Chipotle corn salsa, fresh and zesty tomato Pico de Gallo, crunchy tacos complete with mouth-watering tempeh taco meat come together and create the BEST vegan tacos you’ll ever have. These tempeh tacos boom with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers, sweet roasted corn, tangy tomato salsa and savory vegan taco meat that will leave you craving more!
What’s fantastic about Mexican food is all the flavors you can create with a few simple ingredients and a bit of chopping. This vegan taco recipe is unique because it blends a few classic Mexican salsas with one of my favorite plant-based meat alternatives – tempeh.
What Are Vegan Tacos Made Of?
You’ll need a few key ingredients to make these vegan tacos and first off is the taco “meat”. Alternatively, try this easy Chipotle's copycat sofritas. Another option would be to make vegan buffalo wings and stuff them in vegan buffalo tacos with mango habanero sauce. So many delicious options!
Tempeh is firmer than tofu, and even considered healthier. Because it is great at soaking up flavors, it absorbs taco seasoning like nothing. When tempeh meat is crumbled up it takes on a ground beef like texture which makes it a perfect alternative for taco meat.
On top of the tempeh taco meat, you’ll mix in two different salsas. A chipotle corn salsa that boasts a smoky, sweet flavor and a fresh, simple juicy tomato salsa that can be made both with or without cilantro. Finally, the toppings are completed with some slices of creamy avocado and spicy jalapeño.
These ingredients are mixed together and find a loving home in your favorite corn or whole wheat tortilla.
How to Make Vegan Tempeh Tacos
First of all, you’ll want to prepare the salsas beforehand. That way they have time to rest so the flavors can mix and develop. This vegetarian taco recipe works best with chipotle corn salsa and this fresh and zesty fresh tomato salsa.
You will also need a batch of the best vegan taco meat. I love this vegan taco “meat” because it tastes close to the real thing. It will only take you about 20 minutes to prepare. But here is special tip: make a big batch! Use it for these delicious grilled zucchini and corn tacos as well.
This stuff is so good, and you can keep it for up to three months in the freezer. You can use it for practically anything that you would normally use ground beef for.
Though using store bought tortillas is faster, homemade tortillas are easy to make and taste a great deal better. What’s wonderful about this basic whole wheat tortilla recipe is that you can customize the size of tortilla. Smaller, bigger, or both, it’s up to you.
Once you have your tortillas, start by distributing the tempeh taco meat, the two different salsas and avocado evenly among them. Then season them with lime, salt, freshly ground black pepper. Finally, garnish them with a few slices of jalapeño and cilantro. And you’re done!
Why This Recipe Works
Tempeh tacos are:
- fresh
- healthy
- nutritious
- fun to make
- full of color
- boom with flavor
- easily customizable
- savory
Cook’s Tips
- Smash up the avocado and make a simple guacamole that you can also use for veggie fajitas.
- Make the vegan tempeh meat AND tortillas in a big batch. Freeze anything extra and simply microwave to defrost them or warm slowly on the stove. Add a little water to restore the consistency.
- If there are any leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to three days in separate airtight containers.
- Keep tempeh meat for up to three months in your freezer.
- For more creative recipe ideas using tempeh check these 20 best tempeh recipes.
- Use leftover pico de gallo and chipotle corn salsa for this quick flatbread pizza.
Recipe Variations
- Use corn tortillas instead of whole wheat for a gluten-free option.
- Boost up the heat with more jalapeño.
- See more filling and topping ideas in my 5 - minute easy vegan tacos.
- You can use this delicious vegan pulled jackfruit or vegan buffalo wings (stuffed in vegan buffalo tacos) instead of tempeh in these tacos.
If you like this recipe, please give it a 5-star rating! That would mean a world to me!
Make sure to check my ultimate guide on how to cook tempeh that I put together and discover more delicious ways to cook tempeh!
The Best Vegan Tempeh Tacos
Ingredients
- 4 corn or whole wheat tortillas
- 1 batch tempeh taco meat
- ½ batch chipotle corn salsa
- 1 batch fresh tomato salsa
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro to garnish
- Jalapeño slices to garnish
Instructions
- Make tempeh taco meat.
- Make chipotle corn salsa. Alternatively, use toasted fresh corn.
- Make pico de gallo. Alternatively, use fresh diced tomatoes.
- Assemble your tacos: Distribute tempeh taco meat, chipotle corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, and avocado slices among tortillas. Season with lime juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Cook’s Tips
- Smash up the avocado and make a simple guacamole that you can also use for veggie fajitas.
- Make the vegan tempeh meat AND tortillas in a big batch. Freeze anything extra and simply microwave to defrost them or warm slowly on the stove. Add a little water to restore the consistency.
- Drizzle the tacos with vegan buffalo sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- If there are any leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to three days in separate airtight containers.
- Keep tempeh meat for up to three months in your freezer.
- For more creative recipe ideas check these 20 best tempeh recipes.
Recipe Variations
- Use corn tortillas instead of whole wheat for a gluten-free option.
- Boost up the heat with more jalapeño.
- See more filling and topping ideas in my 5 - minute easy vegan tacos.
- You can use this delicious vegan pulled jackfruit or vegan buffalo wings (stuffed in vegan buffalo tacos) instead of tempeh in these tacos.
Kiwi @ Kiwi Recipes says
Being vegan always seemed over-complicated to me, but I feel like your recipes are so simple yet still actually have flavour!!! Loving your recipes!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank so much! It means a lot to me!
Radwa says
Tacos is my favourite! thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
Elena Szeliga says
You are so welcome 🙂
Olivia Emily says
Wow, Amazing idea. and a very tasty recipe. Thanks
Elena Szeliga says
Glad you like it Olivia!
Neha says
I can never have too many taco recipes in my life, and guess what it's Tuesday tomorrow,yay!!! Plus this one looks so quick and easy.
Elena Szeliga says
I could eat tacos every day, honestly 🙂 Thank you, Neha! Glad you like the recipe.
Jagruti Dhanecha says
We love tacos and this vegan version looks so delicious, sharing your recipe with my daughter who is at the uni, as she prefers recipes that are quick and easy to whip up.
Elena Szeliga says
That's perfect for students, too! Hope your daughter enjoys it. Thank you, Jagruti!
Jo says
Oh I love such quick and delicious recipes. Makes weekdays dinner such a breeze with these tacos. It looks absolutely delicious and I think even my kids will love these tacos.
Elena Szeliga says
So glad you like them, Jo! Skip the hot sauce and kids will enjoy them, too!
Amy says
I have a vegan friend, and I'm forever looking for new and exciting recipes to share with her that I'll enjoy as well. Think I just found the next one to add to the list! 😉 I'm really loving all the colors!
Elena Szeliga says
Hope you and your friend will enjoy these tacos, Amy!
lauren says
I would definitely love a dinner that cooks itself! This is perfect for those crazy nights when we have nothing planned. Even my kids would enjoy this meatless meal! The cumin is the perfect not too in your face seasoning for it!
Elena Szeliga says
Exactly! Thank you, Lauren! We all need some quick dinner recipes in our pocket for those nights 🙂
Daniela says
Your taco pics are epic!!! I host taco parties all the time and could def use a vegan filling! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Elena Szeliga says
Aww thanks so much, Daniela! Hope you try this recipe for your next taco gathering 😉
Charity says
My sister-in-law in vegetarian and when I make dinner for her, I often end up in rut. Your list of proteins and toppings are super helpful. She loves tacos, so now I feel like a can get more creative when she comes over for dinner. Thanks!
Elena Szeliga says
That's great. Charity! SO happy you enjoyed the post. Hope you and our sister-in-law will both enjoy the tacos!
Amanda says
I love how little time it takes to make these tacos! This is perfect for those busy weeknights when I don't have as much time as I'd like to spend in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
Elena Szeliga says
Oh yes, they are perfect for those busy nights. Thank you, Amanda!
Julie says
We looooooove tacos in our house. I love how all these simple ingredients lead to tacos in only FIVE minutes! What a perfect after work weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
Elena Szeliga says
Hey Julie, I'm so glad you like the recipe! Hope you can give it a try 😉
Carol Borchardt says
I'm not vegan but I love meatless meals like these tacos! I'm always trying to figure out what to do with leftover grilled corn on the cob and love that these come together so quickly. Your photos are stunning and I need to get my hands on some of that hot sauce!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you so much Carol! So glad you like these meatless tacos. I love to use leftover corn on the cob for this chipotle corn salsa, too. It tastes amazing!
Tynia says
I really appreciate that this recipe isn't cumbersome. I’m a big fan of simple and good. This will make a healthy tasty weeknight meal for my family. Thanks for sharing!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you, Tynia! Hope you give this recipe a try! It's very quick and feeds a crowd 🙂
Jackie says
Perfect for Taco Tuesdays or Meatless Mondays! I can't believe that they come together so quickly and pack so much flavor.
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you Jackie! This is my go-to quick meatless dinner 🙂
Helena says
I can't wait to try these tacos. Vegan + tacos = must try! And the ability to customize them makes these tacos a great recipe to have.
Elena Szeliga says
I'm all for customizable recipes and this vegan tacos recipe is one of my favorites. Thank you Helena!
Libby says
These look delicious but I'm wondering if you warm the beans and corn? Thanks!
Elena Szeliga says
Hi Libby, it's up to you! You can microwave them before assembling the tacos or eat them cold.
Toni says
My 17 year old daughter and I are newly minted vegan eaters and I happened upon your website yesterday afternoon in search of easy vegan recipes. I tried this taco recipe last night and it was a hit. They were very flavorful and satisfying. We are looking forward to trying more dishes featured here.
Elena Szeliga says
Hi Toni! Thank you so much for your feedback! It means a lot to me! I'm so glad you and your daughter enjoyed these tacos! Hope you will like my other vegan recipes. If you like Mexican flavors, I would suggest Mexican chopped salad, it's the most popular recipe on my blog and also one of my favorites!
Kate Minor says
These look amazing! I love easy tacos like this. Easy, healthy, and delicious!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you, Kate! I love easy tacos too!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
Elena, these tacos look AMAZING! I literally drooling right now 🙂 Sharing this!
Elena Szeliga says
Thank you so much, Natalie! SO happy you like it 😉