Hands down THE BEST vegan taco meat made of tempeh that is as close as possible to the real thing. You just need 3 essential ingredients and 20 minutes to make this tried-and-true vegan meat recipe!
What are the perfect vegan tacos? Those that have this tempeh vegan meat in them.
Make it once and you'll never look back. I've tried many vegan meat recipes, but this is hands down THE BEST vegan meat for tacos I've ever tried.
No more puzzling over how to make vegan meat, so that it tastes like meat. Along with my smoky vegan pulled pork and Chipotle's copycat sofritas, this recipe is as close to the original as you can get.
What Is Vegan Meat for Tacos Made of?
You can make vegan meat for tacos from tofu, quinoa, lentils, mushrooms or walnuts and there is nothing wrong with these.
But this tempeh vegan ground beef recipe is as close as possible to the real thing.
Besides, tempeh is very nutritious and protein-rich. As it is made of fermented soy beans, tempeh is an excellent source of vegan probiotics, vitamins and dietary fiber, among other things.
Tempeh Taco Meat
Tempeh gives this vegetarian taco meat a chewy texture and excellent soaking abilities that allows it to absorb the taco seasoning perfectly well. It is firmer than tofu and is considered healthier.
You can find tempeh in your local grocery store near tofu or order it online.
Tempeh is worth adding to your everyday diet, as you can make so many delicious dishes with it, including vegan Bolognese sauce, vegan sloppy Joes, vegan bacon, as well as this delicious tempeh taco meat.
Besides, it is super easy and quick to make. You will need 15 minutes and the following ingredients:
- Olive oil;
- Onions;
- Tempeh;
- Taco seasoning;
- Water.
How to Make Vegan Taco Meat from Tempeh
There are two ways to process tempeh before you cook it to make vegan ground beef out of it.
You can either break it with your fingers into little crumbles or simply grind it. I usually prefer to have more texture in my taco meat, so I crumble it with my fingers (see the video below for instructions).
Once you have it crumbled, sauté some onion in olive oil, add the tempeh crumbles and let them slightly brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add taco seasoning and water and let cook for 10 more minutes or until water is mostly adsorbed. Enjoy on vegan tempeh tacos, grilled zucchini and corn tacos, vegan buffalo tacos, tostadas, in burritos, enchiladas, fajitas or salads.
Cook's Tips
- This tempeh taco meat can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for about 3 days.
- You can freeze it in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Add more water if your taco meat looks too dry. If you added too much water, you can always evaporate the excess letting it cook it for a minute or two longer.
- For more creative recipe ideas check these 20 best tempeh recipes.
Recipe Variations
- For this tempeh meat, you'll need 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is an equivalent to one store-bought packet.
- Add ½ teaspoon cornstarch to create a saucy consistency for your taco meat. Mix the starch into the seasoning and add 4-5 tablespoons of water before adding the mixture to the skillet.
- Avocado oil or other neutral oils can be substituted for olive oil. If you don't want to use oil, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the skillet instead.
Make sure to check the recipe video and the full recipe below for instructions. If you can't see the video, disable your AdBlock for this page by clicking on the AdBlock button and selecting Don't run on this page.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know how you like it. I would really appreciate you giving it a star rating! Your comments and ratings really help me improve!
Make sure to check my ultimate guide on how to cook tempeh that I put together and discover more delicious ways to cook tempeh!
Tempeh Vegan Taco "Meat"
Ingredients
- 8 oz or 250 g tempeh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning the whole batch
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Break tempeh with your fingers into little crumbles (see the video above for instructions) or simply grind it.
- Heat olive oil a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sautée for one or two minutes, then add the tempeh crumbles. Let them slightly brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add taco seasoning and water and let cook for 10 more minutes or until water is mostly adsorbed. Enjoy on tacos, tostadas, in burritos, enchiladas, fajitas or salads!
Notes
Cook’s Tips
- This tempeh taco meat can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for about 3 days.
- You can freeze the taco meat in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Add more water if your taco meat looks too dry. If you added too much water, you can always evaporate the excess letting it cook it for a minute or two longer.
- Enjoy on vegan tempeh tacos, grilled zucchini and corn tacos, vegan buffalo tacos, tostadas, in burritos, enchiladas, fajitas or salads.
- For more creative recipe ideas check these 20 best tempeh recipes.
Recipe Variations
- For this tempeh meat, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is an equivalent to one store-bought packet.
- Add ½ teaspoon cornstarch to create a saucy consistency for your taco meat. Mix the starch into the seasoning and add 4-5 tablespoons of water before adding the mixture to the skillet.
- Avocado oil or other neutral oils can be substituted for olive oil. If you don’t want to use oil, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the skillet instead.
Sarah says
Love this! So happy I came across this recipe. Instead of water I added a small can of fire roasted tomatoes with green chiles...so yummy!!
Elena Szeliga says
Happy to hear that, Sarah! 🙂 Thank you for leaving a comment!
Jan says
The taco “meat” is very good. I added chopped mushrooms for an extra nutrient punch.
Elena Szeliga says
Glad you enjoyed it, Jan! 🙂
Rachel says
Loved it! I've come to like tempeh a lot more than tofu because of my sensory issues and severe ADHD. Tofu's tasty and all but it takes SO many steps to make it taste good, making this taco filling was so easy?!
I omitted the onion out of sensory issues and ADHD-induced skipping another step lol then used it to make homemade vegan Crunch Wrap Supremes and while the taste was amazing, the only thing I'd do different next time is put the tempeh in the food processor a bit. The texture didn't bother me, but I think it would've been a little easier to cook down and not get the crunch wraps as high if the pieces were smaller.
Toasting the tempeh bits in walnut oil before adding the taco seasoning packet and water also just takes it to a whole other level!
Elena Szeliga says
@Rachel, Thank you for leaving your feedback on this recipe! So glad you enjoyed the wraps 🙂
Lorenza says
Amazing recipe! Delicious. Easy to make. No mess in the kitchen (one skillet). Under 10 minutes. And.. full of protein! Healthy! What's not to like?
Elena Szeliga says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for leaving a comment!
Pepa says
My son loved it. He said it taste like chicken and bacon. It was very good. I added rice, beans, lettuce, and tomato. Thank you!!
Elena Szeliga says
I'm so happy to hear that!
Hope Abramson says
We loved it! Had over rice and refried beans with sour cream/avocado mixed together!
Elena Szeliga says
Sounds amazing! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Hope! 🙂
Brennan says
New vegetarian here; I was skeptical when I tasted the tempeh “meat” alone after cooking, but as a taco with a good tortilla and guac it was delicious and I absolutely could not tell the difference from a real taco!! Thanks for the recipe!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you for your feedback, Brennan! I'm so happy you enjoyed this taco meat!
Jess says
Made tonight. Awesome! Will make again.
Elena Szeliga says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Jess! Thank you for the feedback 🙂
Suzie says
I just love this recipe, and I can't wait to try it. I never made a tempeh meal before, I hope it will be good. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Also, it is featured on my blog here: https://suzinspire.com/20-incredible-meat-free-recipes-you-should-try-this-summer/
If you like it, please share it on social media! Thank you so much!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you for including my recipe Suzie! Your roundup looks amazing, so many great recipes to try!
Daniela says
Always looking for a delicious vegan taco filling and this sounds absolutely perfect! Thanks so much for sharing :)!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you, Daniela! Hope you give this vegan taco meat a try 😉
Analida Braeger says
This looks so interesting ! I have never had tempeh before but always been so curious about it , will be trying this : )
Elena Szeliga says
This is one of the best discoveries I've made in the last year 😉 Where was it before? LOL
Karyl Henry says
I've never tried tempeh, and I have to be honest...I'm scared I'll screw it up! But my parents are vegetarian and eat imitation meat all the time so I'll definitely share this with them
Elena Szeliga says
Hope your parents enjoy it, Karyl! This is the best ground meat alternative I've tried!
Kelly Anthony says
What aisle of the grocery store can I find tempeh? I've never had tempeh but I'm so curious to try something new especially when it has so many health benefits.
Elena Szeliga says
Hi Kelly, it needs to be refrigerated so you'll find it near tofu in your grocery store. You can also order it online. Hope that helps!
Eva says
I am not vegetarian but truly enjoy trying meat replacement alternatives. Especially in tacos, where you mostly go for texture and spices. I havent tried tempeh yet, so thank you for this one.
Elena Szeliga says
I found that tempeh is the best meat alternative for tacos. You won't miss meat at all!
Paula Montenegro says
I only had tempeh once in some empanadas (hand pies) and it was such a good surprise. I'm loving the idea of these tacos! So easy to make! Thanks for the recipe.
Elena Szeliga says
Tempeh empanadas sound like a great idea! I'll make sure to give them a try. Thank you, Paula!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol! Must print the recipe.
Elena Szeliga says
Hope you enjoy this taco "meat"!
Danielle says
Only three essentials and 20 minutes? Now that's a vegan taco meat recipe to save. There are so many things that you can do with it!
Elena Szeliga says
That's true! Tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, fajitas... And I'm only getting started!
Nicolas Hortense says
Oh nice I am so intrigued to see what this tastes like! Would fill my tacos, wraps, burritos etc. with this any day!!
Elena Szeliga says
You won't notice that it's not "real" meat in tacos, I swear!
Heather says
I've never cooked tempeh before so I appreciate all the tips and tricks! It's a great alternative to have since meat can be so expensive. Thanks for sharing!
Elena Szeliga says
Hope you give this recipe a try, Heather!
Rebecca Blackwell says
I have never cooked tempeh before, but this recipe is inspiring me to try, mostly because my family loves tacos so much. I think I'm going to not tell them that it's not meat filling their tacos and see if they notice! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Elena Szeliga says
I bet they wouldn't notice the difference 😀 Thank you, Rebecca! I hope your family enjoys these tempeh tacos!
Michelle says
Oh, this is just perfect! I'm always looking for new ways to spice up our veggie tacos and this looks like a really great option for us. Can't wait to try it x
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you, Michelle! You'll love it, I promise 🙂