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 festive gatherings. With a range of flavorful fillings and cooking methods available, this recipe ensures that your vegan taquitos will please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious taquitos in no time.
• Flavorful Options: Choose from various fillings like roasted cauliflower or walnut to suit your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and tasty flavors make these taquitos a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy cooking them in an air fryer or baking them for a healthier option.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your vegan taquitos simple and enjoyable. Gather these essential items to create the perfect dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air Fryer or Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Air Fryer or Oven: This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture without excess oil.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Spoon or Spatula: Use this tool to effectively fill and roll your taquitos without damaging the tortillas.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make these tasty treats.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

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

Filling Options

• 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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine brown lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, fire-roasted tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
2. Stir in vegan taco seasoning and let it simmer until lentils are tender.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Preheat your air fryer or oven while the filling cools slightly.
2. Take a tortilla, add a spoonful of filling along one edge, then tightly roll it up.
3. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking tray if using an oven.

Step 3: Cook the Taquitos

1. For air frying, arrange filled taquitos in a single layer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
2. If baking, place in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer or oven.
2. Serve hot with salsa, hot sauce, and vegan sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your homemade vegan taquitos! Perfectly crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, they are sure to be a favorite at your next meal.

How to Serve Vegan Taquitos

Vegan taquitos are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your taquito experience.

With Fresh Accompaniments

• Salsa – A fresh pico de gallo or a spicy salsa verde adds brightness and flavor.
• Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly, offering a rich contrast to the crunchy taquitos.
• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the taquitos for an extra zing.

With Dips and Spreads

• Vegan Sour Cream – This provides a cool and creamy dip that complements the spicy filling.
• Hot Sauce – Add your favorite hot sauce for those who love an extra kick.
• Hummus – A unique twist, hummus offers a different flavor profile that works surprisingly well.

As Part of a Platter

• Taco Platter – Serve the taquitos alongside other vegan tacos for a vibrant taco bar.
• Dinner Bowls – Create bowls with rice, beans, and taquitos topped with fresh veggies for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Vegan Taquitos

Perfecting vegan taquitos is all about the right techniques and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve crispy, flavorful results.

• Use Fresh Tortillas – Fresh tortillas provide better flexibility and flavor than stale ones.
• Don’t Overfill – Filling them too much can lead to breakage; keep it moderate for easy rolling.
• Seal Well – Ensure the edges of your tortillas are sealed tightly to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
• Choose Your Cooking Method Wisely – Air frying yields crispiness without added oil compared to baking or pan-frying.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Taquitos

Pair your vegan taquitos with delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made with corn, lime, cilantro, and spices.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice tossed with lime juice and chopped cilantro for added zest.
3. Black Bean Salad – A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, bell peppers, onions, and a tangy dressing.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned mixed vegetables roasted until tender make a colorful side dish.
5. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans offer a comforting addition that complements the crunch of the taquitos.
6. Chips and Guacamole – Classic tortilla chips paired with guacamole create a perfect appetizer before the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan taquitos can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls might hinder your results.

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong type of tortilla can make your taquitos soggy. Opt for fresh corn or flour tortillas that are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Bold Overfilling: It’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, but overfilling can lead to burst taquitos. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season your filling will result in bland taquitos. Use spices like cumin, chili powder, or even lime juice to enhance flavor.
• Bold Ignoring Cooking Method: Not adjusting your cooking time based on your method (air fryer vs. oven) can lead to undercooked or burnt taquitos. Always follow the recommended times for each cooking method.
• Bold Neglecting Cooling Time: Cutting into your taquitos immediately after cooking can cause them to fall apart. Allow them a few minutes to set before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Vegan Taquitos

• Place cooled 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). Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may not keep them crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding vegan taquitos.

Can I make Vegan Taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead and assemble the taquitos when ready to cook.

What fillings work best for Vegan Taquitos?

You can use lentils, potatoes, cauliflower, walnuts, tempeh, or any mix of veggies you prefer.

How do I air fry Vegan Taquitos?

Preheat your air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Can I bake Vegan Taquitos instead?

Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness.

What dipping sauces pair well with Vegan Taquitos?

Salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream are great options for dipping!

Final Thoughts

Vegan taquitos are a fantastic dish that everyone will love. They’re crunchy, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a fun snack night. Experiment with different fillings and dips to find your favorite combination!