Cauliflower Soy Chorizo Tacos With Quinoa and Sunflower Seeds from Nibbles and Feasts
Cauliflower is an excellent filling for tacos because it absorbs any flavor you add, so all of that salty soy chorizo dripping can get soaked up. This recipe provides even more texture by tossing in fluffy quinoa and crunchy sunflower seeds.
Get the recipe here.
Ashley Melillo Blissful Basil10Tofu Breakfast Tacos from Blissful Basil
Tacos for breakfast are delicious, and this recipe uses a bit of nutritional yeast to make the tofu taste more like scrambled eggs.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell; Carrie Purcell11Sheet Pan Crispy Tempeh and Broccoli Tacos from SELF
Don’t sleep on tempeh recipes: The protein has a nutty, hearty texture that’s super satisfying in tacos.
Get the recipe here.
Ericka Sanchez via Nibbles and Feasts12Crispy Avocado Tacos With Jicama Carrot Slaw from Nibbles and Feasts
Mmm, fried avocado! This recipe is great for when you have one about to take a turn for the worse and don’t want it to go to waste.
Get the recipe here.
Ericka Sanchez via Nibbles and Feasts13Cactus Salad Tacos from Nibbles and Feasts
You can buy jarred cactus (or nopalitos) at many grocery stores—it brings a similar flavor as okra and tastes delicious when stuffed into a tortilla. Don’t forget to add delicious toppings, like queso fresco, onions, and cilantro, to boost its flavor even more.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea14Black Bean Tacos With Avocado Basil Mango Sauce from Orchids + Sweet Tea
The creamy, herby, slightly sweet sauce drizzled on top of these tacos makes standard black beans taste exciting and new.
Get the recipe here.
Ashlea Carver via All The Healthy Things15Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos from All The Healthy Things
Buffalo cauliflower bites are great for game day. Serve with some warm tortillas and scoop the veggies into them.
Get the recipe here.
Ericka Sanchez via Nibbles and Feasts16Hibiscus Flower and Cactus Tacos from Nibbles and Feasts
The next time you go to the supermarket, grab some dried hibiscus flowers—no, not for tea, but to use as a filling for a taco. This recipe does so by boiling them so they’re softer to chew and then adding some jarred cactus and queso fresco to provide some savory and creamy flavors.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea17Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Taco from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Alanna Taylor-Tobin via The Bojon Gourmet18Smoky Lentil Tacos from Bojon Gourmet
Lentils can do a great job of replacing the texture and taste of ground beef in a taco because they’re hearty and packed with protein. This recipe levels up the legume by cooking it in seasonings like cayenne pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and soy sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Ashlea Carver via All The Healthy Things19Roasted Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos from All The Healthy Things
Meal prep this recipe, and you won’t be sorry. Cook up a bunch of cauliflower seasoned with smoky chipotle spice and add different toppings throughout the week—like a creamy dressing, onions, or cilantro—so you don’t get bored.
Get the recipe here.
Alanna Taylor-Tobin via The Bojon Gourmet20BBQ Mushroom Tacos from Bojon Gourmet
If you love the flavor of a barbecued protein inside a warm tortilla, use a hearty mushroom to get the job done. The next time you grill, cook some ’shrooms until tender and crispy and slather them in your favorite sauce for a fun summertime bite.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea21Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Sofritas typically involve soy, but if you can’t eat that ingredient, try making a copycat version with quinoa. Then, once you have your mixture made, top off your tacos with black beans, corn, fresh jalapeños, and a lime sour cream to give them even more flavor.
Get the recipe here.
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