Vegan Taquitos

Switch up Taco Tuesday with oil-free, crunchy Vegan Taquitos. These delightful bites are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively gatherings with friends. With a variety of filling choices and cooking methods, this recipe stands out by being both kid-friendly and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The ingredients come together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Fillings: Choose from several delicious fillings like lentils, potatoes, or roasted cauliflower to suit your taste.
• Healthy Alternative: These taquitos are oil-free and loaded with nutritious ingredients, making them a guilt-free snack or meal.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids love the crunchy texture and tasty flavors, while adults appreciate the health benefits.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy them baked or air-fried for that perfect crispiness without the added oil.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools. Using the proper equipment not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your vegan taquitos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer or oven: This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture without using oil.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all your filling ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables finely to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

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Ingredients

Switch up Taco Tuesday with oil-free, crunchy vegan taquitos. With various filling choices, tortilla choices, and even two cooking options, this vegan taquito recipe is fabulous, especially for the kids.

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups Brown lentils (rinsed and picked over)
• 1 large diced White Onion
• 2 cloves minced Garlic
• 1 Jalapeño de-seeded (diced)
• 2 cans Rotel Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chilies
• 4 cups Organic Vegetable Broth
• 2 packages Vegan Taco Seasoning or use your own brew

For the Taquitos

• 1 package Corn or Flour Tortillas (12 tortillas)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Chili powder (sprinkled)
• 3 Jalapeños (de-seeded and sliced)
• Salsa of choice or hot sauce
• Vegan sour cream

Optional Fillings

• Mushroom chicken sausage Filling
• Potato Taco Filling
• Roasted Cauliflower Filling
• Walnut Taco Filling
• Tempeh Taco Filling

How to Make Vegan Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by cooking the lentils in vegetable broth until tender. Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño in a pan until soft. Combine these ingredients with the cooked lentils and Rotel tomatoes. Add taco seasoning and mix well.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

Once your filling is ready, take one tortilla at a time. Place a generous amount of filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly while keeping the ends tucked in.

Step 3: Cook the Taquitos

• If using an air fryer:
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place filled taquitos in a single layer in the basket.

• Cook for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

• If using an oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with salsa, hot sauce, or vegan sour cream on the side for dipping! Enjoy your homemade Vegan Taquitos!

How to Serve Vegan Taquitos

Vegan taquitos are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy dinner, these suggestions will elevate your taquito experience.

With Fresh Salsa

• Fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor. Consider a pico de gallo or mango salsa for a unique twist.

Topped with Avocado

• Slices of creamy avocado or guacamole enhance the texture and provide healthy fats.

Served with Vegan Sour Cream

• A dollop of vegan sour cream complements the spices in the taquitos, making each bite even more delicious.

Accompanied by Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce to kick up the spice level.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve taquitos on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and nutritious touch. Drizzle with lime juice for extra zest.

With Dipping Sauces

• Include various dipping sauces like cashew cheese or tahini dressing for added flavor options.

How to Perfect Vegan Taquitos

Making perfect vegan taquitos requires attention to detail. Here are some simple tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Choose the right tortillas: Use corn tortillas for traditional flavor and texture, or opt for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer bite.

• Avoid overfilling: Keep your filling modest to prevent tearing the tortillas while rolling them up.

• Seal properly: Use a bit of lime juice or water to seal the edges of your rolled taquitos. This helps keep the filling intact during cooking.

• Cook until crispy: When air frying, ensure they are golden brown and crispy. This enhances the overall texture.

• Experiment with fillings: Try different fillings like roasted vegetables, lentils, or beans to find your favorite combination.

• Serve immediately: Vegan taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer for optimal crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with vegan taquitos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant salad featuring grilled corn, lime, cilantro, and spices that complements the flavors of taquitos beautifully.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness. They can be served alongside or as a base layer under your taquitos.

3. Guacamole: This classic avocado dip is perfect for scooping and adds creaminess to balance out the crunch of the taquitos.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime enhances the meal’s freshness while providing a hearty side option.

5. Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potatoes offer a sweet and spicy contrast that pairs perfectly with savory taquitos.

6. Vegetable Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in lime vinaigrette adds brightness and texture to your plate.

7. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad combining black beans, corn, peppers, and lime juice provides protein and nutrients to round out your meal.

8. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds another layer of flavor while keeping things light and healthy alongside your taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan taquitos is fun, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact your final dish. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using the wrong tortillas: Not all tortillas are suitable for taquitos. Opt for corn or flour tortillas that can hold fillings without tearing easily.

• Overfilling the taquitos: Adding too much filling can cause them to break apart during cooking. Keep the filling moderate to ensure they roll up tightly.

• Skipping seasoning: Taquitos need flavor! Always add spices and seasoning to your filling mix to elevate the taste of your vegan taquitos.

• Not preheating your cooking device: Whether using an air fryer or oven, preheat it for even cooking. This ensures crispy edges and perfectly cooked taquitos.

• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking times may vary based on the appliance used. Follow guidelines closely for best results, avoiding undercooked or burnt taquitos.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Vegan Taquitos

• Place uncooked or cooked taquitos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make them less crisp.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making vegan taquitos that might help you in your culinary adventure!

What fillings can I use for Vegan Taquitos?

You can choose from various fillings like lentils, roasted vegetables, tempeh, or even a potato mixture. The options are endless!

How do I make Vegan Taquitos crispy?

To achieve that perfect crunch, ensure you preheat your air fryer or oven. Cooking at a higher temperature helps create a crispy texture.

Can I freeze Vegan Taquitos?

Absolutely! You can freeze both uncooked and cooked vegan taquitos. Just make sure they’re stored properly in a freezer-safe container.

How long should I cook Vegan Taquitos in an air fryer?

Cook vegan taquitos in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Are there gluten-free options available for Vegan Taquitos?

Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or other gluten-free flours as a substitute for traditional tortillas.

Final Thoughts

These oil-free vegan taquitos are not only delicious but also adaptable to suit everyone’s taste preferences. With a variety of filling options available, you can easily customize them according to what you have on hand. Enjoy these crunchy delights at any gathering or as a quick weeknight meal!