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    Home » Lunch

    Chickpea and Walnut Meat Tacos [Walnut Chorizo Tacos]

    May 30, 2022 · 36 Comments

    233 shares
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    These delicious walnut 'meat' tacos use homemade chickpea and walnut taco 'meat' for a filling loaded with flavor and protein, perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and more! Gluten-free, dairy-free, meat-free, and ready in just 10 minutes!

    completed walnut chorizo tacos with chorizo and veggies in the background against a white surface

    Flavorful Vegan Chickpea and Walnut Meat Tacos

    There is never a wrong time for tacos. They're simple to prepare, versatile, a crowd-pleaser, and really easy to make vegan! For example, these walnut 'meat' tacos rely on a simple combination of walnuts, chickpeas, and taco seasoning for 10-minute vegan taco meat filling loaded with flavor, heart-healthy fats, and plant-based protein!

    The combination of chickpeas and walnuts helps to create a texture that works very well for mimicking 'meaty' crumbles. Meanwhile, the taco seasoning packs it with the classic taco flavors and transforms it into delicious vegan taco 'meat'.

    Even better, the walnut 'meat' recipe (aka walnut chorizo) requires just 5 simple ingredients. Prepare it immediately for walnut chorizo tacos in under 20 minutes or even meal-prep a large batch of the vegan walnut taco 'meat' in just 10 minutes, several days in advance. Then, use it for tacos, burritos, and more, over several days!

    Once prepared, load the walnut taco 'meat' into your tortillas with your favorite taco toppings for a versatile, quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal!

    The Walnut Chickpea Tacos Ingredients

    separate bowls of ingredients for chorizo tacos against a white background

    The Walnut Chorizo Taco 'Meat':

    • Walnuts: Use unsalted raw walnuts.
    • Garbanzo beans: Chickpeas work very well for creating a high-protein, hearty vegan taco meat. However, a lentil walnut taco meat would also work. I recommend using brown lentils or green lentils for the best texture.
    • Vegetable oil: Or any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil, etc.
    • Apple cider vinegar: Alternatively, use lemon or lime juice.
    • Taco seasoning: Choose a taco seasoning according to your desired spice level or make your own with a combination of smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder (regular or ancho- added to taste).

    Depending on what dish you plan to use the walnut 'meat' for, you can experiment with the various seasonings. I.e., use garam masala/curry powder for an Indian version, Italian seasoning or oregano and sun-dried tomatoes for Italian/ Mediterranean, etc.

    Other Ingredients:

    • Corn tortillas: Use store-bought or homemade soft corn tortillas. Flour tortillas or hard taco shells would also work.
    • Vegetables: Chopped lettuce and tomatoes (or a fresh tomato-based salsa like Pico de Gallo) make for great 'fresh' toppings to combine with the walnut 'meat' tacos.
    • Vegan cheese: (optional) Shredded vegan cheese or a vegan feta.
    • Vegan sour cream: (optional) To drizzle over the walnut chickpea tacos. Alternatively, a cilantro avocado cream would work well.

    Optional add-ins & Recipe Variations

    The versatility of tacos means there is always a list of ways to adapt and boost the flavor to you and your families/guests' needs. Here are just a few options for these walnut chickpea tacos.

    • Aromatics: An easy way to infuse the walnut tacos with additional flavor is by adding aromatics such as garlic or onion, added when sauteing the walnut taco 'meat'.
    • Tamari: A little tamari (or coconut aminos. Soy sauce works if you aren’t gluten-free) adds saltiness and an 'umami meatiness' that is wonderful in the vegan taco 'meat'. However, this works best with low sodium taco seasoning. Otherwise, the walnut 'meat' can become overly salty.
    • Mushrooms: For a more tender texture, you could add finely chopped mushrooms to the vegan taco 'meat'. I recommend using cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, though any will work, and sauteing them until all excess liquid is removed. If you'd prefer, you can omit the chickpeas entirely and just use mushrooms.
    • Other vegetables: There are several veggies you could add to boost the nutrients in these walnut tacos, including:
      • Zucchini
      • Cauliflower
      • Charred red pepper
      • Charred onion
    • Red pepper flakes: For more of a spice kick. Chili or cayenne powder would also work. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce also work wonderfully for a smoky, spicy flavor.
    • Low carb: Use lettuce instead of corn tortillas to make walnut chickpea lettuce wraps.
    • Other taco toppings: There are plenty of topping options for delicious vegan tacos. Here are a few of my favorites:
      • Avocado slices or guacamole
      • Coleslaw
      • Grilled corn
      • Pickled jalapeño/ red onion
      • Refried beans
      • Veg or fruit-based salsa
      • Hot sauce
      • Herbs—like cilantro, parsley, green onion
    • Lemon/Lime wedges: To serve alongside the walnut chorizo tacos.

    A taco spread is a great way to go if you're serving a crowd. Place the various topping options in little dishes on your table and allow guests to pick what they like. It's a winner every time!

    How to Make Walnut 'Meat' Tacos?

    These walnut 'meat' tacos require three super-simple steps, with just two needed to prepare the vegan taco 'meat'.

    • 1) First, prepare the walnut chorizo. To do so, combine the walnuts, garbanzo beans, oil, vinegar, and taco seasoning in a food processor. Pulse until the nuts are around the size of a grain of rice.
    separate bowls of ingredients for chorizo tacos against a white background
    process shot for chorizo tacos of ingredients in a food processor
    process shot for chorizo tacos of ingredients post processing in a food processor
    • 2) Then, transfer the walnut mixture to a pre-heated skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until it's warmed through.
    process shot of pouring ingredients from food processor to pan
    • 3) Finally, assemble the walnut 'meat' tacos. First, spoon in some of the walnut chorizo mixture. Then top it with lettuce, tomato, and optionally shredded vegan cheese and vegan sour cream or any of your favorite taco toppings.
    completed walnut chorizo tacos with chorizo and veggies in the background against a white surface

    FAQs

    Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

    While possible, it will take longer and may not be as evenly crushed. To crush the walnuts by hand, add them to a Ziplock/Stasher bag and use something heavy like a rolling pin to bash them down to size or a knife.

    After that, the chickpeas will be easy to mash with a potato masher or even a fork.

    Can I make this recipe nut-free?

    You could try the recipe with sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of walnuts. Use them raw (or lightly toasted) and unsalted.

    Do I need to cook the walnut taco 'meat'?

    Technically, no, if you don't want to. All the walnut taco meat elements can be eaten without additional heating.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • For More flavor: Lightly toast the walnuts until fragrant before using them in the recipe.
    • Don't over-process the walnut taco meat: Pulse rather than process the mixture so it resembles a ground texture and doesn't become paste-like.
    • When serving to a crowd: I recommend keeping your tortillas warm either in a tortilla warmer or wrap a stack in foil and keep them in the oven at 300F/150C until you're ready to serve.
    completed walnut chorizo tacos with chorizo and veggies in the background against a white surface

    Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

    Make ahead: You can prepare the walnut taco 'meat' mixture 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until it's ready to cook and use.

    Store: Allow the vegan taco 'meat' to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

    Freeze: It should also freeze fairly well for 2-3 months. Spread the mixture across a tray to freeze until solid before transferring it to a Ziplock/Stasher bag. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Reheat: Use the stovetop or a microwave to reheat the vegan walnut taco 'meat' until warm.

    How Else To Use Walnut Taco Meat?

    There are several ways to enjoy the walnut taco meat, including:

    • Tacos or a taco salad
    • Burritos or a burrito bowl
    • Vegan quesadillas
    • Vegan enchiladas
    • Stuffing baked potatoes
    • Stuffed bell peppers
    • Vegan tostadas
    • Vegan nachos
    • To top tortilla soup
    • Vegan taquitos
    • Add to pasta dishes

    More Vegan Snacks and Mains

    • Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
    • Air Fryer Nachos [Vegan Black Bean Nachos]
    • Easy Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
    • Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
    • Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
    • Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Triangles

    If you try this chickpea walnut 'meat' taco recipe (walnut chorizo tacos), I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed walnut chorizo tacos with chorizo and veggies in the background against a white surface

    Chickpea and Walnut Meat Tacos [Walnut Chorizo Tacos]

    These delicious walnut 'meat' tacos use homemade chickpea and walnut taco 'meat' for a filling loaded with flavor and protein, perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and more! Gluten-free, dairy-free, meat-free, and ready in just 10 minutes!
    5 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Spanish
    Servings 8
    Calories 361 kcal

    Equipment

    • food processor
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • cutting knives

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups of walnuts
    • 15 ounces of garbanzo beans drained
    • 2 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil
    • ½ Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
    • 3 ½ tablespoons of taco seasoning
    • 6 to 8 corn tortillas
    • Chopped lettuce optional
    • Diced tomatoes optional
    • Vegan cheese optional
    • Dollop of vegan sour cream optional

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the walnuts, garbanzo beans, oil, vinegar, and taco seasoning in a food processor and pulse until walnuts are the size of a grain of rice.
    • Transfer walnut chorizo to a skillet and cook on medium-low heat until warmed through.
    • Serve in corn tortillas optionally topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite taco fillings.

    Video

    Notes

    • For More flavor: Lightly toast the walnuts until fragrant before using them in the recipe.
    • Don't over-process the walnut taco meat: Pulse rather than process the mixture so it resembles ground beef texture and doesn't become paste-like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 101mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword chorizo, dairy free, dinner, easy recipes, food processor, garbanzo beans, gluten free, meatless, spanish, taco tuesday, tacos, vegan, vegetarian, walnut
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

    More Lunch

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    • Vegan Corn Chowder [Stove, IP + Crock Pot]
    • Easy Vegan Hummus Wraps

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      May 30, 2022 at 2:39 am

      5 stars
      Love these tacos so much! Quick to make and so delicious!

      Reply
    2. Natalie says

      May 31, 2022 at 6:54 am

      5 stars
      Perfect and delicious recipe! I lightly toast the walnuts as you suggested and it was a great final touch, thanks!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 01, 2022 at 1:11 am

        Love it! Nothing like that extra crispiness factor!

        Reply
    3. gabriela herrera says

      May 31, 2022 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love the meaty texture of the finished recipe.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 01, 2022 at 1:11 am

        Yesss. So tender and delicious!

        Reply
    4. Katie says

      May 31, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect vegan chorizo tacos! I am seriously obsessed with this recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 01, 2022 at 1:11 am

        Same! Sooo delicious and full of flavor!

        Reply
    5. kate says

      May 31, 2022 at 7:15 pm

      5 stars
      this walnut meat for tacos is the best! I wished a made a double batch! it was super tasty and couldn't even tell it wasn't 'meat"

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 01, 2022 at 1:11 am

        Nice! That's so awesome! It's such a great meal prep option for sure!

        Reply
    6. Peggy says

      June 01, 2022 at 1:37 am

      5 stars
      So smart! My family loves this recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 02, 2022 at 8:51 pm

        So glad they're enjoying this one! They're an awesome taco recipe!

        Reply
    7. Jeannie says

      June 01, 2022 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      I love the combination of walnuts and chickpeas they make the perfect vegan filling for tacos. This recipe is easy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 02, 2022 at 8:52 pm

        Right?! I love the combo so much too! So tasty!

        Reply
    8. Mary O’Brien says

      June 01, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      Yep, I am making this again, but with Asian seasonings and using it in Hawaiian Steamed Buns. The texture is spot on for the cooked ground pork that I normally use. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 02, 2022 at 8:51 pm

        That sounds amazing!!!

        Reply
        • Kara says

          June 03, 2022 at 3:59 pm

          I am going to make this, but I can’t have oil- what can I replace it with or can it be omitted easily?

          Reply
          • Andrea says

            June 06, 2022 at 9:13 pm

            You can try using veggie broth or water as a sub 🙂 Let us know how it comes out for you!

            Reply
          • Jennifer says

            September 26, 2022 at 2:49 am

            I just made this without the vinegar and oil and I only used one cup of pre-chopped walnuts. I substituted about a 1/4 cup of salsa for the liquid while heating. Worked out perfectly. I couldn't be happier! This is my new go-to for taco night!!!

            Reply
            • Andrea says

              October 02, 2022 at 11:16 pm

              Thanks for sharing your touch on these tacos! 🙂 Sounds delicious!

    9. Julia says

      June 01, 2022 at 11:45 pm

      5 stars
      We're always looking for more vegetarian or vegan friendly tacos and this one is a great one to add to the mix, using the walnuts is so interesting!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 02, 2022 at 8:51 pm

        The walnuts add such great texture to the tacos! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Genevieve says

      June 02, 2022 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      Love tacos! This is such a great meatless taco recipe and I love that you use walnits. I can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    11. Irene says

      June 04, 2022 at 10:40 am

      What can be substituted for the vegetable oil if not using oil?

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 06, 2022 at 9:13 pm

        Veggie broth or water might do the trick 🙂 Let us know how it turns out if you give it a go 🙂

        Reply
    12. Tina says

      June 09, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      Ooo loving this combo for tacos! So good!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 15, 2022 at 4:25 am

        They were sooo delicious, too! I really enjoyed them!

        Reply
    13. Amanda says

      June 10, 2022 at 5:04 am

      5 stars
      So much flavor in these tacos! Yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 15, 2022 at 4:26 am

        Yessss! They are incredible!

        Reply
    14. Teodora says

      June 10, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 15, 2022 at 4:27 am

        So glad you loved it 🙂 I thought it was so easy to make and so good!!

        Reply
    15. Gina H. says

      June 10, 2022 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love these!!! Using walnuts gives this "veggie meat" the perfect texture! Plus, it's so filling and full of omega3s. My new favorite!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 15, 2022 at 4:28 am

        Definitely! Full of healthy fats and so delicious too!

        Reply
    16. Janaye says

      July 01, 2022 at 2:52 am

      5 stars
      Love this combo, I loved walnut taco meat since the first time I tried it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 02, 2022 at 9:57 pm

        Yessss. So good and simple too!

        Reply
    17. Diana Dinehart says

      August 11, 2022 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      This is unbelievably yummy and the leftovers we put in salads and between pita bread. I made it use use in green enchiladas, so good! This recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        August 14, 2022 at 9:07 pm

        Love that you added this to your enchiladas! It's a favorite of mine too!

        Reply

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