Vegan walnut meat crumbles are a savory, oil free, plant based alternative to ground beef. With simple, customizable seasonings, the natural meaty texture of raw walnuts makes them perfect for meatless bolognese, tacos, salads, and more.
Unlike many walnut meat recipes, this version is made without mushrooms or beans. You only need 5 ingredients, 5 minutes, and a food processor. Enjoy the crumbles raw or warmed in any dish that calls for ground meat.
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Love this recipe! I did not have tamari, so I utilized soy sauce. I used the crumbles 2 ways: warmed, in pasta sauce and also cold, with broccoli slaw. Was delicious both ways! It is so easy to make. Thank you!
- Jan
Ingredients
- Raw walnuts: Look for bags of shelled raw walnuts. Halves and pieces are usually less expensive than the whole ones, and they work perfectly since you will be pulsing them into crumbles.
- Tamari (or soy sauce, if you do not need to be gluten free)
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder are favorites, but feel free to use blends like taco seasoning or Italian seasoning.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
How to make walnut meat
- Add the walnuts, tamari, and seasonings to the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl, as needed, until small crumbles form. Do not overprocess. You are aiming for the texture of cooked ground meat, not a smooth paste. Use right away or warm on the stove, in the oven, or stirred into your favorite sauce.
Serving suggestions
Vegan walnut meat crumbles work well in many dishes where you would normally use ground beef or another ground meat:
- Stir into pasta sauces like short-cut tomato paste pasta sauce
- Spoon into tacos and burrito bowls
- Mix into soups, stews, or vegan black bean chili
Since they take just 5 minutes to prepare, they may become your go-to plant based meat swap.
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Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Vegan Walnut Meat Crumbles
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw walnuts*, (whole or halves and pieces)
- 2 Tablespoons tamari**, (or substitute soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.2 cups raw walnuts*, 2 Tablespoons tamari**, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Pulse until small crumbles form, scraping down the sides of the bowl, as needed. Do not overprocess.
- Enjoy them in your favorite dishes as is, or warm them up in a skillet or in the oven on a baking sheet. No oil is required.
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation.
David S. says
This recipe is absolutely amazing! Instead of using the San-J tamari, I substituted for Organic coconut secret; it’s a soy free low sodium seasoning marinade sauce. I didn’t warm it, I ate this Raw Vegan style. Absolutely wonderful, thank you for sharing this recipe 😊
Amy Katz says
That sounds fantastic, David!
Terry kosinski says
This is a super great recipe. Walnuts are low in Oxylates+ they agree with my gut. Delicious recipe. I am allergic to all beans, so this recipe is great for Mexican food. All my ingredients are always organically grown.
Amy Katz says
That's fantastic, Terry! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Jan says
Love this recipe! I did not have tamari, so I utilized soy sauce. I used the crumbles 2 ways: warmed, in pasta sauce and also cold, with broccoli slaw. Was delicious both ways! It is so easy to make. Thank you!
Amy Katz says
Thank you so much, Jan! I love your serving ideas.
Melyssa Braman says
I’m confused-
In the directions it says you can use a crumbles “as is”, but there is no liquid and they are also raw. I know you said you can soak them, but how would you use them as is for a meat dish? Did I miss something in the recipe? Thanks!
Amy Katz says
Hi Melissa, you can add the crumbles to any dish you like, or heat them up in a sauce, if you like. You don’t need to add liquid or soak them since walnuts are naturally soft when ground. I hope this helps!
Melyssa Braman says
yes it helps thanks!