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If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors, exciting textures, and 100 percent plant-based goodness, look no further than this Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe. These little rolled delights combine the earthiness of black beans, the sweetness of corn, and the fresh zing of cilantro, all wrapped inside golden, crunchy corn tortillas. Perfectly spiced with garlic, cumin, and chili powder, these taquitos bake up crisp and flavorful without a drop of oil-frying, making them a healthier yet utterly satisfying treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own spark. From the tender black beans providing protein and creaminess to the vibrant corn kernels adding texture and a pop of sweetness, every ingredient plays a crucial role. Plus, the spices and vegan cheese elevate these taquitos into an irresistible flavor party.
- 2 cups corn tortillas: Sturdy yet pliable, these are the perfect vessel for rolling up all your delicious fillings.
- 1 cup cooked black beans: Rich in protein and fiber, they form the hearty base of the filling.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels: Adds a delightful natural sweetness and juicy texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Brings a mild, aromatic sharpness to balance the earthiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh and zesty, it lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A pantry staple that infuses a warm, savory depth with ease.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a smoky, earthy flavor synonymous with Mexican cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and rounds out the taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for warming tortillas and brushing, it helps achieve that perfect crisp.
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese: Melts beautifully inside the taquitos, adding creaminess and richness.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Fresh salsa on the side adds tang and a burst of freshness with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the salsa and balances the dish with a citrus zing.
How to Make Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your taquitos bake evenly and release easily without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced onion, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, mash the mixture lightly so everything melds together while maintaining some texture—that little chunkiness is key to a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Warm the Corn Tortillas
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and warm each corn tortilla for about 20 to 30 seconds on each side. This warming process makes the tortillas soft and flexible enough to roll without cracking.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay each tortilla on a clean surface, then spoon a generous amount of your bean and corn filling along the center. Sprinkle with vegan cheese for that melty indulgence. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the edges are tucked in snugly to keep everything from falling out while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place each rolled taquito seam side down on the baking sheet, then brush each one lightly with olive oil. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides achieve an irresistible golden crisp. The result is a healthier crunch that rivals any fried version!
Step 6: Make the Zesty Salsa Dip
While your taquitos are baking, stir together the salsa and lime juice in a small bowl. This simple addition offers a fresh and tangy companion that perfectly complements the richness of your taquitos.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow your taquitos to cool a bit before serving. This Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe tastes best piping hot with that salsa-lime dip on the side for dunking.
How to Serve Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, thin slices of avocado, or a dollop of vegan sour cream on top to add layers of freshness and creaminess. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brings a burst of brightness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with crisp mixed salad greens, Mexican rice, or a chilled bean salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Light pickled jalapeños or a small bowl of guacamole are great options as well for adding spicy or creamy elements on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange taquitos upright in a glass or small vase for a playful, colorful presentation. You can also serve them on a vibrant platter lined with parchment paper and extra lime wedges to invite sharing and conversation. They make fantastic finger food for casual parties or movie nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—and that’s rare!—store your baked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed maintains their freshness and keeps the filling flavorful.
Freezing
Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange unbaked rolled taquitos on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, to enjoy fresh-baked crispness anytime.
Reheating
To revive your leftover or frozen taquitos, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas chewy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work great and offer a slightly different texture—softer but still delicious. Just warm them up thoroughly to make rolling easier and ensure they crisp nicely in the oven.
Is it necessary to use vegan cheese in these taquitos?
While vegan cheese adds a creamy, melty element that complements the filling perfectly, you can omit it or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy alternative. The taquitos will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make the filling spicier?
Definitely! Adjust the chili powder up or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling to bring in more heat. Remember to balance spiciness according to your taste buds.
Are these taquitos suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled, unbaked taquitos on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes for perfectly crispy results.
Could I cook these taquitos on a stovetop instead of baking?
While baking is recommended for an easier and healthier crisp, you can shallow fry the taquitos in a bit of oil until golden. Just be sure to keep the heat moderate to avoid burning and to maintain a crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe is a wonderful go-to for when you want a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s straightforward to prepare, perfect for sharing, and endlessly adaptable. Trust me, once you try these taquitos, they’ll quickly become a staple in your plant-based kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
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Print
Crispy Vegan Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These crispy vegan taquitos are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Mexican snack. Made with a flavorful blend of black beans, corn, and spices, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, and baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for a snack or a light meal served with zesty lime salsa.
Ingredients
Taquito Filling
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese
Tortillas
- 2 cups corn tortillas (approximately 8–10 small tortillas)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for warming tortillas)
Salsa
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing taquitos before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked black beans, corn kernels, diced onion, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful filling base.
- Mash Filling: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the mixture until slightly chunky but well-mixed, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat; lightly warm each corn tortilla about 20-30 seconds per side to make them pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
- Prepare Tortillas: Remove tortillas from skillet and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool slightly and prepare for filling.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the bean and corn mixture onto the center of each tortilla and sprinkle vegan cheese evenly on top.
- Roll Taquitos: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the edges securely to prevent the filling from falling out while baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each rolled taquito seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top of each taquito with olive oil to help them crisp and brown beautifully in the oven.
- Bake Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness and a golden brown exterior.
- Prepare Salsa: While taquitos bake, mix the salsa with lime juice in a small bowl to add a refreshing tangy dip.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked and crispy, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving them hot alongside the prepared salsa lime dip for a delicious, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels depending on availability for the filling.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the taquitos for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- These taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
