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15-Minute Walnut Meat Recipe

4.6 from 96 reviews

A quick and savory plant-based walnut meat made from walnuts and mushrooms, seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Perfect as a delicious meat substitute for tacos, burritos, or bowls, ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Walnut Meat

  • 1 ½ cups walnut halves
  • 1 ½ cups roughly diced cremini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons tamari (or liquid aminos)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 12 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients: Add walnuts, mushrooms, tamari, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the food processor bowl.
  2. Pulse the mixture: Use the pulse function to blend the ingredients until the mixture is crumbly with small chunks of walnuts and mushrooms, ensuring a meaty texture but not a paste.
  3. Cook the walnut meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the walnut-mushroom mixture to the skillet.
  4. Sauté until browned: Cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more olive oil if needed to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
  5. Serve: Use the cooked walnut meat as a savory filling for tortillas, burritos, taco bowls, or your favorite dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
  • The walnut meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For an oil-free option, cook the mixture in a non-stick skillet without oil, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Substitute tamari with soy sauce if not avoiding gluten, though tamari is gluten-free.
  • Use this as a versatile plant-based protein in any recipe that calls for ground meat.

Keywords: walnut meat, plant-based meat substitute, vegan taco filling, mushroom walnut recipe, quick vegan protein