Juicy Vegan Chipotle Beef Tacos
These vegan chipotle beef tacos are the ultimate Meatless Monday meal. Featuring smoky plant-based beef, a zesty deglaze, and quick-pickled onions, they deliver restaurant-style flavor in a weeknight-friendly timeframe.
Equipment
- Pan or Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Glass jar
Ingredients
Beyond Meat® Beef:
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt/Pepper as needed
Other:
- 1 avocado, cubed
- Cilantro
Chipotle Aioli:
- 1/3 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
Pickled Red onion:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Pickle the Onions and Mix the Seasoning
- Combine water, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a pan over medium heat. Whisk until dissolved and bring to a boil. Place sliced red onions in a jar and pour the hot liquid over them. Let cool at room temperature before chilling.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the plant-based beef with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes to ensure even seasoning.
Cook the Plant-Based Beef
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up until browned. In the last minute, deglaze the pan with a splash of vegetable broth and fresh lime juice, scraping the bottom to create a glossy, juicy finish.
Stir the Aioli
- Whisk together the vegan mayo and adobo sauce in a small dish until smooth and pale orange. The result should be creamy with a smoky heat.
Assemble the Tacos
- Fill warmed tortillas with the saucy beef mixture. Top with the chipotle aioli, chilled pickled red onions, cubed avocado, and fresh cilantro for a balanced, layered bite.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the quick-pickled onions and chipotle aioli a day in advance. The onions mellow and the aioli flavors meld for a rounder taste.
Flavor Strategy: Bloom your dry spices in the oil for a few seconds before the meat is fully cooked to wake up the essential oils and deepen the aroma.
Texture Control: If the plant-based beef starts looking dry in the pan, keep a splash of broth nearby to add moisture before pulling it from the heat.
Tortilla Care: Always warm your tortillas. Corn tortillas are best heated in a dry skillet or over an open flame until pliable and fragrant to prevent cracking.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.