5 Delicious Pecan Recipes for Vegans
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based eating, pecans can be a fantastic addition to your recipes. Pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to dishes, along with essential nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. From savory to sweet, pecans shine in a variety of recipes. Here are five tasty vegan recipes that showcase the versatility of pecans, perfect for adding wholesome flavor to any meal. Get ready to enjoy some delightful pecan-inspired dishes!
1. Pecan-Crusted Tofu
If you’re looking for a protein-packed dish that’s full of texture and flavor, pecan-crusted tofu is a fantastic choice. The pecans add a nutty, crunchy crust to the tofu, making it both delicious and satisfying. This dish works well as a main course or as part of a hearty salad.
Ingredients:
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup almond milk or other plant-based milk
Instructions:
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a shallow bowl, mix the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step Three
Pour the almond milk into a separate bowl. Slice the tofu into thin slabs and dip each piece in the almond milk, coating all sides.
Step Four
Press the tofu slices into the pecan mixture, making sure each side is well-coated with the pecan crust.
Step Five
Place the coated tofu slices on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and crispy.
Step Six
Serve the pecan-crusted tofu as a main dish, over a bed of greens, or alongside your favorite veggies. This dish is packed with protein and crunch, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
2. Pecan & Vegetable Stir-Fry
This pecan and vegetable stir-fry is a quick, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and crunch to the stir-fry, complementing the tender-crisp veggies. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables!
Ingredients:
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or other cooking oil)
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Step One
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the chopped pecans to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. Remove the pecans from the pan and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and carrot.
Step Four
Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step Five
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat.
Step Six
Add the toasted pecans back into the skillet and stir everything together. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s full of flavor and crunch!
3. Pecan & Mushroom Burger
This pecan and mushroom burger offers a delicious plant-based option that’s hearty and satisfying. The pecans add a rich texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory mushrooms, making this a go-to burger for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (for flax egg)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, creating a flax egg.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, rolled oats, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step Four
Add the flax egg to the pecan mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Step Five
Form the mixture into burger patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are firm and golden.
Step Six
Serve these hearty pecan and mushroom burgers on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, lettuce, and vegan mayo. They’re sure to be a hit!
4. Pecan Pesto Pasta
This creamy, dairy-free pecan pesto pasta is a unique twist on traditional pesto, using pecans for a richer, nutty flavor. It’s easy to make, and the pesto can be stored for future use, making it a versatile addition to your vegan recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
1 cup pecans
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions:
Step One
In a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are finely chopped.
Step Two
Add the basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step Three
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot.
Step Four
Pour the pecan pesto over the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is well-coated.
Step Five
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding a bit more salt or pepper if needed. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top.
Step Six
Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the fresh, nutty flavors. This pecan pesto is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests.
5. Pecan Energy Balls
For a quick, healthy snack, these pecan energy balls are an ideal treat. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re great for a boost of energy any time of day. Plus, they’re easy to pack and perfect for when you’re on the go!
Ingredients:
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup dates, pitted
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step One
In a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are finely ground.
Step Two
Add the dates, almond butter, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture comes together and is smooth.
Step Three
Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
Step Four
If desired, roll each energy ball in shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step Five
Place the energy balls in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Step Six
Enjoy these pecan energy balls as a quick, satisfying snack. They’re packed with energy, making them the perfect pick-me-up anytime you need a boost.
Go Nuts for Pecans!
Pecans are incredibly versatile, adding flavor, texture, and nutrition to a variety of vegan dishes. These five recipes showcase just how easy it is to incorporate pecans into your meals, from savory dinners to sweet snacks. Not only are pecans packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, but they also add a unique flavor that elevates plant-based cooking.
Whether you’re making a pecan-crusted tofu, creating a hearty pecan and mushroom burger, or whipping up a batch of pecan energy balls, these recipes prove that pecans are a valuable addition to any vegan kitchen. Try out these dishes and experience the delicious potential of pecans for yourself. Happy cooking!