Vegan Taquitos

Switch up Taco Tuesday with oil-free, crunchy vegan taquitos. These delightful bites offer various filling options and two cooking methods, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether for a casual family dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is both fun and versatile, especially for kids. Enjoying delicious, plant-based food has never been easier!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
• Flavorful Fillings: Choose from multiple fillings like roasted cauliflower or walnut taco to suit your taste.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Prepare your taquitos in an air fryer or oven for a crispy finish without oil.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and customizable, kids will love helping to make their own taquitos.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with lentils and veggies, they are low in fat yet high in protein and fiber.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools. Having the essential equipment on hand will help you create these delicious vegan taquitos efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer or oven: Allows for quick cooking while giving your taquitos a crispy texture without added oil.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your filling ingredients thoroughly before rolling them into tortillas.

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Ingredients

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.

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups Brown lentils (rinsed and picked over)
• 1 large White Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Jalapeño (de-seeded and 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 Lentil Filling

1. In a large pot, combine brown lentils, vegetable broth, diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
3. Stir in vegan taco seasoning.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Preheat your air fryer or oven according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Take one tortilla at a time; add a spoonful of lentil filling along one edge.
3. Roll tightly to form a taquito shape and place seam-side down on a baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Step 3: Cook the Taquitos

• If using an air fryer:
• Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
• If using an oven:
• Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Serve Your Vegan Taquitos

• Once cooked, remove from the air fryer or oven.
• Serve immediately with salsa, jalapeño slices, lime juice drizzle, and vegan sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your homemade vegan taquitos as a delightful meal or snack!

How to Serve Vegan Taquitos

Vegan taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or having a casual get-together, these taquitos will surely impress.

With Dips

• Guacamole – Creamy and rich, guacamole pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of taquitos.
• Salsa Verde – This tangy salsa adds freshness and a burst of flavor to each bite.
• Vegan Sour Cream – A cool and creamy topping that balances the spice of the filling.

As a Platter

• Taco Bar – Set up a taco bar with various toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for everyone to customize their taquitos.
• Mixed Greens Salad – Serve alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm taquitos.

For Kids

• Fun Shapes – Cut the taquitos into smaller pieces or fun shapes for kids to enjoy as finger food.
• Vegan Cheese Dip – Melted vegan cheese is always a hit with children and makes for an exciting dipping option.

How to Perfect Vegan Taquitos

Making perfect vegan taquitos is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor of your fillings significantly.
• Don’t Overfill – Avoid overstuffing your taquitos; this helps them roll easily without breaking apart.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer – Ensuring that your air fryer is preheated can result in evenly cooked, crispy taquitos.
• Experiment with Fillings – Try different fillings like roasted veggies or lentils to find your favorite combination.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Taquitos

Pairing vegan taquitos with complementary side dishes enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy, seasoned rice adds substance and pairs well with the flavors of taquitos.
2. Black Beans – Protein-rich black beans offer a hearty side that complements the crunch of taquitos.
3. Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad brightens up the plate with its sweetness and crunch.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition alongside your main dish.
5. Cucumber Salsa – This light salsa brings a cool element that contrasts nicely with the warm taquitos.
6. Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy, crowd-pleasing addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Taquitos, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience.

• Bold Flavoring: Many forget to season the filling well. Use spices generously to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Bold Tortilla Choice: Choosing the wrong tortillas can lead to soggy taquitos. Opt for fresh corn or flour tortillas that hold up well during cooking.
• Bold Cooking Method: Skipping the right cooking method can lead to less crunchy taquitos. Air frying or baking at the correct temperature gives them that perfect crunch.
• Bold Filling Overload: Overfilling each taquito can cause them to burst. Aim for a moderate amount of filling to keep them intact while cooking.
• Bold Not Prepping Ahead: Failing to prepare ingredients in advance can slow you down. Chop and measure everything before you start cooking for a smoother process.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow taquitos to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Vegan Taquitos

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high in 30-second intervals until warm, but expect a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Taquitos:

How do I make Vegan Taquitos?

To make Vegan Taquitos, prepare your filling, roll it into tortillas, then cook using an air fryer or bake them until crispy.

Can I freeze Vegan Taquitos?

Yes! You can freeze Vegan Taquitos by placing them in an airtight container after they have cooled. They last up to 3 months in the freezer.

What fillings work best for Vegan Taquitos?

You can use various fillings like lentils, potatoes, roasted cauliflower, or walnuts. Customize according to your taste preferences!

How long does it take to cook Vegan Taquitos in an air fryer?

Cooking Vegan Taquitos in an air fryer typically takes about 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden and crispy.

What dips go well with Vegan Taquitos?

Salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream are excellent choices for dipping your taquitos!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their customizable fillings allow you to experiment with flavors while keeping it healthy and oil-free. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful twist on traditional tacos!