These walnut meat tacos are a great alternative to beef and pack a punch of protein. They are so easy to make and the walnut taco meat is so tasty that even omnivores will want second helpings!
Growing up I didn’t try many new foods. I was never that into meat, especially ground meat which is found in most tacos, so I never really cared about trying tacos.
I didn’t realize there was a whole world of non-meat tacos for me to try. Now that I know, I have made so many different tacos like my teriyaki tempeh tacos, breakfast tacos, and buffalo chickpea tacos to name a few).
I love making tacos because they are so easy. Most of the time you can prep the walnut taco meat filling and toppings. That way dinner is easy to get on the table.
Now that my mind has been opened to the goodness of tacos, I wanted to recreate a vegan version for myself that I could have on Taco Tuesdays.
Although I eat soy a few times a week, I decided to switch things up and create a vegan meat alternative for those that are not into tofu.
I was thinking of doing lentils but I ran out last weekend (mental note to get some) so after fishing around my cabinets, I found some walnuts. I’ve ground walnuts before for tart/pie bases and it looks sort of like meat so I figured I’d go with it.
Turns out, walnuts make a tasty meat alternative! I love my walnut meat tacos and have been sharing them with everyone lately.
How to Make Walnut Meat
Step 1: Add ingredients to a food processor. Add walnuts, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and tamari to a food processor
Step 2: Chop. Process the walnut mixture until it is chopped finely but not pureed.
Step 3: Make Cashew Lime Sour Cream. Add all the ingredients for the sour cream to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Step 4: Fill Tacos. Add the walnut meat to the tacos and top with toppings of choice.
Step 5: Add the vegan sour cream. Dollop on that tasty sour cream and enjoy!
Does the Walnut filling really taste good?
Short answer – yes! I have made these countless times and every time I get so many compliments. My omnivore cousin really loves these and now makes them for herself.
I think the trick to making the walnut meat extra delicious is the seasoning. The cumin, chili powder, and tamari give the walnut filling a sort of “meaty” flavor (without any meat).
Walnut meat can be used in these tacos but I’ve also used them in my Walnut Meat Vegan Taco Wraps.
Walnut Nutrition
Nutritionally walnuts offer us 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 a great source of plant-based protein and contain vitamin B6, magnesium, and fiber.
Looking for more tasty tacos? Check out these out:
Meal Prep Tip: You can pre-make the walnut taco meat a few days before so they can be made in minutes when you have a hectic day!
Walnut Meat Tacos
Ingredients
WALNUT TACOS
- 1.5 cups de-shelled walnuts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 Tb tamari ( can use soy sauce if not gf or coconut aminos if you do not do soy)
- 6 Taco shells (I used organic & gluten-free)
Toppings
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup red cabbage chopped
- 1/4-1/2 cup onion chopped
- cilantro chopped
LIME CASHEW SOUR CREAM
- 1 Cup cashews soaked overnight (or soaked at least 10 mins in boiling water)
- 1/3-1/2 cup water (and more if needed)
- 2 Tb lime juice
- 1 TB apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add walnuts, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and tamari to a food processor and process until mixture is chopped finely but not pureed.
- Fill taco shells with walnut mixture and top with toppings of choice.
- To make the lime cashew sour cream put all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if needed to get a sour cream consistency.
- Top tacos with sour cream and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Please Note: The nutritional information is a computer generated estimate so these numbers 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 confident in creating sustainable habits that align with their values and health goals. She shares easy plant-powered food to nourish your body + satisfy your tastebuds. Mary Ellen’s recipes and nutrition info have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Sarah says
When do you add the tamari? The step says mix ingredients up until tamari.
Mary Ellen says
Hi Sarah, the tamari goes into the food processor with the walnuts and spices.
Rae says
Can I sub lime for lemon?!
Mary Ellen says
Yes, that should be totally fine, it will just have a more lemon than lime taste.
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!