Crispy Vegan Taquitos – Delicious Plant-Based Mexican Recipe
Transform your Taco Tuesday with these irresistible vegan taquitos that deliver all the crispy, savory goodness of traditional Mexican street food while keeping completely plant-based. These rolled tortilla treats are packed with flavorful seasoned vegetables and plant-based protein, then baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or simply craving some authentic Mexican flavors with a compassionate twist, these vegan taquitos will become your go-to recipe for satisfying comfort food that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Taquitos
These vegan taquitos represent everything wonderful about Mexican cuisine while aligning with plant-based values. The magic lies in the perfect balance of textures – the crispy exterior gives way to a flavorful, moist filling that’s seasoned with authentic Mexican spices. What sets these taquitos apart is the versatility of the filling, which can be customized with various vegetables and plant-based proteins to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Traditional taquitos often contain meat or cheese, but this vegan version proves that plant-based alternatives can be just as satisfying, if not more so. The filling combines the heartiness of beans or vegan meat crumbles with the sweetness of onions and peppers, all elevated by a careful blend of Mexican seasonings including cumin, chili powder, and oregano. The result is a dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly flavorful, with each bite delivering a symphony of tastes and textures that will have even non-vegans coming back for more.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its accessibility. You don’t need specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to create restaurant-quality taquitos at home. With basic kitchen tools and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch that rivals anything you’d find at a Mexican restaurant, but with the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what’s in your food and that no animals were harmed in the process.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), finely diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegan ground beef or crumbles (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12-15 corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese shreds (optional)
For Serving:
- Fresh salsa
- Guacamole or mashed avocado
- Vegan sour cream or cashew cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely dicing your onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the bell pepper. The smaller you dice these vegetables, the better they’ll incorporate into the filling, creating a more cohesive texture that won’t fall out of the tortillas during rolling and cooking. Set aside while you prepare your other ingredients.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or vegetable broth. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If you’re using vegan ground beef or crumbles, add them now and cook according to package directions, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they cook.
Add the Remaining Vegetables
Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. You want the peppers to retain some crunch for texture contrast in the final filling. Add the corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to heat through and develop a slight char in spots.
Incorporate the Beans and Seasonings
Add the rinsed black beans to the skillet along with the tomato paste, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to combine the seasonings evenly. Mash about half of the beans with the back of your spoon to help create a binding agent for the filling while leaving some whole beans for texture. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the mixture has thickened slightly.
For the best flavor development, let the filling cool completely before assembling the taquitos. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the ingredients more thoroughly and makes the filling easier to handle when rolling the tortillas.
Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 15-20 seconds per side until pliable. This step is crucial for preventing the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain their warmth and flexibility as you work.
Assemble the Taquitos
Working with one tortilla at a time, place about 2 tablespoons of filling in a line down the center of the tortilla, leaving about 1 inch of space at the bottom. If using vegan cheese, sprinkle a small amount over the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, starting from the bottom and rolling upward. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet or plate. Continue with remaining tortillas and filling.
Brush with Oil
Lightly brush each taquito with vegetable oil on all sides. This step is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. If you’re using an air fryer, you can use an oil spray for more even coverage. The oil helps conduct heat and creates that perfect crunch that makes taquitos so irresistible.
Cook the Taquitos
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on all sides.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Rest and Serve
Let the taquitos rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This allows them to set and helps prevent the filling from falling out when you cut into them. Serve warm with your choice of toppings: fresh salsa, guacamole, vegan sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pickled jalapeños add a nice spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Taquitos
Creating the perfect vegan taquitos requires attention to detail and understanding a few key techniques that can make the difference between good and great results. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve taquito perfection every time:
First, always use fresh, high-quality corn tortillas. They’re more pliable and have better flavor than flour tortillas for this application. The key to preventing cracked tortillas is proper warming – take the time to heat them until they’re completely pliable before rolling. You can warm them in a dry skillet, over an open flame, or even in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
The consistency of your filling is crucial. It should be moist but not wet, and well-seasoned but not overpowering. If your filling seems too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. If it’s too wet, let it cook a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture. Remember that the filling will continue to cook slightly inside the taquitos, so it doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
When rolling the taquitos, apply gentle but firm pressure to create tight rolls that won’t unroll during cooking. The seam should be on the bottom to help seal it as it cooks. Don’t overfill the taquitos – about 2 tablespoons per tortilla is perfect. Overfilling leads to bursting taquitos and messy cooking.
For extra crispy taquitos, consider double-cooking them. After the initial cooking time, let them rest for a few minutes, then return them to the oven or air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. This second crisping step helps achieve that restaurant-quality crunch that makes taquitos so addictive.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
One of the beautiful aspects of vegan taquitos is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to create your own signature version. Here are some popular variations to try:
- Spicy Sweet Potato: Add mashed sweet potato to the filling along with diced jalapeños for a sweet and spicy combination that’s packed with nutrients.
- Mushroom and Walnut: Replace beans with finely chopped mushrooms and toasted walnuts for a meaty texture and rich, earthy flavor.
- Spinach and Artichoke: Incorporate thawed frozen spinach and chopped artichoke hearts with vegan cream cheese for a creamy, indulgent filling.
- BBQ Jackfruit: Use shredded jackfruit seasoned with BBQ sauce instead of the traditional Mexican seasonings for a smoky, sweet variation.
- Buffalo Cauliflower: Add roasted and chopped cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy filling that’s lower in calories.
For those with dietary restrictions beyond vegan, most of these variations can be adapted. Use gluten-free tortillas if needed, and ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free. For soy-free options, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and choose soy-free vegan meat alternatives.
Storage and Meal Prep
These vegan taquitos are excellent for meal prep and can be stored for future enjoyment. To store, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated taquitos, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. For frozen taquitos, add 5-10 minutes to the reheating time. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy and ruin the crispy texture that makes them so delicious.
When meal prepping, consider making a double batch and freezing half for easy weeknight meals. Taquitos also travel well for packed lunches – just reheat in the morning and pack in an insulated container to keep warm.
Nutritional Information
These vegan taquitos are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving (approximately 3 taquitos without toppings) provides approximately:
These taquitos are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals from the beans, vegetables, and spices. The combination of beans and vegetables provides sustained energy, while the corn tortillas offer complex carbohydrates. When served with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa, you’ll add healthy fats and additional vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
Pairing Suggestions
These vegan taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages to create a complete Mexican-inspired meal. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For beverages, try them with horchata, agua fresca, or a light Mexican beer if you drink alcohol.
If you’re hosting a party, these taquitos make perfect appetizers alongside other Mexican favorites like guacamole with tortilla chips, vegan nachos, or fresh pico de gallo. They’re also excellent additions to taco bars, allowing guests to customize their experience with various toppings and sides.
Conclusion
These crispy vegan taquitos prove that plant-based Mexican food can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional versions. With their perfect combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful filling, and fresh toppings, they’re sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor you crave while aligning with your values and health goals.
The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, while the straightforward preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. So gather your ingredients, warm up your tortillas, and get ready to enjoy some of the best vegan taquitos you’ve ever tasted!