Chorizo Substitute

Transform your plant-based meals with this flavorful and protein-packed Chorizo Substitute, a quick and easy no-cook recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes! This vegan twist on traditional chorizo uses a hearty combination of raw walnuts and black beans for a meaty texture, expertly seasoned with smoky paprika, zesty cumin, and a hint of cinnamon for depth. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness while a subtle kick of crushed red pepper flakes enhances the spice levels. Perfectly versatile, this chorizo alternative can be enjoyed straight from the food processor or lightly sautéed for a warm, crispy edge. Use it to elevate your tacos, burritos, nachos, or any dish needing a bold and satisfying boost. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply exploring meat substitutes, this recipe delivers bold flavor without compromise.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Add the raw walnuts to a food processor and pulse until they are broken down into a crumbly texture, resembling ground meat. Be careful not to overprocess into a powder.

Step 2

Add the cooked black beans to the food processor and pulse a few times to combine with the walnuts. Ensure the mixture remains somewhat chunky, as you want texture to mimic traditional chorizo.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Pour the spice mixture over the walnut and bean mixture in the food processor. Add the apple cider vinegar and water.

Step 5

Pulse all the ingredients together until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. The texture should be cohesive but not overly smooth.

Step 6

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary (e.g., add more salt or spice to your preference).

Step 7

Your chorizo substitute is now ready to use in tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos. This is a no-cook recipe, but if you'd like, you can lightly sauté the mixture in a pan for a warm, slightly crispy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(388.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1337.4

Total Fat 109.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2392.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.9g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 35.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 253.7mg	0%
Iron 11.9mg	0%
Potassium 1406.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.0%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 19.8%