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    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Easy TVP Taco Meat

    Published: Aug 28, 2023 by Elizabeth · This post contains affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy TVP Taco Meat is just five ingredients and ready in 20 minutes. A protein-packed option - perfect for taco night in a pinch!

    A bowl of TVP taco meat surrounded by bowls of toppings.

    ‍Tacos are one of those foods that everyone likes. Taco Tuesday? Happening on the regular. Having dinner with friends? Bring tacos. Everyone want something different? Make a taco bar.

    These TVP tacos are the perfect high protein plant-based addition to whatever your taco situation is.

    Jump to:
    • What is TVP?
    • Why I love this TVP Taco Meat
    • Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
    • How to make TVP Taco Meat
    • FAQ & Expert Tips
    • Recipe Prayer
    • More Vegan Taco Recipes
    • Tried this recipe?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    A TVP taco in a soft shell topped with tomatoes and lettuce.

    What is TVP?

    TVP stands for Textured Vegetable Protein.

    It's a vegan meat substitute. Unlike many meat products on the market, it is only one ingredient: soy.

    TVP can come in different shapes and sizes, but most often it is sold in small pieces that resemble ground beef.

    Soy is high in protein, and TVP is a concentrated form of soy protein. So TVP is especially high in protein, making it a great protein-rich vegan meat substitute.

    As with all foods that are semi-processed, it's best to enjoy TVP in moderation and opt for whole foods in their least processed form as often as you can. That said, TVP makes a delicious taco meat!

    A bowl of TVP taco meat.

    Why I love this TVP Taco Meat

    • Dietary needs - this taco meat is plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free.
    • Easy weeknight dinner - this taco meat is ready in just 20 minutes and only has a few simple ingredients. It's never been easier to whip up a vegan taco!
    • ‍Packed with protein- TVP is a great source of vegan protein
    • Great taco texture - these tacos are NOT mushy! The TVP has a solid texture, which is intended to be crumbly and crisp
    Three TVP tacos on a plate.

    Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

    • Red Onion: you can also use a white or yellow onion
    • Textured Vegetable Protein: I used Bob's Red Mill TVP, which isn't available in stores near me, but is easily found online!
    • Water: TVP needs water or some other liquid to rehydrate it - you could also use vegetable broth
    • Taco Seasoning: I used my 5-minute taco seasoning recipe
    • Kosher Salt: my taco seasoning has salt, but I find that since TVP has a relatively neutral flavor, a bit of extra salt helps enhance the overall taco flavor
    • Liquid Smoke: this is optional, but I love adding a smoky flavor to many savory recipes because it creates a more savory, umami flavor profile
    • To Serve: tortillas, black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, jalapeño, guacamole, etc.
    TVP Taco Meat Ingredients

    How to make TVP Taco Meat

    Step 1. Sauté the onion in a medium skillet for 3-5 minutes until starting to soften.

    TVP Taco Meat Step 1 - cook the onion.

    Step 2. Add the TVP, water, taco seasoning, salt, and liquid smoke. Stir and cook 10 minutes, until the TVP has been hydrated and is thoroughly warm.

    TVP Taco Meat Step 2 - add the TVP and spices.

    Step 3. Serve with your favorite taco fixings. Enjoy!

    TVP Taco Meat Step 3 - serve taco style!

    FAQ & Expert Tips

    Add your favorite toppings

    This is a pretty generic taco base, so you can really make these tacos your own. Add black beans, vegan cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado - whatever you love!

    Storing

    Store this taco meat in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. It will last for 5-7 days.

    Three TVP tacos on a plate.

    Recipe Prayer

    Thank you God for this nutritious taco recipe. Thank you for healthy foods that are also delicious and enjoyable. Help this meal fuel our bodies. Amen.

    More Vegan Taco Recipes

    • A large platter of tempeh tacos.
      Vegan Tacos with Tempeh and Black Beans
    • A plate of vegan mushroom tacos.
      Mushroom Taco Meat (for Vegan Mushroom Tacos)
    • A plate of three mushroom walnut tacos.
      Mushroom Walnut Taco Meat
    • A cutting board lined with tofu crumble tacos.
      Tofu Crumble and Black Bean Tacos

    Tried this recipe?

    Please leave a review in the comments section below and post on Instagram tagging me @elizabeths_table. You can also stay in touch with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter.

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of TVP taco meat, with bowls of taco toppings.

    Easy TVP Taco Meat

    This easy TVP Taco Meat is just five ingredients and ready in 20 minutes. A protein-packed option - perfect for taco night in a pinch!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 97kcal
    Author: Elizabeth

    Ingredients

    • 1 Medium Red Onion small diced
    • 138 Grams TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) 1 ½ cup
    • 1 ½ Cups Water
    • ¼ Cup Taco Seasoning
    • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke optional
    • To Serve: tortillas, black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, jalapeño, guacamole, etc.

    Instructions

    • Sauté the onion in a medium skillet for 3-5 minutes until starting to soften.
    • Add the TVP, water, taco seasoning, salt, and liquid smoke. Stir and cook 10 minutes, until the TVP has been hydrated and is thoroughly warm.
    • Serve with your favorite taco fixings. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 1189mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition information is an estimate.

    Tried this recipe?I love to see what you make! Tag me on Instagram @elizabeths_table

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