Like a taco salad but minus the lettuce and with ALL of your favorite fixings. These healthy and simple Vegan Taco Bowls include sauteed veggies, rice, beans, avocado, and your choice of taco meat. So flavorful and filling. Perfect vegan meal anytime! Gluten-free and oil-free depending on the taco meat you choose.
1largejalapeno, seeds removed (unless you want it spicy), diced
3clovesgarlic, minced
vegetable broth or water as needed to soften the vegetables and prevent sticking
1 ½cupsfrozen corn
3 big handfuls arugula or chopped kale, optionalNot included in photos above.
For the meat:
4servingsprotein of choice such as seitan, crumbled tofu, or cooked beans or lentils; See NotesFor the photos I used store-bought seitan chick'n.
taco seasoning blend (recipe included below), to tasteAmount needed will depend on the protein used.
up to 2tablespoonstamari, amount needed will depend on whether you're using a pre-salted ingredient like seitan or a plain one like tofu or lentilsFor soy-free, sub coconut aminos and/or sea salt.
For the bowls:
3cupscooked rice
2cupscooked black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained if using canned beans
In a small bowl stir together the chile powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, pepper, and cayenne. Set aside.
Saute the vegetables:
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth as needed to help soften the onion and deglaze the pan. Add jalapeño and garlic, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the corn and a generous pinch of salt, and cook until corn is hot. If including greens, add to the pan and stir. Once greens are wilted, transfer mixture to a plate.
Saute the protein:
Rinse and wipe out the saute pan if needed, and return it to medium heat. Chop or crumble your protein of choice into bite-size pieces. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Once the pan is fully preheated, add the protein, and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes or until beginning to brown. Stir, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth as needed to prevent sticking. If using a pre-salted ingredient like store-bought seitan, you may not need to add any tamari. For unsalted tofu, tempeh, beans, or lentils, add tamari, to taste. Add about ⅔ of the taco seasoning, and stir to coat. Taste, and add more taco seasoning, if desired.
Assemble the bowls:
Warm up the pre-cooked rice, and heat the beans.
Slice the avocados, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Squeeze about a tablespoon of lime juice on top, and sprinkle with salt. Mash with a fork.
Assemble the bowls, arranging rice, beans, sauteed corn mixture, seasoned taco meat, olives, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, mashed avocado, and crumbled vegan cheese. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For Gluten-Free
Choose a gluten-free protein such as tofu, tempeh (make sure it doesn't include grains), lentils, or extra beans. This vegan taco meat is a personal favorite! And be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce to season.
For Soy-Free
Choose seitan, lentils, or beans, and replace the tamari with coconut aminos and/or sea salt.
Storage and Reheating
If making for meal prep, store the cooked components (rice, beans, sautéed veggies, and meat) separately or together in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat those ingredients, then add salsa, olives, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, and avocado.The Vegan Queso Fresco can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.