Print

Lentil Taco Meat (Vegan) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 98 reviews

This vegan Lentil Taco Meat is a flavorful, protein-packed meat substitute made from brown lentils and cauliflower rice, seasoned with classic taco spices and simmered to a thick, savory consistency. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a filling for various dishes, this recipe is gluten-free, easy to make on the stovetop, and offers a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional taco meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Legumes

  • ½ Yellow Onion – diced
  • 1 ¼ cup Cooked Brown Lentils (equivalent to 1 can 15 oz, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 ¼ cup Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen)

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon Chili Powder

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup Vegetable Broth
  • 3–4 tablespoons Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (or 1 tablespoon tamari sauce)
  • ½ cup Tomato Paste

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Cook Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and stir fry until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
  2. Add Lentils and Cauliflower Rice: Stir in the cooked brown lentils and cauliflower rice. Continue stir frying the mixture for another minute to combine flavors and heat through.
  3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and chili powder. Stir well to evenly coat the lentils and cauliflower mixture with the spices.
  4. Add Sauces: Mix in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, and vegan Worcestershire sauce (or tamari sauce). This will create a thick and flavorful sauce binding the mixture together.
  5. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. For a smoother sauce texture, simmer for only 3 to 4 minutes before removing from heat.
  6. Serve: Serve the lentil taco meat hot as a filling in vegan, gluten-free flatbread or tacos. Follow with additional vegan toppings and sides as desired.

Notes

  • You can use canned lentils for convenience; just rinse and drain well before use.
  • If using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw and drain excess water to avoid a watery mixture.
  • Adjust the simmering time based on your preferred sauce thickness.
  • Vegan Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with tamari or soy sauce, but reduce salt if using soy sauce.
  • For homemade cauliflower rice, pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until rice-sized pieces form.

Keywords: vegan lentil taco meat, plant-based taco filling, gluten-free taco meat alternative, cauliflower rice recipe, vegan Mexican recipe, healthy taco meat substitute

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/lentil-taco-meat-vegan-recipe/