Flavor-Packed Vegan Tempeh Tacos – A Delicious Plant-Based Twist
Ingredients
- For the Tempeh:
- 8 oz tempeh crumbled or sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- Salsa your favorite variety
- Vegan sour cream or cashew crema optional
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Corn kernels
- Black beans rinsed and drained
- Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Marinate the Tempeh:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add crumbled tempeh, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate for 10-30 minutes.
- Cook the Tempeh:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tempeh and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- Shred lettuce, slice avocado, dice tomatoes, slice red onion, and chop cilantro.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Distribute tempeh evenly among tortillas. Add lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice and top with salsa or vegan sour cream.
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Add pickled jalapeños, corn kernels, black beans, or vegan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Tacos:
- Press Tempeh: Steam for 10 minutes before marinating for a firmer texture.
- Make Ahead: Marinate tempeh the night before for deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.