This Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! The vegan lentil taco meat uses canned lentils and plenty of spices for a flavorful filling that is dairy-free and gluten-free. And it comes together in just 15 minutes!
Tacos are a staple in my house. We have them at least once per week. They are just so easy, fast, and versatile. And, I love to make a batch of Vitamix Salsa or Mango Pico de Gallo and some Sparkling Margaritas to serve with them for the best ever taco night.
And lately, these Vegan Lentil Tacos have been a favorite. They are quick, delicious, and filling!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, so its perfect for weeknights!
- These vegan lentil tacos are gluten-free and vegan, so anyone can enjoy them.
- The lentil filling is super flavorful and full of spices.
- You only need pantry ingredients to make this recipe.
- And most importantly, they are absolutely delicious!
Ingredient Notes
Canned Lentils: I usually buy Goya canned lentils, but any brand will work. Or you can use green or brown lentils that you cooked yourself!
Onion and Garlic: These add so much flavor to the lentil taco meat!
Spices: I use a homemade taco seasoning mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion and garlic powder and cayenne for spice.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas will keep this recipe gluten-free, but use flour if you prefer. And bonus points if you make Homemade Vegan Tortillas!
Variations and Substitutions
You can use 2 tablespoons of any taco seasoning in place of the spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Then, add onion and cook until the onions start to brown, 5-7 minutes. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2. Next, add drained and rinsed lentils, spices and water into the pan.
Step 3. And cook until most of the liquid is evaporated- about 2 minutes.
Step 4. Warm corn tortillas in the microwave and add the lentil taco meat to tortillas. Finally, top the tacos with your desired toppings.
What to Top the Tacos With
- Cilantro Lime Red Cabbage Slaw
- Avocado Crema
- Dairy-Free Cheese
- Chopped Tomato and Onion
- Corn Salsa
Recipe FAQs
To store, scoop the lentil mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Lentils, black beans or mushrooms are all great to use instead of meat!
Expert Recipe Tips
Mix the spices together before you start cooking. This Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe is really fast, so its nice to have everything ready to go.
And be sure to drain and rinse the lentils really well!
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Lentil Tacos
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chefs Knife
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
To Make the Lentil Taco Meat
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Large Clove of Garlic
- 1 15 Ounce Can of Lentils, drained and rinsed See Note!
- ⅓ Cup Water
To Assemble the Tacos
- 6 Tortillas
- Taco Toppings of Choice like salsa, chopped tomato, vegan cheese, or shredded lettuce.
Instructions
Mix the Taco Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and salt. Stir to combine and set aside. (See Note!)2 teaspoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, ½ teaspoon Cumin, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Onion Powder, ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Salt
To Make the Lentil Taco Meat
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 Small Onion, finely chopped, 1 Large Clove of Garlic
- Add lentils, spice mix and water and stir to combine.1 15 Ounce Can of Lentils, drained and rinsed, ⅓ Cup Water
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until most of the water has evaporated.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
To Make the Tacos
- Wrap the tortillas in a paper towel and place them on a plate. Heat them in a microwave for about 20 seconds, until warm and pliable.6 Tortillas
- Add the lentil mixture to the tortillas, then top with additional taco toppings of choice.Taco Toppings of Choice like salsa, chopped tomato, vegan cheese, or shredded lettuce.
Jennifer Disney
Quick lentil question. I know there are several different types of dried lentils. I have green ones right now. Would they work? If not, which dried ones are best for this recipe? Thanks so much!
Jennifer
Megan Calipari
Green will work here! Green or brown lentils are both great for this recipe, but not red or yellow as they get mushy when cooked.