Vegan Taquitos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist on Taco Tuesday, you’re going to love these Vegan Taquitos! They’re not just tasty; they’re also super easy to make, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen. This recipe has become a family favorite in our home. The crunchy texture and flavorful fillings make them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with friends. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about rolling up those taquitos together!

These Vegan Taquitos are versatile enough to please everyone at the table. With various filling options and cooking methods, you can customize them to suit your family’s taste. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total time, you can whip up a batch that’s ready for dinner or a snack!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in rolling the taquitos, making it a fun family activity.
• Versatile Fillings: You can mix and match fillings based on what you have on hand, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Oil-Free Crunchiness: Achieve that delightful crunch without using oil by opting for an air fryer or baking method.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make these delicious Vegan Taquitos! Each ingredient plays its part in creating that hearty flavor we love.

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and make these taquitos truly yours.

• Swap the protein: Try using black beans or chickpeas instead of lentils for a different flavor profile.
• Add some veggies: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like cumin or smoked paprika to give your taquitos a unique kick.
• Make it cheesy: Add some vegan cheese shreds inside before rolling for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make Vegan Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by cooking your brown lentils according to package instructions until they are tender. In a large skillet, sauté the diced white onion until translucent—this brings out their sweetness! Then add minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking until fragrant. Combine these with the cooked lentils, Rotel tomatoes, vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to meld those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to roll! Take one tortilla at a time; place about two tablespoons of filling near one edge. Roll it up tightly but gently—making sure nothing spills out! Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re baking them. If you’re using an air fryer, arrange them carefully in the basket.

Step 3: Cook Your Taquitos

For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for around 15-20 minutes until golden brown. If you’re air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crunch!

Step 4: Serve With Your Favorites

Once they are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Serve with lime juice drizzled over top and your choice of salsa or vegan sour cream on the side. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Vegan Taquitos!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Taquitos

Making vegan taquitos can be a fun and creative process, especially with these handy tips to ensure your taquitos turn out delightful every time!

• Choose the right tortillas: Corn tortillas provide a wonderful flavor and crispy texture. If you prefer flour, opt for high-quality ones that are soft and pliable to avoid cracking while rolling.

• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overfilling can lead to tears in your tortillas. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla for easy rolling and crispiness.

• Preheat your cooking device: Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crunch. This small step makes a big difference!

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix and match different fillings like roasted veggies or beans. This allows you to cater to various tastes and makes mealtime more exciting.

• Let them cool slightly before serving: Giving your taquitos a moment to rest after cooking helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and eat without falling apart.

How to Serve Vegan Taquitos

Serving vegan taquitos is all about presentation and pairing them with delicious accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal extra special!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the overall flavor.
• Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado balances the spices in the taquitos beautifully.
• Diced Red Onion: Provides a nice crunch and sharpness that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing blend of sweet corn, lime, cilantro, and spices, this salad adds a zesty kick alongside your taquitos.
• Refried Black Beans: Creamy and flavorful, these beans are a traditional side that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy texture of taquitos.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the taquitos.
• Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices offers a hearty addition that rounds out your meal nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable taco night experience! Enjoy every crunchy bite of these fabulous vegan taquitos!

Make Ahead and Storage

These vegan taquitos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy snacks throughout the week. With a little planning, you can whip up a batch in advance and store them for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow taquitos to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until crispy.
• Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delightful vegan taquitos.

Can I use different fillings for my Vegan Taquitos?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can experiment with various fillings like black beans, quinoa, or even your favorite roasted vegetables. The options are endless!

How do I make air fryer Vegan Taquitos?

To make air fryer Vegan Taquitos, simply assemble the filled tortillas and place them in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for around 8-10 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness. Flip halfway through!

What tortillas are best for Vegan Taquitos?

Corn tortillas are traditional and add great flavor and crunch. However, if you prefer flour tortillas, they work well too! Just ensure they’re vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these vegan taquitos as much as I do! They’re not only a hit with kids but also perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night at home. With their crunchy exterior and delicious fillings, they offer a fun twist on Taco Tuesday! So gather your ingredients and let the cooking adventure begin – happy cooking!