This tasty Walnut Meat crumble is also known as magic meat. It's a delicious and healthy whole food, plant-based vegan substitute for ground beef. This is used in our Vegan Spaghetti with Meatballs.
This walnut meat is also gluten-free, soy-free, Daniel Fast compliant, and one of our Starch Solution Recipes. This recipe makes about 4 cups of walnut meat crumbles.
Why You'll Love This Walnut Meat Recipe
- Super versatile: use it in tacos, lasagna, chili, nachos, or even salad (it’s basically the culinary Swiss Army knife).
- Healthy and whole‑food based, with no oil or processed junk hiding under the name “vegan meat.”
- Allergy‑friendly, being vegan, gluten‑free, and soy‑free.
- Meal‑prep friendly, stores well in the fridge or freezer, and reheats beautifully. If you're doing the Daniel Fast, you may also be interested in our Daniel Fast Meal Prep recipes.
Health Benefits
- Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. They also provide protein, fiber, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support satiety.
- Cauliflower is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense veggie rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Its high antioxidant content helps fight oxidative stress, while its fiber supports digestive health and blood sugar balance.
- Mushrooms bring a natural umami flavor while offering B-vitamins, selenium, and immune-supporting compounds like beta-glucans. They’re also low in calories and may support gut health and immune function.
What You Need to Make This Walnut Meat
- Cauliflower: gives bulk, moisture, and a neutral canvas for flavor.
- Mushrooms (cremini, baby bella or white button): add meaty umami and texture contrast.
- Raw walnuts: deliver richness, crunch, healthy fats, and protein.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
For Italian-inspired meals, add Italian seasoning and fennel seeds to this walnut meat to create Spaghetti with Vegan Meatballs, Green Lentil Bolognese, or Vegan Lasagna.
This vegan meat crumble works great in Southwest-inspired meals. Add in some dried cumin or chili powder for our Veggie Chili recipe, Refried Beans Tostadas, or Vegan Black Bean Tacos.
Other uses for this crumble include adding it to vegan nachos, veggie pizza, rainbow salad, or veggie chili.
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How to Make This Vegan Walnut Meat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 177°C).
Step 1: Add raw walnuts to a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse the walnuts until they are ground and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add roughly chopped mushrooms to the food processor.
Step 4: Pulse the mushrooms until processed and add them to the same mixing bowl.
Step 5: Add the cauliflower florets to the food processor.
Step 6: Pull the cauliflower until it is processed.
Step 7: Add the cauliflower to the same mixing bowl with the processed walnuts and mushrooms.
Step 8: Add the garlic powder and onion powder (and any other dried seasonings).
Step 9: Pour in the coconut aminos.
Step 10: Use a wooden spoon to stir well, combining all the ingredients.
Step 11: Evenly spread walnut meat mixture onto a parchment- (or silicone mat) lined baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F (or 177°C).
Step 12: Midway through baking, take a spatula and carefully turn or stir the walnut meat mixture, and continue baking for the remaining time. Remove from oven, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Expert Tips
- Use a food processor and briefly pulse the ingredients until crumbly so you get the best texture. Think short bursts. If you try to make this in a blender, it'll turn into mush.
- Don't forget to stir the walnut meat mixture midway through baking to promote even browning.
- Portion and freeze leftovers in meal-prep containers; they’re perfect for quick weeknight meals or a last-minute add-on to Vegan Nachos.
Recipe FAQs
Many processed vegan meats are made with pea protein, oils and other ingredients difficult to pronounce. The saturated fat content can be high and nutrient-density is often very low. This vegan meat recipe is made with whole plant foods: cauliflower, mushrooms, and walnuts.
The healthfulness of vegan or plant-based meat depends on the ingredients. This vegan meat recipe is healthy because its made with whole plant foods. The processed, store-bought kind is often made with ingredients with low nutrient-density, but high calorie-density. So, if health is a concern to you, it's best to make your own plant-based meat at home.
Leftover vegan walnut meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
So, there you have it! The no-nonsense, flavor-bombing, freezer-friendly Walnut Meat that’ll make anyone forget it’s not real meat. It’s simple, flexible, and way healthier than most store-bought alternatives.
Other Vegan Meat Recipes to Check Out
If you tried this Walnut Meat or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below! We love to get your feedback for improvement.
Walnut Meat
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cauliflower (13-ounce weight, about one small head of cauliflower)
- 4 cups mushrooms (6-ounce weight, cremini/baby bella or white button)
- ¾ cup raw walnuts
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp coconut aminos (or 1 Tbsp regular aminos)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 177°C).
- Pulse walnuts in a food processor and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Roughly chop mushrooms and add them to the food processor. Pulse the mushrooms and add to the same mixing bowl.
- Finally, roughly chop cauliflower and add them to the food processor. Pulse the cauliflower and scrape down the sides, if necessary. Add processed cauliflower to the mixing bowl.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder and coconut aminos to the mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Evenly spread the walnut meat mixture onto a parchment-lined or silicone mat baking sheet.
- Place in the 350°F (or 177°C) oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. About 15 to 20 minutes into baking, use a spatula to carefully turn or stir the mixture, and continue baking for the remainder of the time.
- Remove from oven, stir and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- This recipe makes about 4 cups of cooked walnut meat.
D. Watson says
This recipe hits the spot when you are craving a great meatless 🌮. I'm not a big meat eater and this is a great alternative.
Thank you so much for creating this
wonderful plate.
Rebecca A Clarke says
This recipe tastes so good. It is one of those recipes that keeps you on target long term. I would consider it as staple recipe.
Gigi & Sersie says
Yes! Its made with easy to get ingredients and can be used in salads, tacos, burritos, and buddha bowls.