• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Kathy's Vegan Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Categories
    • Vegan Entrees
    • Breakfast
    • Sandwiches
    • Small Bites
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    • Vegan Sides
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • How-To
    • Our Vegan Life
  • Vegan Reviews
    • Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service
    • Purple Carrot Review
    • Veestro Review
    • Fresh N’ Lean Review
  • About
  • TOP 50 EBOOK
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • COMFORT FOOD
  • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • COMFORT FOOD
    • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home / Vegan Entrees

    Vegan Tacos

    Published: Mar 24, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

    94 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Whether you love soft tacos, hard tacos, corn tortillas, or flour tortillas, vegan tacos are a weekly treat at our house. Here are some of my favorite vegan taco recipes.

    Different vegan taco recipes are pictured: cauliflower, tempeh, and lentil. You choose the vegan tacos you like best.

    It's taco Tuesday, and that means vegan tacos at my house! Do you know where Taco Tuesday comes from? In 1989, Taco Johns trademarked "Taco Tuesday" 1989. Originally, "Taco Twosday" was an advertisement for two tacos for 99 cents in the early 1980s. Since then, however, Taco Tuesday has become a national phenomenon. And with so many different kinds of vegan taco recipes, I thought I should share my love for vegan tacos with you. 

    Jump to:
    • Oil-Free Tortilla Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How To Make Crunchy Taco Shells Without Oil
    • My Favorite Vegan Taco Recipes
    • Vegan Taco Topping Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Fabulous Vegan Mexican Dishes to Try
    • 💬 Reviews

    Try this easy kitchen hack for those who love vegan tacos crunchy but don't like the oil. Not only do these taco shells turn out crunchy, but they store well for leftovers. And any size tortilla works well, as well as corn and flour tortillas. 

    Oil-Free Tortilla Ingredients

    • 4 cups whole wheat flour 
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cup hot water

    Instructions

    • Using a food processor with a dough blade, mix flour and salt.
    • Heat water in the microwave until it is hot but not boiling, or heat it on a stove. 
    • Add ½ cup hot water to the flour mixture at a time so the dough mixture doesn't get too sticky. Pulse to combine with each added ½ cup of water. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. 
    • Remove the mixture from the food processor and knead by hand for a few minutes. 
    • Form 24 identical-sized balls of dough (weight is approximately .11 on a food scale). Keep a warm, slightly damp towel over the remaining dough to prevent it from drying out.
    • If using a tortilla press, I suggest adding a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to the tortilla press before pressing the dough to prevent sticking. Then, take the dough ball and place it in the center of the press. Press down firmly until the dough is thin and spread out evenly.
    • If rolling with a rolling pin,  use a well-floured surface and place your dough ball on top of the floured surface. Then, roll it out using a rolling pin until the dough is thin and evenly spread out. Another tip is to roll the dough between two pieces of wax paper to avoid sticking. 
    • Heat a non-stick skillet to medium-low before cooking the tortillas. 
    • Once the pan is heated, place the tortilla in the pan. When the tortilla begins to bubble, flip it over and cook the other side.
    • Then, place each cooked tortilla on a plate and cover it with a towel to keep the tortillas soft and warm. 
    • Store in a plastic bag in the fridge or freeze for later.
    • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees
      .

    How To Make Crunchy Taco Shells Without Oil

    • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
    • First, make sure the corn or flour tortillas are fresh; stale tortillas don't work well. Fresh from the bag is best. 
    • Wet two paper towels; not too wet, just moist. 
    • Stack the 3-6 tortillas on top of each other and place them on the bottom paper towel.
    • Cover the top with the second moist paper towels
    • If using large tortillas, fold them in half. 
    • For smaller tortillas, wrap the edges to cover. 
    • Next, microwave or steam for 30 seconds.
    • Remove them from the microwave and discard the paper towels
    • On the top rack of your oven, drape the tortilla over two ridges.
    • Do the same for the other tortillas, but do not allow the tortillas to overlap or touch each other. Every tortilla needs its own two ridges. 
    • Leave the tortillas in the oven for about 20 minutes or until you start seeing the tortilla turn brown. 
    • Note that this time varies with the type and size of the tortillas. 

    My Favorite Vegan Taco Recipes

    One of my favorite vegan taco recipes is made with cauliflower and a simple taco seasoning roasted in the oven. Served with pickled red onions, micro greens, and vegan sour cream, these handheld vegan tacos are simple to make and delicious. 

    Cauliflower Tacos
    Total Time: 35 mins
    Quick and easy, cauliflower tacos are oil-free, roasted in homemade taco seasoning, topped with avocado cilantro cream, pickled red onions, and microgreens. These cauliflower tacos take Taco Tuesday to a new level!
    cauliflower taco recipes
    Check Out This Recipe

    Another family favorite is lentil taco meat made with brown lentils, onions, Rotel Tomatoes, jalapenos, and taco seasoning. Then, top these vegan tacos with raw vegetables and microgreens with salsa.

    Vegan Lentil Tacos
    Total Time: 45 mins
    If you are craving healthy, low-fat Mexican food, vegan lentil tacos will satisfy your southwestern desires. Tasty and 'meaty,' these tacos are filling and guilt-free.
    Vegan Lentil Tacos Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Marinated with Baja citrus marinade, the tempeh is grilled and served with pineapple salsa. Topped with fresh slices of avocado on a be of lettuce in a flour tortilla. 

    Tempeh Tacos
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Tempeh tacos are made from Baja citrus-marinated tempeh, grilled to perfection and topped with fresh pineapple salsa, live lettuce and cool slices of avocados.
    Tempeh Tacos Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Grilled marinated tofu, zucchini, and onions fill these grilled tortillas, then topped with cowboy caviar, fruit salsa, or tomatillo salsa, the makings for a great taco fiesta bar.

    Tofu Tacos
    Total Time: 36 mins
    Tonight, grill some tofu and vegetables for a fabulous tofu taco dinner. You will love the deep rich flavors grilled and ready for hot tortillas.
    Tofu Tacos Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Air-fired or baked, these vegan taquitos offer a choice of six different fillings. These crunchy treats are a family favorite topped with guacamole, salsa, and my favorite, vegan southwest dressing. 

    Vegan Taquitos
    Total Time: 30 mins
    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.
    vegan taquitos
    Check Out This Recipe

    Forget about Taco Bell. Although not technically a vegan taco, the Crunchwrap Supreme is the ultimate grilled taco stuffed with beans, rice, vegetables, and vegan nacho cheese, grilled in a pan, and eaten like a taco. I call this a fancy taco!

    Crunchwrap Supreme
    Total Time: 24 mins
    Skip Taco Bell, and make your vegan version of this healthy vegan crunch wrap supreme at home. Get a little crunch in your burrito by filling it with vegan goodness.
    Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Sweet potato tacos with cilantro avocado coleslaw are easy and cheap to make. If you are looking for an excellent vegan taco recipe that rocks but doesn't break the bank, this sweet potato recipe is for you. One sweet potato makes 12 tacos with the help of a mandoline.

    Sweet Potato Tacos
    Total Time: 45 mins
    Sweet potato tacos with cilantro avocado coleslaw are so easy and cheap to make. If you are looking for a great taco recipe that rocks but doesn't break the bank, this sweet potato recipe is for you.
    close up sweet potato tacos
    Check Out This Recipe

    Potato Tacos? Yes! Fill a corn or flour tortilla with a savory Mexican potato filling, add refried beans and salsa, and then grill it in a pan: crispy and delicious, all in every bite.

    Potato Tacos
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Crispy potato tacos are full of a savory potato mixture, pinto bean puree, and salsa, cooked inside corn tortillas and topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. Crispy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside.
    potato tacos served
    Check Out This Recipe

    Do you love roasted vegetables? Marinate vegetables and roast or grill them. Add vegan refried beans and lettuce for a quick and easy vegan taco dinner. 

    Roasted Vegetable Tacos
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Roasted vegetables are quick and easy to make the perfect vegetable tacos. If you are looking for a delicious way to eat your veggies, vegetable tacos are your solution to a quick dinner in 30 minutes.
    Vegetable Tacos Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    A combination of mushrooms, walnuts, and spices makes this delicious chorizo meat—topped with avocado cream, vegetables, and guacamole. 

    Mushroom Chorizo Tacos
    Total Time: 35 mins
    Mushroom Chorizo Tacos are a quick and delicious taco recipe that is easy to make with very few ingredients; you won't believe how tasty they are!
    Check Out This Recipe

    Of course, vegan taco recipes aren't just for dinner or Tuesday. Breakfast, however, is a perfect time for breakfast tacos. Full of spicy tofu scramble, black beans, salad, and avocado, these tacos are the breakfast of champions. 

    Vegan Breakfast Tacos
    Total Time: 25 mins
    Vegan breakfast doesn' t have to be boring. Vegan breakfast tacos are quick and easy and oh so delicious.
    Vegan Breakfast Tacos Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Walnut taco meat is fabulous raw or cooked, and it's so easy to make!

    Walnut Meat Tacos
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Walnut meat tacos can be served raw or heated for a healthy meaty alternative to lentils or vegetables. With only a few ingredients, transform walnuts into delicious taco meat in a matter of minutes.
    Mexican Cole Slaw on Walnut Tacos
    Check Out This Recipe

    You must try jackfruit carnitas if you're looking for a shredded, tasty taco meat filling for your tacos. Vegan tacos never tasted so good!

     

    Jackfruit Carnitas
    Jazz up your vegan Taco Tuesday with jackfruit carnitas! This quick and easy jackfruit carnitas recipe is perfect for vegan tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, or as a nacho topper!
    Check Out This Recipe

    Prepare Chipotle sofritas at home with this easy copycat recipe that tastes just like Chipotle's without any oil added.

    Sofritas
    Total Time: 45 mins
    Sofritas is a healthy copycat version of Chipolte's Sofritas but without the fat, additives, and sugar. Crumbled tofu is baked and then cooked a second time in a roasted Mexican sauce perfect for a bowl, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Make your favorite Mexican fast food at home, healthy!
    sofritas
    Check Out This Recipe

    Skip the taco shells and put your tacos in a bowl. This recipe contains flavors and textures so you won't miss the taco shell.

    Vegan Chipotle Bowl
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Build a vegan Chipotle bowl at home with fresh, healthy ingredients, oil-free. Skip the drive-thru and eat healthy at home with this copycat version of Chipotles LifeStyle Vegan Bowl.
    Vegan Chipotle Bowl
    Check Out This Recipe

    Or, try a vegan taco salad instead of tacos with all the goodies tucked in a bowl with your favorite greens and a sassy vegan southwest dressing.

    Vegan Taco Salad
    Total Time: 40 mins
    If you are looking for a great way to get your greens, put your taco in a bowl instead of a shell. This vegan taco salad recipe has two filling options, two dressing options, and other time-saving tips.
    Vegan Taco Salad Recipe
    Check Out This Recipe

    Another fun spin on tacos is to make a taco pasta salad with all your favorite taco ingredients in a bowl full of pasta in a creamy dressing.

    Taco Pasta Salad
    For the love of tacos and pasta, change up your taco routine with this taco pasta salad recipe. You will love this combination of ingredients dressed in a simple 3 ingredient vegan southwest dressing.
    Check Out This Recipe

    No matter how you like your tacos, these vegan taco recipes are all about vegan tacos. So, make it a Taco Tuesday event. Kids LOVE taco bar night, so turn vegan tacos into a fun family night.  

    Vegan Taco Topping Suggestions

    • Fruit Salsa Recipe
    • Vegan Sour Cream
    • Watermelon Salsa
    • Tomatillo Salsa
    • Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
    • Southwest Salad
    • Vegan Southwest Dressing
    • Coleslaw Southwest Style
    • Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • Coleslaw Recipe Mexican
    • Street Corn - Vegan!

    Recipe FAQs

    What types of tacos are gluten-free?

    Tacos made with a corn tortilla are usually gluten-free since corn (and most other taco ingredients) are naturally made without gluten. Avoid tacos made with a flour tortilla since wheat flour is a main ingredient in these tortillas.

    Are flour tortillas vegan?

    Most flour tortillas are vegan tortilla wraps, as most modern brands and recipes commonly use vegetable oil instead of lard.

    Are corn tortillas vegan?

    Most corn tortillas contain salt, water, and cornflour-these are plant-based tortillas and suitable for a vegan diet.

    Tips

    • To heat tortillas, warm a skillet over medium heat (no oil needed) and heat each tortilla for 20-30 seconds on each side. Set each tortilla aside in a foil wrap once heated, then serve immediately.
    • Creating a toco bar with toppings is fun and makes it easy for guest to choose their own toppings for tacos.
    • I suggest serving a large salad with tacos for added greens.
    • Vegan taco filling can be prepped beforehand and reheated for easy meal preparation.
    • For gluten-free tacos, choose corn tortillas or skip the tortillas and taco shells for a salad or bowl with quinoa or rice.

    The next time Taco Tuesday comes around, liven up your menu with one of these tasty vegan taco recipes.

    Other Fabulous Vegan Mexican Dishes to Try

    • Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe
      Loaded Sweet Potato
    • vegan enchilada casserole
      Vegan Enchilada Casserole
    • Potato Tacos Recipe
      Mexican Potato Tacos
    • vegan southwestern bake recipe
      Vegan Southwestern Bake
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    More Vegan Entrees

    • sweet potato salad recipe
      Sweet Potato Salad
    • Mediterranean Potato Recipe
      Mediterranean Potatoes
    • vegan goulash recipe
      Vegan Goulash
    • Lentil Stew

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    1. Steph

      September 30, 2021 at 11:20 pm

      These all look good but I would like to know how to make the actual taco. Fresh must be so much better. Thanks

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        October 01, 2021 at 7:11 am

        Hi Steph, there are links under each taco that is highlighted. If you click on the link, the recipe for whichever taco you are interested in is in the recipe card.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

    More about me →

    Vegan Comfort Food

    • lentil meatloaf
      Vegan Meatloaf
    • Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme
      Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme
    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Vegan Drunken Noodles
    • vegan chicken salad recipe
      Vegan Chicken Salad
    • vegan quiche recipe
      Vegan Quiches
    • BEET BURGER
      Beet Burger

    Top 50 Recipes Cookbook

    Popular

    • vegans tir fry recipe
      Vegan Stir Fry
    • mango salad
      Mango Salad
    • lentil meatloaf
      Vegan Meatloaf
    • vegan chicken salad recipe
      Vegan Chicken Salad
    • Bean Salad With Oil Free Dressing
    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Vegan Drunken Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Affiliate Policy

    Cookbook

    • My Top 50 Recipe Cookbook!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Made with ♥️ in Arizona.

    Copyright © Kathy's Vegan Kitchen :)

    94 shares