Vegan Tacos with Tempeh + Black Beans

this post may contain affiliate links…

Aren’t tacos just the best? And you know what? Tacos are for everyone! Here we show you the proof – a vegan taco that will go head to head with any other taco recipe out there. We’re going to load up these veggie tacos with tempeh, black beans, and all kind of flavors. Yummy!

A photograph of a row of four tacos made with corn tortillas and filled with grilled tempeh and black beans, plus fresh avocado, tomato and cilantro.

Want a balanced diet? Try a taco in both hands!

I’ve always loved tacos! Growing up in Australia, taco “shells” were crunchy things that came out of a box. The same box contained some powdered “taco seasoning”, a little salsa, and suggested adding things like lettuce, tomato, and beans. It wasn’t hard to make a vegan meal from these little taco kits, and we remember them fondly.

Our taco game never stopped improving, and now we enjoy these Mexican treasures with vegan fillings like tempeh, black beans, and the freshest veggies. We also now know the joys of a soft corn tortilla – so much flavor, with none of the deep frying ?!

Tempting tempeh

Tempeh is a wonderful soy product that originates from Indonesia. Compared to tofu, tempeh has a firmer texture, making it a perfect meat substitute for vegan tacos. It has a nutty, savory flavor, but also soaks up everything around it. If you’ve never had tempeh before, then our vegan taco recipe is a great place to start.

Spices are the variety of life!

You can’t have a taco without spices! However, when you think spices, don’t just think “hot”. Our vegan tacos add flavor before the fire. We’re talking classic tastes like cumin, coriander and freshly ground black pepper. Now, if you’re already comfortable with the spices we use in this recipe, why not …

Taco walk on the wild side ?

There are plenty of other spices that taste great in a vegan taco filling. For example, you could try a touch of cinnamon, allspice or clove. Or perhaps you want to use some fresh herbs? Cilantro, parsley, and oregano all do a great job in a vegetarian taco.

It’s getting a little chili …

Now the fire comes in. We’re adding dried crushed red pepper and some fresh jalapeños, which provide some pleasant warmth. However, you can play around with all kinds of flavorsome chilis, like habaneros, poblanos or serranos. Remember, chilis aren’t just for adding heat – balanced correctly they add tons of flavor! Just the thing to punch up a vegan taco recipe.

Into the Frying Pan …

Your vegan tacos are almost ready. The next step is a quick trip to the skillet. Start by sauteing the onion, chili, and spices (hint: if you added lots of chilies, steer clear of those fumes ?). After that, add tempeh and black beans to the taco filling and fry a little longer. If things start sticking, just add a splash of water. Finally, add the tomato, get everything simmering and let those flavors mingle for a few minutes.

It’s Time to Fold

So, you’ve made your filling, warmed your tortillas and you’re ready to go, huh? Not quite – what else are you going to put in there? We humbly suggest some delicious salsa and a dollop of tasty guacamole! Then just grab a tortilla and (say it with me) Fill it, Fold it, Eat it and Repeat it! Now that’s our kind of mantra ? … enjoy your vegetarian tacos!

Did you try this recipe? Let us know what you think with a comment and rating! Every bit of feedback helps make the blog even better!