This easy vegan sunflower seed taco meat is perfect for those with nut allergies! Just 8 ingredients needed! Quick vegan dinner recipe idea!
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Our vegan walnut taco meat is one of our most popular posts; however, many times we’ve been ask to make a nut free version. So that’s exactly what we have done with this vegan sunflower seed taco meat.
It’s not only quick and easy, but it has minimal ingredients and can easily be meal prepped.
This recipe is not only kid friendly, but completely top 8 allergen free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does this make and can I double the recipe?
We know some families are large and may need to make more. The recipe as written makes 2 cups of “meat”. It’s enough for our family of four; however, you can easily double or triple the recipe for your needs. Just add the same amount line for line.
Where do I buy sun dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes can be in either dry packs like dried pepper (ancho chilis for example) or packed in oil. We personally prefer the jars packed in oil; however, we know many people avoid those because of the oil.
If using the jar in oil, you can find the jars in the section where olives are or in the pasta aisle of most grocers, including places like Walmart and Target. You could also purchase sun dried tomatoes in oil on Amazon.
For dry packs, you can find those in the produce aisle or ask your local grocer. They are hit or miss in store. Sometimes Walmart has in the produce aisle, Whole Foods usually has also.
Another option would be to call ahead before driving to your store to verify they have it or purchase sun-dried tomatoes no oil from Amazon.
For the non-oil sun-dried tomatoes, you will have to place into water to soften before using.
Can I sub sun dried tomatoes for something else?
We have tested this recipe subbing out the sun dried tomatoes for both tomato paste and fire roasted tomatoes. While you can sub either of these for the sun dried tomatoes, the texture will be different.
It’s much more moist with either option and does not have a crumbly appearance like in our photos. The taste however is still great.
Can I make Top 8 Allergy Friendly vegan taco meat?
This dish is top 8 free as written. No changes are needed.
We will say that we use a no soy soy sauce to make Top 8 free; however, you can use soy sauce, gluten-free tamari, or coconut aminos depending on your needs.
Can I meal prep this Vegan Sunflower Seed Taco Meat ahead of time?
Yes! This is actually a great meal prep planning dish to make. You have 2 options.
One, you can soak the sunflower seeds for up to 2 days ahead of time, as well as chopping your vegetables (onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes) and store in the refrigerator in an air tight container. Then, when ready proceed with the recipe as normal.
The other option is to make the entire recipe at one time, but place the finished product in an air tight container for up to 7 days in the fridge.
What toppings should I put on top of my walnut taco meat tacos?
Anything that you would normally serve on top of tacos goes great with this vegan meat dish. Things like avocados, tomatoes, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, lettuce, salsa, and more.
If you are looking for more creative dishes for taco toppings, you can try:
Can I use this to make vegan sunflower seed meat quesadillas, burritos, etc?
Absolutely! This vegan “meat” option can be used in any dish you’d use taco seasoned meat for. Some ideas would be:
- Dairy Free Nachos
- Vegan Enchiladas (swap out the jackfruit for this)
- Added into our sweet potato and black bean tacos
Pin this Vegan Sunflower Seed Taco Meat for later!
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Vegan Sunflower Seed Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 red onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil (*See post if avoiding oil)
- 1 tablespoon avocado (or olive) oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoon no soy soy sauce (sub for soy sauce, coconut aminos, tamari)
- 1 juice of a lime
Instructions
- Soak sunflower seeds in a bowl, covered with water overnight.
- Drain water. Put them into a food processor and pulse until you have meat like crumbles. *Be careful not to over process or you will end up with sunflower butter.
- Chop onions, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes very fine.
- Add oil to a skillet, and saute your onions until translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add in the garlic for 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning across and stir to combine.
- Add in sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Add in the crumbled sunflower seeds and stir very well.
- Pour in the no soy sauce (or substitute) and the lime juice. Stir well.
- Cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Take off the stove and serve.
Easy, simple and delicious
so happy to hear that!
Question: How long can this last if stored in the fridge?
3-5 days.
Are we purchasing sunflower seeds with shells or no shells?
no shells (unless you want to stand and shell them!)
Excellent easy absolutely delicious
Thank you
So happy that you loved it!
These were delicious 😋! I have tried three different recipes for vegan taco meat and so far I like the sunflower seeds best. It helps to have all of your fixings cut up and ready to put on your tacos. My fixing were lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, fresh guacamole, taco sauce and salsa. All served on warm soft corn tortillas.
Awesome!
So good! Great alternative.
Thanks!
Greetings Family!!!!
I may have missed it but am I using raw or roasted unsalted sunflower seeds?
roasted (technically they would both work)
Hi this looks great. If anyone wants to try an alternative I also use a combinatiin of walnuts and mixed mishrooms (cholled in a food processor)
Hi this looks great. If anyone wants to try an alternative I also use a combinatiion of walnuts and mixed mushrooms (chopped in a food processor)
We have walnut version too and pecans and tofu 🙂