Vegan Taquitos

Switch up Taco Tuesday with oil-free, crunchy vegan taquitos. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for family dinners, party snacks, or quick lunches. With a variety of filling options and cooking methods, these vegan taquitos will surely impress even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You can whip up these vegan taquitos in just 30 minutes, making them great for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Fillings: Choose from a range of fillings like mushroom chorizo or roasted cauliflower to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: The crunchy texture and fun shape make these taquitos a hit with kids.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich lentils and fresh vegetables, these taquitos are as nutritious as they are tasty.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To make your vegan taquitos effortlessly, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer or oven: Allows for quick cooking without oil, creating a crispy texture that everyone loves.
• Large pot: Ideal for cooking lentils and combining ingredients in one place.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing your fillings thoroughly before rolling them into tortillas.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups Brown lentils (rinsed and picked over)
• 1 large diced White Onion (diced)
• 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)

For Toppings

• Salsa of choice or hot sauce
• Vegan sour cream

Filling Variations

You can choose from any of the following fillings:
Mushroom Chorizo Filling
Potato Taco Filling
Roasted Cauliflower Filling
Walnut Taco Filling
Tempeh Taco Filling

How to Make Vegan Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Lentil Filling

1. In a large pot, combine brown lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
3. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and taco seasoning. Mix well.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Once the filling is ready, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla.
3. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Taquitos

1. Arrange rolled taquitos in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve immediately with salsa and vegan sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vegan taquitos!

How to Serve Vegan Taquitos

Vegan taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in many ways to enhance the flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions for your vegan taquitos.

With Fresh Salsa

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty contrast.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa gives a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with spiced fillings.

Topped with Vegan Sour Cream

• Creamy Delight: Drizzle or dollop vegan sour cream on top for added creaminess and flavor.
• Spicy Variation: Mix in some hot sauce with the vegan sour cream for an extra kick.

On a Bed of Greens

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve your taquitos on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing crunch.
• Spinach Salad: Add the taquitos to a spinach salad topped with vinaigrette for an elegant touch.

Accompanied by Guacamole

• Classic Pairing: A side of creamy guacamole complements the crunchy texture of the taquitos perfectly.
• Guacamole Bar: Set up a guacamole bar with different toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

With Pickled Jalapeños

• Tangy Addition: Serve pickled jalapeños on the side for those who enjoy a spicy bite alongside their taquitos.
• Customizable Heat: Let guests add their desired level of heat to their plates.

With Sides of Rice and Beans

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavorful rice dish enhances the meal’s heartiness while keeping it plant-based.
• Black Beans or Refried Beans: Rich in protein, beans make a satisfying addition next to your taquitos.

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How to Perfect Vegan Taquitos

Perfecting vegan taquitos is all about technique and flavor balance. Here are some tips to ensure your taquitos turn out amazing every time.

• Choose the Right Tortillas: For the best results, opt for corn tortillas as they hold up well when rolled and fried or baked.
• Don’t Overfill: Keep fillings modest; too much can cause breakage during rolling or cooking.
• Seal Properly: Ensure edges are sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking. Use a bit of water to moisten edges before sealing.
• Adjust Cooking Time: If using an air fryer, monitor closely. Cooking times may vary based on appliance models.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different combinations like mushroom chorizo or roasted cauliflower for unique flavors each time.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal crispiness, serve taquitos right after cooking. They tend to lose crunch when left sitting too long.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Taquitos

Pairing vegan taquitos with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds heartiness and balances out the meal.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness that pair beautifully with crispy taquitos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing brings sweetness and brightness to your plate.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with various salsas offer an additional layer of flavor and texture.
5. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip enhances taste while providing healthy fats—perfect alongside any taco dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness and color, making your meal more visually appealing and nutritious.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw brings crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the taquitos nicely.
8. Quinoa Salad: Protein-packed quinoa mixed with veggies provides a wholesome complement that’s both filling and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making vegan taquitos, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the soak: Not soaking the lentils can lead to uneven cooking. Soak them for at least an hour to ensure they cook properly.
• Overfilling tortillas: Stuffing too many ingredients into your tortillas can cause them to break. Use a moderate amount of filling to keep them intact.
• Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using thick or low-quality tortillas may result in a chewy texture. Opt for fresh corn or flour tortillas that are pliable.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to properly season the filling can make your taquitos bland. Use enough spices and taste as you go.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature: Cooking at too high of a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Follow recommended cooking times and temperatures closely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing Vegan Taquitos

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Containers: Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.

Reheating Vegan Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making vegan taquitos:

Can I use other fillings for Vegan Taquitos?

Absolutely! You can customize your vegan taquitos with various fillings like black beans, quinoa, or even lentils.

How do I make oil-free vegan taquitos?

To keep your taquitos oil-free, avoid using oil in your filling or when cooking. Air frying is a great technique!

What is the best way to cook Vegan Taquitos?

You can either bake or air fry your vegan taquitos. Both methods create a deliciously crispy texture.

Can I freeze Vegan Taquitos before cooking?

Yes! Assemble and freeze uncooked taquitos. Cook directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How long do Vegan Taquitos last in the fridge?

Vegan taquitos can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

Vegan taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. With various filling options and cooking methods available, you’re sure to find a combination that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try next Taco Tuesday, and enjoy these flavorful bites!