If you are craving a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal, you will adore this Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe. It brings together the rich, meaty texture of walnut “meat” paired perfectly with savory seasoned rice, protein-packed beans, and an array of fresh, vibrant toppings. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to impress friends at a casual dinner, these burritos are as satisfying as they are delicious. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that make this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in your burritos. From the crunchy walnuts that provide a meat-like bite to the fresh fixings that add brightness, each element plays a key role in crafting this memorable dish.
- Raw walnuts (1 cup): Soaked for softness, they form the hearty base of the walnut “meat.”
- Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and bringing everything together with richness.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Helps soften and bind the walnut mixture.
- Onion (½ medium, diced): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings pungent warmth that amplifies every bite.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses umami and saltiness.
- Liquid smoke (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of smoky character without a grill.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Provides gentle heat and complexity.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor for a robust profile.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon plus seasoning for rice): Contributes smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Gives an earthy, aromatic note classic to burritos.
- Sea salt and black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Essential seasoning for balance.
- Cooked black beans (1½ cups): Adds creaminess and protein.
- Cooked white or brown rice (1½ cups): The base of the seasoned rice, comforting and mild.
- Tomato paste or sauce (½ teaspoon or 1 tablespoon): Adds richness and slight tang to rice.
- Large burrito wraps (8): Flexible and sturdy, perfect for wrapping all the goodness.
- Salsa or pico de gallo (1 cup): Bright, fresh, and slightly spicy topping.
- Guacamole (1 cup): Creamy and luscious layer of healthy fats.
- Shredded vegan cheese (1½ cups): Melty, savory complement to the spiced fillings.
- Lettuce (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Hot sauce or diced jalapenos: For those who love an extra kick.
- Lime crema or vegan sour cream (½ cup + lime juice): Cool and tangy finishing touch for balance.
How to Make Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Meat
Start by soaking your raw walnuts overnight or for at least 10 minutes in boiling water. This softens them so when you pulse them in the food processor with oil and water, you get a nicely ground, meaty texture. While the walnuts are soaking, dice your onion and mince your garlic.
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, and sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then add in the processed walnut mixture alongside your seasonings — soy sauce, liquid smoke, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together before adding in the cooked black beans. Let it all cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before setting it aside.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Rice
Use cooked rice, either white or brown, and in a bowl, mix it with tomato paste or sauce, along with paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple step transforms plain rice into a vibrant, flavorful base that ties perfectly into the burrito fillings. Set this aside while you prepare your wraps and toppings.
Step 3: Warm and Assemble Your Burritos
Warm your burrito wraps briefly in a hot pan for 15 seconds on each side or microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable and less likely to tear during assembly. Lay each wrap flat and create an assembly line of ingredients: start with a scoop of seasoned rice, then add a generous amount of walnut meat, followed by crisp lettuce, shredded vegan cheese, salsa, guacamole, a splash of hot sauce or jalapenos, and finish with a drizzle of lime crema.
Fold the sides of the wrap over the filling, tuck the bottom edge, and roll the burrito tightly away from you. Place each burrito seam-side down on a lightly oiled hot pan and toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and sealed. This step locks in the filling and adds a delightful crunch to your wrap.
How to Serve Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your burritos with extra lime wedges for brightness, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for herbal notes, and an additional drizzle of lime crema or hot sauce to personalize each bite. These garnishes add bursts of freshness and a touch of color that make your meal feel festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Complement your burritos with classic sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or some crunchy tortilla chips with additional guacamole and salsa for dipping. These sides round out your meal and offer great textural contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving for a group, consider slicing the burritos in half and arranging them vertically on a platter for easy grabbing. You can also create a DIY burrito bar with all the fixings laid out for friends or family to customize their own. This adds a fun interactive element to your meal that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover assembled burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped in foil or parchment paper helps maintain their shape and moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these burritos individually, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and place it in a hot pan over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, then finish with a quick pan toast for texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut or ingredient?
Absolutely! While walnuts give a great meaty texture and earthy flavor, you can try pecans or even finely chopped mushrooms for a different twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free burrito wraps, then yes! The filling itself contains no gluten, making this a versatile recipe for many dietary needs.
How spicy is this Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe?
It’s moderately spiced, but you control the heat. You can easily leave out the chili powder or jalapenos if you prefer a milder flavor or add more hot sauce for extra kick.
Can I make the walnut meat in advance?
Definitely. Making the walnut meat ahead of time saves a ton of prep when assembling. It stores nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated quickly.
What are some vegan cheese alternatives you recommend?
Look for shredded vegan cheddar or mozzarella-style cheeses found at most health food stores. Nutritional yeast can also add cheesy flavor if you want to skip store-bought cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you want a vibrant, satisfying, and comforting meal that’s full of flavor and easy to customize, you have to try this Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe. Each bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth, packing the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh. Once you make these, they’re sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen and loved by anyone lucky enough to try them! Happy cooking!
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Vegan Walnut Meat Burritos with Seasoned Rice, Beans, and Fresh Fixings Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These flavorful vegan burritos are packed with walnut-based vegan ‘meat’, seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce, vegan cheese, salsa, guacamole, and a zesty lime crema. Perfect for meal prepping, they’re hearty, nutritious, and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Vegan Walnut Meat
- 1 cup raw walnuts, soaked overnight or in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drained (120 g)
- 2 tablespoons oil (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 60 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (about 9 g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke or additional soy sauce (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (1.5 g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (1 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (1 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (3 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (1 g)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, about 1 can (260 g)
Seasoned Rice
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice (285 g)
- About 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, salt and pepper (0.5 g paprika, 1.5 g sea salt, 0.5 g black pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste or 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (2.5 g)
Vegan Burritos Assembly
- 8 large burrito wraps (approx. 25cm / 10-inch diameter each)
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo, homemade or storebought (240 ml)
- 1 cup guacamole, homemade or storebought (240 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan cheese (100 g)
- 2 cups lettuce, shredded or chopped or julienned
- Hot sauce or diced jalapenos, to taste
- 1/2 cup lime crema or vegan sour cream/spicy mayo plus juice of one lime (about 30 ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Walnut Meat: In a food processor, combine the drained walnuts, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Pulse about 10 to 20 times until the walnuts are ground into a mince-like texture. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the walnut mince to the pan and stir to combine. Then add soy sauce, liquid smoke (or extra soy sauce), chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir in the cooked black beans and let everything sauté together for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Seasoned Rice: In a separate bowl, mix the warm cooked rice with tomato paste or tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the rice with the seasoning. Set aside.
- Warm Burrito Wraps: Heat a pan over medium heat. Place each burrito wrap in the pan for about 15 seconds on each side, or alternatively, microwave for 15 seconds. This softens the wraps, making them more flexible and less prone to tearing, prepping them for assembly.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out each warmed wrap and spread the seasoned rice in a line down the center. Layer on the walnut meat mixture, followed by lettuce, shredded vegan cheese, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce or diced jalapenos, and finally the lime crema. Position your hands on either side of the filling line. Fold in the sides snugly, then roll the bottom of the wrap upward, tucking tightly to securely wrap all the fillings inside. Continue rolling away from you until fully wrapped. Optionally wrap the burrito in foil for ease of eating.
- Crisp and Heat Burritos: Lightly oil the pan again and place each wrapped burrito seam-side down. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the wrap seals and is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Repeat until all burritos are crisped and warmed through. Cut in half and serve immediately or store for meal prep.
Notes
- Soaking walnuts overnight or briefly in boiling water helps soften them for better blending into the ‘meat’ texture.
- You can customize burrito fillings with your favorite vegetables or vegan protein alternatives.
- Use gluten-free wraps if you require a gluten-free burrito option.
- To make lime crema, mix vegan sour cream or mayo substitute with lime juice for a tangy, creamy topping.
- Storing burritos: Wrap tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat burritos in a pan or oven for best texture, avoiding sogginess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
