This Vegan Taco Rice (Takoraisu) is a fusion of Tex-Mex and Japanese cuisine. For this popular Okinawan dish, I used taco flavored tempeh and beans.
I first learned about taco rice while watching a travel show. Taco rice or Takoraisu, as it's known in Japan, is a popular Okinawan dish. It is a fusion of Tex-Mex and Japanese cuisines.
Okinawa has a large US military presence, hence the introduction of Tex-Mex cuisine to the island. Taco rice is made with soy sauce and taco flavored beef on a bed of rice instead of a tortilla or taco shell. It's frequently served with salsa, shredded lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese.
Since I love Mexican food, I just had to make this Vegan Taco Rice (Takoraisu). Tempeh and pinto beans are included instead of beef. Being gluten free, I used tamari instead of soy sauce for the umami flavor.
This is one of those dishes where you can control the spice level with the salsa you use. Even though it isn't pictured, I ended up eating my Vegan Taco Rice with guacamole since my salsa was quite spicy. It added a nice creaminess to the dish and it calmed the heat of the salsa.
Other Mexican Inspired Recipes
Recipe
This comforting dish showcases fusion cuisine at its finest. Change up taco night by making this instead.
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You May Need
Vegan Taco Rice (Takoraisu)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 8 oz. gluten free tempeh*
- 15 oz. pinto beans
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons low sodium gluten free tamari
- ⅓ cup low sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups thinly chopped lettuce
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- Salsa
- Chopped Kalamata olives optional
Optional toppings:
Instructions
- Put olive oil in a hot pan. Add chopped onion and cook on medium heat until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook about thirty seconds more.
- Add tempeh, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, tamari, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Cook until tempeh is browned and liquid is reduced.
- Serve over rice and chopped lettuce. Top with salsa, chopped tomatoes, and chopped Kalamata olives.
Notes
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I love all the flavors you've added here, what a delicious looking dish.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Joanie!
Kirsten says
That looks so good! I'm always on the lookout for tasty vegan recipes so I'll have to bookmark this one!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Kirsten, I hope you enjoy it!
Angie says
YUM! This sounds good. I'm really into meat-free options whenever I can, and this one looks fabulous!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Angie! This is definitely a good meat-free meal the whole family will enjoy!
Amber says
My mouth is seriously watering. This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Amber!
Bethany says
I have some tamari that is begging to be used. This looks fabulous!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Bethany!
Melissa Chee says
This looks delicious!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
This is a great idea for a vegan taco! It looks so good with all the fresh ingredients. I think this is something my family would like to try.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Kimberly! If your family likes tacos, they will probably like this! It has all the same flavors.