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Walnut meat in a bowl with a spoon.

Walnut Meat

Keri Bevan
Walnut meat is the flavorful plant-based meat alternative that's capturing the attention of food enthusiasts everywhere. Not only is it chock full of nutrients, it has the remarkable ability to mimic the texture and taste of traditional ground meat.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Marinade 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Traditional Walnut Meat Base Recipe

  • 2 cups walnuts raw and unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mediterranean Walnut Meat

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup Kalamata Olives
  • ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
  • ¼ cup vegan feta cheese

Spicy Walnut Chorizo

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Asian-Inspired Walnut Crumbles

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave

BBQ Style Walnut Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Italian-Inspired Walnut Sausage

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • salt & pepper to taste

Herbed Walnut Meat For Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start by placing the walnuts in a food processor. Pulse a few times until the walnuts are broken down into small, crumbly pieces. Be careful not to over-process, as you want a texture resembling ground meat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used to flavor and moisten the walnut "meat."
  • Pour the seasoning blend over the processed walnuts. Use a spatula to gently fold and mix, ensuring the walnuts are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Allow the walnuts to marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and infuse into the walnut pieces.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. You can add a touch of olive oil if desired, but it's not necessary due to the olive oil in the marinade.
  • Once the skillet is warm, add the marinated walnut mixture. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the walnut "meat" is slightly browned and heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the walnuts can become too dry.
  • Taste the walnut "meat" and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
  • Your walnut "meat" is now ready to be used in various dishes! Serve it as a taco filling with your favorite toppings, mix it into salads, stir it into pasta dishes, or use it as a protein-rich topping for baked potatoes.

Mediterranean Walnut Meat

  • Follow the instructions for making Basic Walnut Meat using the Mediterranean Walnut Meat ingredients.
  • Once the walnut meat has been cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and dairy-free feta if using.

Spicy Walnut Chorizo

  • Follow the instructions for making Basic Walnut Meat using the Spicy Walnut Chorizo ingredients.

Asian-Inspired Walnut Crumbles

  • Follow the instructions for the basic walnut meat recipe, substituting the sesame oil for the olive oil and using the Asian-inspired walnut crumbles spices.

BBQ Style Walnut Meat

  • Follow the instructions for making Basic Walnut Meat using the BBQ Style Walnut Meat ingredients.

Italian-Inspired Walnut Sausage

  • Follow the instructions for making Basic Walnut Meat using the Italian-Inspired Walnut Sausage ingredients.

Herbed Walnut Meat For Pasta

  • Follow the instructions for making Basic Walnut Meat using the Herbed Walnut Meat For Pasta ingredients.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

  • If you've cooked the walnut meat and have leftovers, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator.
     
    Cooked walnut meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
 

Freezer

  • For uncooked walnut meat: Portion the uncooked walnut meat into meal-sized portions, place each portion in an airtight freezer bag or container, and press out any excess air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. Uncooked walnut meat can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  • For cooked walnut meat: Allow the cooked walnut meat to cool completely before portioning and storing it in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date. Cooked walnut meat can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
 

Thawing

To thaw frozen walnut meat, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw gradually. This will help maintain the texture and flavor.
  • If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave or gently reheat the frozen walnut meat in a skillet over low heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 201IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
Keyword walnut meat
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