When asked to describe the component parts of a taco, many of us would simply say, “meat, cheese, and shell.” And while this simplified description of a taco would get the job done in many cases, it happens to exclude some of the most delicious tacos this world has to offer. Because yes, tacos usually involve some kind of shell. And the tastiest ones tend to include a little cheese, too. But meat isn’t necessarily on the menu—and anyone who’s indulged in one of the internet’s finest meatless taco recipes knows that to be true.
Meatless tacos may sound oxymoronic to anyone who swears by ground beef, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. But they exist, and they can be incredibly yummy—not to mention, flavorful, filling, and genuinely fun to cook. Many meatless taco recipes call for some kind of protein base. (Black beans, chickpeas, and tofu are all popular choices.) This keeps the dish feeling hearty and substantial—more like a meal than a snack. Beyond that, though, there’s nothing particularly out-of-the-box about them. Throw your protein in a shell, sprinkle on a little cheese, and load up on toppings.
What’s cool? Meatless tacos are, at their core, a little bit different from some of the tacos you’ve had in the past. So they give you the chance to experiment with new flavors—and to explore classic flavors in new ways. Some meatless tacos recipes may call for ingredients you wouldn’t have thought to throw in a taco. (Cauliflower, sweet potato, and shredded cabbage all spring to mind.) Others may call for more standard taco ingredients, combined in fresh, interesting ways. (Your go-to taco spice blend is liable to taste a little different on tofu than it does on ground beef.)
This dash of adventure is what makes meatless tacos not just tasty, but genuinely fun. They leave dinnertime feeling more like a culinary experiment than an obligation—and that’s something the whole family can surely get behind.
Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
These protein-packed tacos are so incredibly filling you won’t believe they’re meat-free. But they are—and they come together in just 30 minutes in a single skillet.
Buffalo Chickpea Tacos
You’ve tried buffalo chicken—but what about buffalo chickpeas? This vegetarian dish is spicy, crunchy, and delicious. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies. (And since they’ll add a little texture to your tacos, you’ll actually be glad they’re there.)
Crispy Tofu Tacos
Tofu is a classic addition to any meatless dish, and this recipe calls for the protein to be rendered in crispy, crunchy squares. The result? A taco that’s textured and delightful. (And thanks to ingredients like cilantro, cumin, paprika, and lime, it’ll be flavored to perfection, too.)
Roasted Veggie Tacos
Homemade chipotle cashew crema takes these tacos from tasty to downright decadent. The sweet potato, cauliflower, and black bean base is delightful on its own. But doused with garlic, avocado, lime, and chipotle-cashew sauce, these tacos taste veritably restaurant-worthy.
Baja Tofu Tacos
Fans of fish tacos will surely appreciate this vegetarian-friendly take on the dish. Simply fry your tofu cutlets the way you’d fry your favorite fish, layer on a little slaw, and slather on some vegan mayonnaise, and you’ll have a handful of meatless tacos worth devouring.
Spicy Mango, Black Bean, and Avocado Tacos
It’s hard to go wrong with mangos, black beans, and avocados—especially when you’re throwing all three into a slightly charred taco shell. Serve this delightful combination with cilantro, hot sauce, and cotija cheese, and enjoy the blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Chipotle Mushroom Tacos
These mushroom- and pepper-packed tacos look a lot like fajitas—and they’ll taste just as delicious. Cumin, paprika, and lime juice come together to create an enticing flavor blend that pairs masterfully with the sliced portobello mushrooms, red onions, and sweet bell peppers it’s covering.
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower may seem like an odd choice for tacos. But covered with spicy buffalo sauce—and topped with avocado crema—it tastes absolutely delightful. Plus, it pairs great with classic taco ingredients like fresh cilantro, just-squeezed lime juice, and fresh tortillas.
Crispy Chickpea Tacos
Since chickpeas are a lot like beans, they make a natural base for meatless tacos. What makes this recipe so spectacular, though, is the “sunset slaw” it calls for the tacos to be topped with. Carrots and red cabbage may seem like strange additions to a taco, but they bring out the best in the spiced chickpeas—and they taste especially great with hot sauce.
Loaded Guacamole Tacos
If you’re willing to eat guacamole straight out of the bowl, why not give it a starring role in one of your go-to taco recipes? This particular option calls for tacos that are crafted from two primary ingredients: spiced black beans and guacamole. Simple, sure—but decidedly delicious.
Chickpea Tacos
The spiced chickpeas that make up this taco are all kinds of flavorful, thanks to a spice blend of paprika, garlic, chili, and cumin. But they derive even more flavor from the cashew-based (vegan-friendly!) “Ranch” dressing they’re drizzled with.
Cauliflower Tinga Tacos
Cauliflower, avocado, cilantro, and garlic may seem like a strange combination—especially for a taco—but the results are absolutely delicious. And really, when veggies taste this good, why not load up on them?
Black Bean and Corn Tacos
Corn, black beans, and cilantro combine to create these incredibly delightful (and incredibly easy to throw together) tacos. Spend 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 30 minutes cooking them, and you’ll have an array of delicious, protein-packed tacos.
Everyday Tofu Tacos
This recipe calls for tofu to be cooked like ground beef, and the result is an array of vegetarian tacos that are both spicy and flavorful. Since the base is so versatile, you can throw on any toppings you like. (But avocado, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro aren’t a bad place to start.)
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