Description
Quinoa Tacos Recipe: Flavorful vegan tacos with protein-packed quinoa, fresh veggies, and zesty seasonings. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (185g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (15oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa Base Rinse 1 cup quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly golden. Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Create the Flavor Base While quinoa cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until peppers begin to soften. Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil.
- Step 3: Combine and Finish the Filling Add the cooked quinoa, black beans, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the quinoa is evenly coated with seasonings. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors have melded. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture seems dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth.
- Step 4: Warm Tortillas and Assemble Heat your tortillas according to package directions or warm them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side until pliable. To build your quinoa tacos, place a generous 1/3 cup of filling in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cheese if using, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce or salsa on the side.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg