Recipe

Vegan Tacos That Taste Like the Real Thing

By Alyssa Cronin at Georgetown University

Going vegan without giving up your favorite dishes is the only way to go vegan. With countless veggie burgers, "chicken" products, and dairy-free ice cream brands on the market, most of your bases are covered, but what about the beloved taco? There are plenty of veggie varieties out there, but can we really compare a tortilla full of roasted tomatoes and squash to the classic Mexican dish? Thankfully, this vegan taco recipe is the real deal, and your taco cravings can finally be satisfied in a healthy, plant-based way. Even if you don't follow a strictly vegan diet, these are definitely worth a try. 

In these vegan tacos, quinoa acts as the perfect faux meat and enhances the nutritional content of the meal considerably. Ditching the beef also means you can avoid the bloating that usually comes with a trip to Taco Bell. A little seasoning goes a long way, so you won't question the protein swap for a second, and – since quinoa is also high in fiber, magnesium, iron, and an array of other nutrients – you can officially call your taco a superfood. 

Vegan Tacos

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 4 romaine lettuce leaves
  • 1 can black beans
  • 4 corn tortillas

Alyssa Cronin

Step 1

Bring the quinoa, water, and broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Alyssa Cronin

Step 2

Add the olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the quinoa, and mix until evenly combined.

Alyssa Cronin

Step 3

Dice the vegetables and cut the romaine lettuce into strips.

Alyssa Cronin

Step 4

Add the seasoned quinoa (aka "meat"), black beans, veggies, and any other desired fixings to the tortillas and enjoy.

Alyssa Cronin

You can add your favorite taco sauce or salsa for extra flavor and texture if desired, or opt for guac instead of sliced avocado. Check out some of these easy vegan dips if you need some more condiment inspiration. The chipotle chili powder is a must if you want that classic taco seasoning taste, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices if you're feeling adventurous.

If you still have leftovers when your Taco Tuesday fiesta is over, meal prep a quinoa taco salad for lunch or try a lettuce wrap later in the week. You can also leave some quinoa plain and make one of these easy vegan quinoa recipes. Swap out garlic and chili powder for cinnamon, and you can even eat your "taco meat" for breakfast. You'll be an ancient grain addict in no time. 

Recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker.