Delicious Vegetarian Taquitos: A Perfect Meatless Meal!
Greetings, foodies! Today I have a recipe that will knock your socks off – vegetarian taquitos! If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired dishes like I am, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And for all you vegans out there, don’t worry – these taquitos can easily be made vegan with just a few simple substitutions.
This dish is perfect for any time of day – whether it’s an appetizer for a party, a quick and easy lunch, or even dinner. And the best part? You can make a big batch of them and freeze them for later!
Now, you may be thinking that taquitos are deep-fried and full of unhealthy ingredients. But fear not – this vegetarian taquito recipe is baked instead of fried and uses reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese. Plus, with the addition of black beans and green chilies, you’ll get an extra serving of protein and veggies.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this vegetarian taquitos recipe! Packed with flavor and nutrients, these taquitos are the perfect addition to any dinner party or evening snack.
Do you have a passion for Mexican cuisine but struggle to find vegan options that satisfy your cravings? You will love this recipe as it’s a great substitute for chicken taquitos or flautas. Made with ingredients like black beans, vegetable broth, and green chilies, these vegan taquitos will transport you to the streets of Mexico without sacrificing your dietary preferences.
Imagine taking a bite into a crispy taquito shell filled with hot and savory bean cheese. The reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese coupled with the seasoning of cumin, garlic, and onion create the perfect flavor combination that will leave you craving more.
Not only do these vegetarian taquitos taste exceptional, but they are also easy to make. In just a few simple steps, you can have baked vegan taquitos that will impress your guests. The recipe also provides substitutions and variations for those who want to tailor the dish according to their preferences.
In addition to being delicious, this vegetarian taquitos recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve them with homemade vegetarian or vegan dips such as avocado cilantro lime dip or hot sauce. They also pair well with refreshing beverages like lime-infused water or margaritas.
Overall, this vegetarian taquitos recipe is perfect for anyone who loves flavor-packed meals that cater to their dietary restrictions. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these mouthwatering taquitos today and enjoy a guilt-free meal without compromising on taste!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list for these delicious Vegetarian Taquitos:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 cup vegetarian ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 12 corn tortillas
Optional Add-ins:
– 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
– 1/4 cup cream cheese
– Hot sauce
– Homemade vegetarian taco seasoning
Substitute Options:
– Can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas
– Can use pepper jack cheese or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option
The ingredients above are everything you need to create your own Vegetarian Taquitos. However, if you want to add some extra flavor to your taquitos, you could also include black beans or refried beans. The addition of cream cheese and hot sauce would also pack delicious flavors into these homemade taquitos. Note that if you can’t find vegetarian taco seasoning at the store, it’s easy to make your own homemade vegetarian taco seasoning with just a few spices. Also, if you prefer flour tortillas over corn tortillas, it’s perfectly fine to use flour tortillas instead. Lastly, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option or a vegan taquito recipe, using pepper jack vegan cheese or vegan cheese in place of regular reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese works incredibly well.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have everything ready, it’s time for the main event: making the vegetarian taquitos! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and savory meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Filling.
In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, add canola oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until onions are translucent, then add vegetarian ground beef, 1 can of drained black beans, green chilies, cumin, and salt. Mix everything together until evenly combined and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble Taquitos.
One at a time, spoon approximately 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the edge of each tortilla and sprinkle some reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese on top. Roll tightly into a taquito and place on baking sheet seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas until all the filling is used up.
Step 4: Bake Taquitos.
Brush the taquitos with some canola oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Tips for Perfect Results
- If you prefer having the taquitos become extra crispy, you can use an air fryer instead of an oven.
- These vegetarian taquitos also work great in batches – make in advance and freeze them if needed.
- For an added kick of flavor, try adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture before cooking.
- Additionally, the filling can be mixed and matched to your own preferences. Mix some jackfruit or mushrooms into this dish along with the other ingredients listed in this recipe.
Now that you know how easy it is to make amazing vegetarian taquitos right in your own kitchen – why not try making it yourself tonight?
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I encourage you to experiment with different substitutions and variations of this vegetarian taquitos recipe to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions:
– Cheese Substitutions: If you’re looking for vegan alternatives, you can substitute the reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese with vegan cheese shreds or cream cheese.
– Tortillas Substitutions: Though corn tortillas work great in this recipe, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure to heat them up before filling them.
– Meatless Substitutions: Instead of using vegetarian ground beef, try using jackfruit or mushrooms as a meatless alternative. You can also use refried beans instead of the meatless ground beef.
– Spiciness Level: If you like your taquitos spicier, add some hot sauce or diced jalapeño peppers into the filling mixture. Alternatively, for less spice, remove the diced green chilies from the ingredient list altogether.
– Baked vs Fried: While this recipe calls for baking the taquitos in the oven or air fryer, you can also deep-fry them to achieve a crispier texture.
– Dipping Sauce Variations: The avocado cilantro lime dip that accompanies this recipe is delicious, but if you’re looking for other dip ideas, try serving it with sour cream or salsa verde.
Remember that these are just a few suggestions and that there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations when it comes to this vegetarian taquitos recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your perfect combination.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delightful vegetarian taquitos, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. One way to serve them is to sprinkle some fresh, chopped cilantro over the top or drizzle them with a zesty lime juice. You can also pair these taquitos with just about any side dish that you crave! Here are some serving and pairing suggestions:
– Salad: A refreshing salad makes a lovely pairing with your vegetarian taquitos. Try any mixed-green salad with avocado slices, onions, cherry tomatoes, and some homemade dressing. The salad will cut through the richness of the taquitos.
– Guacamole and Chips: Another easy side dish to serve alongside your vegetarian taquitos is guacamole and chips. You can either make your own guacamole by mashing some avocados, adding diced onion and tomatoes, salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a little heat or buy it from the store.
– Mexican Rice: The flavors of rice and spices will complement your vegetable taquitos nicely! You can either mix black beans and diced tomatoes into your rice or enjoy it plain.
– Salsa: Salsa is always a great addition to any Mexican dish! You can choose between mild, medium, or hot salsa that matches your taste preference.
When serving these veggie taquitos for a crowd, let everyone participate in choosing their toppings— salsa, guac, lettuce or pico de gallo. Enjoy this tasty meal for lunch or dinner; it’s very versatile and filling!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the convenience of make-ahead meals and leftovers! As a busy vegan chef, I rely heavily on these time-saving techniques.
Fortunately, this vegetarian taquitos recipe is perfect for both. You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until needed. This recipe freezes well, which means you could even make a big batch for later.
To make ahead:
After assembling and rolling the taquitos, you may refrigerate or freeze them. If storing in the refrigerator, be sure to cover with plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent drying out.
To store:
Store any leftover cooked taquitos in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze these taquitos by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
To reheat:
For best results, reheat the taquitos in an oven rather than the microwave for that crispy texture. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place your desired amount of taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re heated through and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes for refrigerated taquitos and 25-30 minutes for frozen ones.
Just like that – you have a delicious meal ready at your fingertips whenever hunger strikes. This versatility is what makes this vegetarian taquitos recipe an all-time favorite among meal preppers and busybodies alike.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making vegetarian taquitos, the recipe is pretty simple, but there are a few tips I have gathered over my years of cooking that can make all the difference in creating perfect taquitos. To help you achieve successful results every time, let me share with you some of my favorite tips.
1. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
One important tip in making vegetarian taquitos is not to overfill the tortillas. A common mistake is putting too much filling into each tortilla, which can cause them to break or spill during their preparation. As we use corn tortillas, which tend to be more fragile than flour ones, it’s essential not to fill them up too much. The rule of thumb is to spread a thin layer of the filling over three-quarters of the tortilla and roll it tightly.
2. Preheat the Oven
Another useful tip for making perfect vegetarian taquitos is to preheat your oven before baking them. Make sure that your oven is hot enough before you put your taquitos in. This way, they will cook correctly and remain crispy on the outside without being dry or burnt.
3. Use an Oil Spray
To get golden and crispy vegan baked taquitos, use an oil spray instead of brushing the taquitos with oil or submerging them in oil. This method works great because it allows us to use less oil while keeping our taquitos crispy.
4. Dip Your Tortillas in Warm Vegetable Broth
If you’re using corn tortillas and haven’t done so yet, try dipping them in warm vegetable broth momentarily before rolling them up with filling. Dipping each tortilla in broth first will add moisture and pliability, making tortillas less likely to rip when filled and rolled.
5. Keep Your Vegetarian Ground Beef Moist
It’s easy for vegetarian ground beef crumbles to get dried out while cooking. To combat this issue, try adding a little bit of vegetable broth or water while cooking the crumbles for extra moisture and tastier filling.
By following these tips—and experimenting with slight variations—you’ll be able to create perfect vegetarian taquitos every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
As you embark on your journey to make these delectable Vegetarian Taquitos, you may come across some questions or concerns. Fear not! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and have provided answers that will help guide you in the right direction. Read on to tackle any challenges that may come your way and become a taquito-making pro in no time!
Why are my taquitos not crispy?
When the taquitos are cool, they should still be crispy. If they are not, it means they need more time to cook. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess oil. These delicious taquitos can be served with sour cream, salsa and guacamole on the side for dipping.
How do you make taquitos not fall apart?
Let’s start rolling up some delicious taquitos! Take your tortilla and lay a thin line of carnitas at one edge. Roll the tortilla up tightly, making sure to seal the edge with a mixture of flour to keep the filling in place during frying. Give it a good press to ensure it’s well-sealed.
Can you use flour instead of corn tortillas for taquitos?
To make sure your taquitos stay rolled up and don’t come undone while frying, try inserting toothpicks into the center of each taquito. As for the type of tortilla to use, corn tortillas are traditionally used for taquitos, but flour tortillas can be used as well. The difference in tortilla type is often what distinguishes a taquito from a flauta, but either option will yield a delicious result.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal that’s both vegan and vegetarian-friendly, then these taquitos are perfect for you. Whether you’re a busy professional, stay-at-home parent or a college student, this recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few ingredients, most of which are easily found in any grocery store or farmer’s market.
These vegetarian taquitos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like fiber and protein. With its versatile recipe and substitutions, it can be customized according to your own preferences. So why not try something new today? Cook up a batch of these amazing taquitos and let your taste buds go wild!
Vegetarian Taquitos Recipe
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups vegetarian ground beef (such as Yves Veggie Cuisine)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can of chopped green chilies
Remaining ingredients
- 2 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
- 16 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- cooking spray
Instructions
- To prepare filling, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until onion is tender.
- Add veggie ground round and next 4 ingredients; cook 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Bring broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer.
- Working with 1 tortilla at a time, use tongs to carefully dip tortilla into broth for 2 seconds; place softened tortilla on a paper towel.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling across lower third of tortilla; top with 2 teaspoons cheese. Roll into a cigar-shaped bundle; place rolled tortilla on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
- Repeat procedure with remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese.
- Bake for 13 minutes or until rolls are crisp.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.