This raw vegan walnut meat is a yummy, healthy alternative to a beef taco filling that still packs a protein punch. It's ridiculously easy to make and is so tasty that even omnivores will want second helpings!
Once you make a batch of this vegan meatless ground "meat," you can use it in tacos, burritos, buddha bowls, nachos, or Walnut Meat Vegan Taco Wraps. You can even stir it into a batch of my vegan queso for a plant-based choriqueso that's sure to bring the house down!
The nuts are blitzed in a food processor until they are in small pieces. When combined with some spices and seasonings, the walnuts magically transform into something that honest-to-goodness actually tastes like taco meat!
The trick to making walnut meat extra delicious is the seasoning. The tamari gives the walnut crumbles a sort of umami, "meaty" flavor, and the cumin and chili powder give it all the taco vibes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This raw vegan walnut meat is:
- Easy to make - it just takes 10 minutes!
- No cooking involved
- Super versatile
- Packed with healthy fats and protein
- Perfect for meal prep,
- An amazing plant-based substitute for seasoned ground beef, and
If you're not in the mood for taco meat, simply swap out the seasonings! Read more in the "variations" section below - this walnut meat can also be a substitute for crumbled sausage, added to red pasta sauces for "bolognese," or turned into sloppy joe's.
Ingredients
If you're not already convinced that walnut meat is a good idea, here's some more good news: you only need a handful of ingredients to make it, and most of them are probably already in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:
Making this "meat" is incredibly easy, and it only takes five (5!!!) ingredients:
- Walnuts - This is the base of your "meat," and I honestly haven't found another nut alternative. That said, feel free to save some money and buy walnut pieces rather than halves; they're going to get pulverized either way!
- Garlic Powder - This is one of my favorite pantry ingredients because it adds a ton of flavor without needing to chop or peel garlic.
- Cumin - You can use ground cumin here, or feel free to use cumin seeds instead. Toasting cumin seeds prior to use will release even more of the flavorful oils.
- Chili Powder - Feel free to opt for something spicier like cayenne or hot smoked paprika if it's in your wheelhouse to do so.
- Tamari - I try to remain gluten free, but if that isn't a concern for you, soy sauce will work just as well. If you are avoiding soy, feel free to swap in liquid aminos or coconut aminos instead.
How to Make
Step 1: Make the Meat. Add all the "meat" ingredients - walnuts, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and tamari - to a food processor.
Step 2: Chop it up. Process the walnut mixture until it is finely chopped, but not puréed.
Meal Prep Tip: You can pre-make it a few days before so tacos can be made in mere minutes when you have a hectic day!
Optional Variations & Customization
If you want to make another variation on this raw vegan walnut meat, feel free to swap in other herbs and spices. Be sure to keep the tamari in the equation no matter which variation you prefer.
- Make your taco meat spicy by adding in more chili powder, or swapping it out for a more intense ground pepper like cayenne or ghost pepper.
- Give it Italian sausage vibes with some Italian seasoning and fennel seed. You can even add in some sun-dried tomatoes in place of the tamari/soy sauce.
- Get your curry on with garam masala, turmeric and ginger.
- Go Mediterranean with some oregano and cinnamon. And then maybe load it into pita shells with some vegan feta, sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and vegan yogurt?!? NOM.
- Or go for a simple vegan hamburger helper flavor using just garlic and onion powder. This can then be turned into vegan sloppy joe's or a tasty vegan bolognese.
Customization doesn't just apply to the walnut meat, either! You can also customize these vegan tacos by swapping in your favorite veggies or trading out your tortillas. Here are a few ideas:
- Choose soft corn or flour tortillas, or opt for hard taco shells or tostadas instead.
- Swap in shredded lettuce for the cabbage.
- Use some spicy salsa to amp up the Mexican vibes, or make your own pico de gallo to keep things mild.
- Add some vegan cheese for a little richness.
- Grab a larger wrap and stuff in some brown rice and refried beans for a vegan burrito.
The options here are pretty endless, so feel free to get as creative as you want!
If you come up with any winning combos I should know about, be sure to let me know in the comments below!
Equipment
There's literally just one piece of equipment that you will need for making walnut meat - a food processor! So long as you have one, you should be able to whip up this amazingly delicious (and very convincing) plant-based ground beef substitute in no time.
How to Serve
Once you've made the walnut meat, feel free to use it however you like. I love adding it to tortillas and eating it like tacos, but you can also use this "meat" in myriad other ways. Here are some ideas:
- Topping on burrito or buddha bowls
- Added to nachos (with my vegan nacho cheese sauce)
- Stuffing in burritos
- Added to vegan queso for a vegan choriqueso dip
- Tossed with rice and stuffed into bell peppers
- Added to salads
Depending on your spice mix, you can also lean away from the Tex-Mex and towards whatever your heart desires. Use:
- In pasta sauces
- As a vegan "hamburger" helper
- In pitas
- In breakfast scrambles
The options are nearly endless! Simply use this walnut taco meat as you would the ground beef counterpart and revel in all the good you're doing for your body and the environment.
Expert Tips
Making walnut meat is pretty darn straightforward. However, if you have any trepidation about it, I've got you covered!
- Be sure to use RAW walnuts. Avoid anything that has been roasted and salted. Don't get me wrong, I love eating roasted nuts; they just don't work well for the texture we are going for!
- Don't over-process. Food processors are awesome pieces of equipment, but they're also extremely powerful. Make sure you don't end up with taco-flavored nut butter on accident! I like to use the "pulse" function once the walnuts get pretty small, which gives me better control over the final consistency of my walnut meat.
- Play with your food! Once you try making this walnut taco meat, expand your flavor horizons with the suggestions under "Optional Variations & Customizations." If you're anything like me, you'll be playing walnut meat on repeat in no time.
Walnut Nutrition
Walnuts are often touted as being a super food, and with good reason. These little nuggets have been associated with improved brain and heart health; decreased cancer risk; and the reduction of inflammation.
Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fat including omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty Acids are the main component of our cell membranes. Omega 3s can also have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease and depression.
Walnuts are also a great source of plant-based protein and contain vitamin B6, magnesium, and fiber. Don't believe me? Here's yet another article listing over a dozen ways walnuts are good for you.
FAQs
Nope! The walnut meat is a raw, vegan meal, making it perfect for taking anywhere. Because of this, it is great for picnics or packed lunches. It's also great for making taco salads. All that said, feel free to heat it up if you want a warm meal!
Once made, the taco "meat" should last for up to a week in the fridge, or up to a month in the freezer.
While walnuts might be off the table, there are still lots of options for you. While I haven't done it myself yet, I'd like to try using sunflower seeds to make this meat. If you don't want to be a guinea pig, go a totally different route and use tofu crumbles, tempeh crumbles, jackfruit, lentils, or chickpeas instead!
Short answer - yes! I have made this walnut meat countless times and every time I get SO MANY compliments. Even omnivores really love this dish.
Other "Meaty" Vegan Recipes
If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Walnut Meat
Ingredients
WALNUT TACOS
- 1.5 cups walnuts whole or pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon tamari can sub soy sauce if not gf or coconut aminos if you do not do soy
Instructions
- Add walnuts, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and tamari to a food processor and process until mixture is chopped finely but not pureed.
Video
Notes
- Walnut meat will last in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for about a month.
- Make your taco meat spicy by adding in more chili powder, or swapping it out for a more intense ground pepper like cayenne or ghost pepper.
- Give it Italian sausage vibes with some Italian seasoning and fennel seed. You can even add in some sun-dried tomatoes in place of the tamari/soy sauce.
- Get your curry on with garam masala, turmeric, and ginger.
- Go Mediterranean with some oregano and cinnamon. And then maybe load it into pita shells with some vegan feta, sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and vegan yogurt. NOM.
- Or go for a simple vegan hamburger helper flavor using just garlic and onion powder. This can then be turned into vegan sloppy joe's or a tasty vegan bolognese.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Lula says
Can pecans b substituted for walnuts?
Mary Ellen says
I haven't tried subbing pecans before but many people said they're very interchangeable so I think it would work. If you do get to try it, please let me know how it goes.
Marilyn says
Thanks you so much for sharing this recipe. I made it and it was so delicious and filling. I shared it with my family who are also new to vegan eating. I served the tacos with a little guacamole and yummy!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Marilyn! I'm so glad you and your family liked it!
Thanks so much for coming back and leaving a review!
Doug says
Great Taco Tuesday recipe. We love walnut taco meat and the cashew sour cream was easy and excellent. We will be making this recipe often.
Mary Ellen says
So happy you enjoyed it the taco meat and sour cream! It's one of my favs! Thanks for coming back and leaving a rating and review!
Dianne says
PLEASE....WHAT DOES TB MEAN? WHAT IS IT?
Mary Ellen says
TB = Tablespoon
Peggy says
There is no menation of warming the walnut meat so I assume these are cold tacos?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Peggy. Yes these tacos are served "cold" but usually they're not actually cold, just room temp. If you'd like, just add them to a pan on low heat for a few minutes until they're warmed through.
I hope you enjoy!
Kim says
I was looking on Pinterest for a lime cashew cream to use as a salad dressing and chili topper, and so I have just made the cream so far and WOW! It is the ranch replacement I have been looking for to use in my meals. I can't wait to try the walnut taco filling.
Mary Ellen says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it Kim! Thanks so much for letting me know! I hope you like the walnut filling if you get to try it as well. 🙂
Margaret Carroll says
Great alternative to traditional tacos and they taste amazing!
Jen says
So good!
Mariee says
Thanks so much for this great recipe. Super quick and easy. I just tried it and it was delicious! I baked a sweet potato, then used the walnut mix as crumbles to top my tater. Added cilantro, ginger, and Italian seasoning to your recipe. Soy sauce was a good call! Yummy? Thank you sooo much for being part of the vegan community and sharing your ideas!
Mary Ellen says
Mariee, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Love the idea of adding it as a topping for your sweet potato and your seasoning additions to make it your own. Thank you so much for your comment!:)
Kristin says
I started a 30 day vegan challenge January 1st and was getting bored with the usual vegan go-tos. Came across this recipe at work today and already had the ingredients at home. Made these tonight and they’re SOOOO good. I’ll be using the leftover “meat” and “sour cream” on nachos with some salsa and vegan cheese 😋 Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ellen says
Hi Kristin! So glad you found the recipes enjoyed them! Those nachos sound good - I might have to do the same soon! 🙂
Falynn says
Words can barely describe how amazing these tacos are. We added some pinto beans when mixing, otherwise left everything else the same... ... YUM! I am grateful your blog is on my radar. You will be hearing from me again. Everything here looks delicious. Thank you!
Mary Ellen says
I'm so happy you enjoyed the tacos Falynn! Great idea to mix in some beans. So glad you found my blog as well! 🙂
Beauty Bulletins says
I love your idea but I'm allergic to nuts. Such a bummer.
Mary Ellen says
Oh that stinks. Many people are allergic to nuts so I'm going to try to do a lentil version soon.
Misha says
Hi,
These walnut meat tacos look so yummy and “meaty”. And the lime cashew sour cream sounds amazing! They are a perfect idea for a satisfying lunch. I can’t wait to make these.
Edyta at Innocent Delight says
What an interesting idea. I would have never thought about making walnut meat. You got me intrigued. I will need to give it a try.
Mary Ellen says
Hi Edyta! I hope you enjoy if you do give it a try. They're so easy to make and tasty too! 🙂
Cara says
Um...how are these soy free??? Tamara is wheat-free SOY sauce.
Cara says
Ugh Tamari***
Mary Ellen says
Cara, I'm sorry, it shouldn't say soy free - it should say soy-free option. When creating my Pinterest image I did not take out the "soy" part of it which I had in there from a previous recipe. You can sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce to make it soy free.
Radhika says
These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them. Curious though… thanku for sharing with us
Andrea says
This was delicious! I love that it made plenty to eat during the week! I actually ate mine warm. I also sautéed them with black beans, a little onion and a little red bell pepper. So good! It also tastes good with a little hot sauce! Will be making it again! Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
I'm so glad you liked them Andrea! Yes, I take leftover of them to work too!
Yum, I love the idea of adding the beans and veggies, I'll have to try that too (plus the hot sauce, I put that on everything!). 🙂
calyb says
These look amazing! Can't wait to try them. Curious though.....
Did you ever try heating up the walnut mixture? I like my 'meat' hot. It seem like a quick sautee just to warm them wouldn't change much other than temp?
Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Ellen says
Hi Calyb! Thanks so much!
I have actually never tried heating them up but I but that would be tasty. Like you said just a quick sautee probably wouldn't change anything at all. If you do try it, let me know what you think. I may try that next time I make them too!
Christina says
Hi there,
This looks amazing! What brand of tortilla did you use?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Christina! I used these: http://www.mirancho.com/products/organic-corn-taco-sliders/
Deborah Smikle-Davis (@debsmikdav1) says
I'm a big fan of veggie tacos and I love to try various vegan filling recipes so I am so delighted that you shared your healthy and delicious Walnut "Meat" Tacos recipe with us at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!