Tofu Taco Meat

Name: Tofu Taco Meat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts; 1 (14 or 16-ounce) block extra firm tofu (pressed and drained); 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil ((optional)); 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 small yellow onion; 2 large garlic cloves (minced); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Extra firm tofu, maple syrup, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, spices, walnuts, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and tamari in bowls on a white marble board.

Ingredients for making Tofu Taco Meat.

Extra-firm tofu or super-firm tofu works best for this recipe. If you can find pre-pressed tofu, it will save time. Otherwise, give it a quick press before using.
Walnuts are arguably the healthiest nut! Loaded with heart healthy fats, walnut crumbles give this tofu taco meat an incredible texture.
Nutritional yeast is an optional ingredient, but a great addition as it adds vitamin B₁₂ and even more protein to this vegan meat recipe.
Use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free recipe.

See recipe card for quantities.

🍅 Substitutions

Nutritional yeast - omit as needed

Walnuts - Use pecans instead for a similar texture. For a nut-free tofu meat recipe, try my Easy Tofu Ground Beef recipe.

Tamari - use tamari, gluten-free tamari, or soy sauce

Tomato paste - substitute with Thai Red Curry paste or ketchup as needed

Olive oil - For oil-free, omit the olive oil and use a nonstick skillet to cook the tofu, adding more low sodium tamari or soy sauce as needed.

Try my Best Vegan Meatloaf for another high-protein meal. For more easy and high-protein tofu dinner ideas, visit my Vegan Tofu Recipes page.

📖 Instructions

Use pre-pressed tofu to save time. Otherwise, press the tofu for 15 minutes and drain before using.

A white block of extra firm tofu next to a box grater on a white marble board.

Step 1. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until large crumbles form. Grate the pressed tofu on the largest holes of a box grater or crumble it using your hands.

Grated tofu, walnut crumbles, nutritional yeast, and tomato paste in a glass bowl.

Step 2. Add the walnut crumbles, grated tofu, nutritional yeast, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, tamari, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the maple syrup to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until fully incorporated.

Tofu taco meat cooking in a grey speckled skillet with a wooden and grey silicone spatula.

Step 3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, or until translucent. Mix in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the vegan meat mixture.

Step 4. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the mixture just becomes dry, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💡 Expert Tips

Pulse the walnuts in a food processor enough times for large crumbles to form. Do not overdo it or the walnuts will turn into flour.

Use the largest holes on a box grater to grate the tofu. This gives the meatiest texture.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover Tofu Taco Meat for up to 4 days. Or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

How can I use Tofu Taco Meat?

This protein-rich recipe is versatile. Use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, veggie bowls, or mix it with a grain of your choice and use it to stuff roasted peppers, or squash. It's a convenient and delicious way to add protein to almost any vegan meal.

Is Tofu Taco Meat healthy?

This is a very healthy recipe. Walnuts add omega 3s, fortified nutritional yeast adds vitamin B₁₂, and tofu is rich in protein and heart healthy fats. This 'meat' is good for your heart!

Can I freeze Tofu Taco Meat?

Yes! The texture becomes even more meaty upon freezing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.

📖 Recipe