• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nuts and Twigs
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • Subscribe
  • Free Guides
×
  • seasoned popcorn on plates.
    7 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings
  • bowl of Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup.
    Lemony Orzo Chickpea Soup
  • homemade Italian vinaigrette in a jar.
    Homemade Italian Vinaigrette
  • sweet chili lime sauce in a bowl.
    Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
  • spring roll salad in a bowl with a fork.
    Spring Roll Salad
  • mexican potatoes on a plate.
    Mexican Potatoes
  • adding pasta to a pan of vegan vodka sauce.
    Vegan Vodka Sauce
  • containers of popcorn.
    Best Homemade Movie Theater Popcorn
  • collage of 4 exotic fruits.
    17 Exotic Fruits with Pictures
  • collage of 4 different veggie burgers.
    14 Irresistible Veggie Burgers Even Meat-Eaters Will Love
  • stack of cookies on a plate.
    Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • blood orange vinaigrette in a mason jar with a label that says blood orange.
    Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Vegan Main Courses

Easy Walnut Taco Meat

Published: Jul 22, 2023 · Modified: Jan 17, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

This easy walnut taco meat is delicious! It's crumbly, packed with flavor, and makes a fantastic replacement for traditional ground beef in your next tacos or Mexican-inspired vegan dishes! And it's ready in about 20 minutes!

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe
walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice

I was skeptical at first about this plant-based meat alternative—how could walnuts or a blend of mushrooms and walnuts possibly mimic the texture of meat?

But after trying it at a restaurant, I loved it and knew I had to recreate it at home. It didn’t disappoint!

If you’re a mushroom fan, you’ll love my Smoky Glazed Mushrooms, Vegan Grits with Savory Mushrooms and Collard Greens, or Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup for more earthy, flavorful recipes.

And if you’re craving another meaty, plant-based option, try walnut meat with a different flavor profile in my Cuban-inspired Vegan Picadillo.

Jump to:
  • What is Vegan Walnut Meat?
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Vegan Walnut Taco Meat with Mushrooms
  • Top Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Equipment
  • Walnut Meat FAQS
  • More Delicious Mexican Vegan Recipes
  • Easy Walnut Taco Meat
  • Comments

What is Vegan Walnut Meat?

You might be thinking, “What the heck is vegan walnut meat?”

This is a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional meat that combines walnuts and mushrooms and can be used in various dishes.

I know it sounds baffling, but trust me, walnuts and mushrooms can actually be a substitute for ground beef.

When all is done, this recipe has a similar look with a slightly less chewy texture, making it a fantastic alternative. With the right spices, it's a total game-changer in recipes like Vegan Rotel Dip and makes for a great homemade alternative to processed veggie crumbles in many recipes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • easy to make
  • whole food, soy-free, and gluten-free
  • customizable
  • easy to batch cook for your weekly meal prep
  • this is a great meat alternative for people following vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. Plus, it's perfect for those who want to cut down on meat.
bowl of vegan walnut taco meat in a bowl; side view.

Ingredients

Gather these easy-to-find ingredients. See the recipe card for quantities.

Vegan walnut taco meat ingredients in bowls; top view
  • You can use any variety of mushrooms, but I buy the 12 oz pack of shitakes from Costco.

Variations

The base for this recipe includes walnuts, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.

While this recipe complements Mexican-inspired cuisine well, you can substitute the spices with other flavors for other cuisine variations. Here are some suggestions (adjust spice quantities to your liking):

  • Incorporate dried basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an Italian flair. 
  • Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a Mediterranean profile.
  • Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of brown sugar for a smoky and sweet barbecue taste. 
  • Mix dried parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, and a dash of garlic powder for herb-infused ‘meat'. Incorporate this into savory pies, stuffed vegetables, or grain bowls.

How to Make Vegan Walnut Taco Meat with Mushrooms

Here are the visuals for this recipe, which is ready in about 20 minutes. See the recipe card for more details.

top view of mushrooms in food processor.

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until they resemble a crumbly texture. Take care not to over-mix them. Once complete, remove and set aside.

top view of walnuts in food processor.

Step 2: Do the same for the walnuts, but do not process both items simultaneously, as this could result in over-processed mushrooms.

top view sauteeing onions in cast iron pan.

Step 3: Saute the onions, garlic, and mushrooms.

top view of sauteeing mushrooms in cast iron pan.

Step 4: Then add and cook the mushrooms until they release moisture and are soft.

adding spices to walnut and mushroom mixture; top view of cast iron pan.

Step 5: Mix well to evenly coat the mushrooms and onions with the spices.

adding walnuts to mushrooms and onions in a cast iron pan; top view

Step 6: Add the chopped walnuts. Mix everything thoroughly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Then, taste and adjust.

Top Tips

  • If you're not a fan of mushrooms or a loved one says they'll pass on this meal, I promise you won't be able to detect their taste or texture since they are finely chopped.
  • The mushrooms help to bulk up the recipe while keeping the fat lower than other recipes that only use walnuts. But, if you prefer to avoid mushrooms altogether, replace them with cooked lentils or cauliflower.
  • Do not process mushrooms and walnuts simultaneously since this could lead to over-processed mushrooms.
walnut taco meat in a cast iron pan; top view

Serving Suggestions

  • For this recipe, we serve walnut taco meat in tacos. You can serve it in soft or hard taco shells, corn tortillas, or lettuce wraps.
  • Black Bean Tostadas - top with Mango Habanero Salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.
  • Create a nourishing bowl by combining roasted sweet potatoes or brown rice, favorite greens, steamed broccoli, avocado slices, a drizzle of Vegan Avocado Crema, and topped with the taco walnut meat.
  • Toss this vegan walnut meat with Simple Instant Pot Yellow Rice, roasted peppers, and onions, and top with a delicious, Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli Sauce.
  • Vegan Taco Bowl - Check out this delicious recipe that uses walnut taco meat.
  • Serve it in Easy Vegan Nachos.
holding a walnut taco meat in a taco

Equipment

I highly recommend using a food processor to chop the mushrooms and walnuts finely. You won't get the same fine chop with a knife unless you are an experienced chef. And it makes the food prep much easier and quicker!

bowl of walnut meat on a table surrounded by loaded nachos, cheese sauce, and spoons

Walnut Meat FAQS

Can I use walnut meat in stews like chili or make meatballs and burgers?

I do not recommend using walnut taco meat in other recipes that are liquidy.

Can I freeze vegan walnut taco meat?

Because of the mushrooms, I do not recommend freezing this particular recipe. Freezing mushrooms changes the texture and may become slightly softer or more tender upon thawing.

What kind of mushrooms can I use in vegan walnut taco meat?

You can experiment with different types of mushrooms based on your preference or availability. Shitake mushrooms are great in this recipe, but you can also try cremini, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varying flavors and textures.

Is walnut taco meat soy or gluten-free?

This walnut meat recipe is a soy-free, gluten-free, and non-processed meat substitute.

Does walnut taco meat really taste like meat?

While it does not taste exactly like meat, it can provide a similar texture and flavor profile that resembles certain meat dishes. The combination of walnuts, mushrooms, and seasonings creates a savory and satisfying taste that can be reminiscent of ground meat. I would say that it has its own unique taste and should be enjoyed for its delicious qualities rather than wanting it to mimic the exact taste of meat.

How do I store walnut taco meat?

Once cooled, transfer the meat to an airtight container or sealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and store it for up to 5 days.

More Delicious Mexican Vegan Recipes

  • glass of blueberry lavender lemonade with a straw and a slice of lemon.
    Blueberry Lavender Lemonade
  • Tofu Wrap with Spicy Apricot Sauce on a plate with chips and salad.
    Tofu Wrap with Spicy Apricot Sauce
  • bowl of angel hair pasta salad.
     Angel Hair Pasta Salad
  • jar of the lemon vinaigrette.
    Easy Lemon Vinaigrette

Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this easy walnut taco meat . Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice

Easy Walnut Taco Meat

Regi Pearce
Elevate your Taco Tuesdays to a whole new level—our vegan walnut taco meat isn't just good, it's delicious! Packed with crumbly texture and bursting with authentic Mexican spices, this is a plant-based twist you didn't see coming.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course main course
Cuisine American, Mexican, Vegan
Servings 8 servings
Calories 201 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces shitake mushrooms or any variety
  • 1½ cups raw walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ onion diced ~ 90 grams
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Process the Mushrooms: In a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until they resemble a crumbly texture. Be careful not to over-process. Remove and set aside.
  • Process the Walnuts: Add the walnuts to the food processor and pulse until they resemble a crumbly texture. Be careful not to over-process and make a paste.
  • Saute the Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and saute for a minute or two until fragrant.
  • Cook the Mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
  • Add the Seasoning: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the mushrooms and onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Incorporate the Walnuts: Add the processed walnuts to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the walnuts to absorb the seasonings.
  • Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, and serve in your favorite taco shells, lettuce, burrito wraps, and toppings.

Video

Notes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. Use a nutritional app like Cronometer to get information on the exact ingredients and amounts you are using.
I highly recommend using a food processor. If you try to chop the mushrooms and walnuts finely with a knife, you won't get the same fine texture needed to make this dish similar to ground beef.
To make things even easier, you can substitute the seasoning with about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 184mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords 20 minute recipe, budget friendly, easy
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

More Vegan Main Courses

  • vegan chickpea burger on a plate with fries.
    Vegan Chickpea Burgers
  • bowl of vegetable stew and dumplings.
    Vegetable Stew and Dumplings
  • bowl of 10 vegetable soup.
    10 Vegetable Soup Recipe
  • bowl of lemon pasta with a fork twirling some linguini.
    Lemon Pasta

About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Rob Pearce says

    July 26, 2023 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    AMAZING!!!

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      October 23, 2023 at 6:53 pm

      Wow, 'AMAZING!!!' is music to my ears! So thrilled you loved the easy walnut taco meat, babe. Thanks you for sharing your enthusiasm!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband Rob and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but still worth living.

More about me


Spring Recipes

  • collard green wraps on plate.
    Collard Green Wraps

  • Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce in a bowl.
    Vegan Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce

  • cucumber and apple salad in a bowl.
    Cucumber and Apple Salad

  • vegan Spanish omelet
    Vegan Spanish Omelet (Spanish Tortilla)

Popular Recipes

  • walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice
    Easy Walnut Taco Meat

  • vegan sushi bake casserole with the garnishes side view
    Vegan Sushi Bake

  • vegan minestron one pot soup
    One-Pot Vegan Minestrone

  • classic French dressing in a jar with a spoon picking up some dressing
    Classic French Salad Dressing

  • bunch of sliced high protein lupini seitan
    High-Protein Lupini Bean Seitan

  • top view of a spoon picking up some dressing.
    Asian Sesame Dressing

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Me

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Copyright © 2024

walnut meat in a bowl next to brown rice

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required