Let Me Tell You About My Plant-Based Discovery
I’ll be honest—I used to think taquitos were just those greasy frozen things from the store until I discovered how incredible homemade ones with fava beans could be. But here’s the thing about my plant-based Mexican cooking journey: sometimes the most satisfying comfort foods come from using protein-rich legumes in traditional applications with simple, bold flavors. When I first pulled these gorgeous golden taquitos from the oven with their amazing crispy shells and flavorful filling, I felt like I’d discovered the secret to perfect Mexican appetizers. My taquito-loving family now specifically requests these “amazing fava bean ones” for every movie night and gathering, and my Mexican-American neighbor (whose abuela made taquitos for generations) actually said these were “more flavorful and satisfying than any meat version she’d grown up with.” Trust me, if you think plant-based taquitos can’t be as crispy and delicious as traditional ones, this recipe will make you a complete convert to homemade Mexican comfort food.
What Makes This So Plant-Perfect
Here’s the magic behind these incredible taquitos—fava beans create amazing creamy, substantial filling that holds together perfectly while providing incredible protein and fiber that makes these genuinely satisfying. What makes this absolutely irresistible is how simple seasonings like cumin and chili powder create authentic Mexican flavors that make every bite taste like it came from your favorite taqueria. I never knew baked taquitos could be this crispy and delicious without frying, but proper technique and good oil brushing create golden, crunchy shells that rival any restaurant version while being so much healthier.
Gathering Your Plant Powerhouses (This Is So Simple!)
Canned fava beans are perfect here—they’re naturally creamy and mash beautifully while holding enough texture to create interesting filling. Make sure to drain and rinse them well for the best flavor and consistency.
Red onion adds gorgeous color and sharp bite that balances the earthiness of beans perfectly. Jalapeño provides essential heat—adjust based on your spice tolerance, but don’t skip it because the gentle burn is what makes these addictive. Fresh cilantro brings incredible brightness and authentic Mexican flavor.
Ground cumin and chili powder create that perfect Mexican spice blend that makes these taste completely authentic. Small corn tortillas are crucial for proper size and traditional flavor—they crisp up beautifully when baked properly. Vegetable oil for brushing creates that perfect golden, crispy exterior without any need for deep frying.
Let’s Make This Plant-Based Masterpiece Together
Start by mashing those fava beans with a fork until they’re mostly smooth but still have some texture—this creates the perfect filling consistency that holds together during rolling while maintaining interesting bite. Here’s where I used to mess up my plant-based Mexican cooking: I’d make the filling too smooth, but some texture makes these feel more authentic and satisfying.
Mix in red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and all those gorgeous spices until everything smells absolutely incredible and looks beautifully combined. The colors are stunning—pale beans with bright cilantro and red onion creating visual appeal.
Warm those tortillas for just thirty seconds—this step is crucial for preventing cracks during rolling. Cold tortillas break, but properly warmed ones roll like a dream. Here’s my plant-based secret: I work quickly while they’re still warm and pliable.
Spoon filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly, placing seam-side down on your baking sheet. The rolling takes a little practice, but even imperfect ones taste amazing when they’re golden and crispy.
Brush with vegetable oil—this is what creates that perfect restaurant-style crispiness without any frying mess. Fifteen to twenty minutes at 425°F creates incredibly crispy shells with hot, flavorful filling that smells absolutely amazing.
Common Plant-Based Oops Moments (And How to Fix Them)
Taquitos breaking apart during rolling? Make sure tortillas are properly warmed and don’t overfill them. That’s totally normal—rolling technique takes practice, but even broken ones taste incredible when crispy.
Not crispy enough? Make sure to brush with enough oil and use high enough heat. When this happens, give them a few extra minutes for better golden color and crunch.
Filling too wet or bland? Make sure beans are well-drained and don’t be shy with the spices. Mexican food needs bold, confident flavors to taste authentic and exciting.
When I’m Feeling Creative
For extra richness, I’ll add some nutritional yeast to the filling—makes them taste even more substantial and adds gorgeous umami depth. My spicy version gets extra jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne for serious heat lovers. Sometimes I add fresh lime juice to the filling when I want extra brightness and authentic tang, though the cilantro provides lovely freshness. For special occasions, I love serving these with homemade guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and cashew crema for the full Mexican feast experience.
Things People Ask Me About Plant-Based Mexican Food
Will these actually be as satisfying as traditional taquitos? Absolutely—fava beans are incredibly protein-rich and filling, plus the spices create such authentic flavors that nobody misses anything. They’re actually more satisfying because they’re not greasy.
Can I make these ahead for parties? You can assemble them earlier in the day and bake when ready, or bake completely and reheat in the oven. They’re perfect party food because everyone loves crispy finger foods.
Do I have to use fava beans specifically? Pinto beans or black beans work beautifully too—the key is using creamy beans that mash well and hold together during rolling.
Before You Head to the Kitchen
I couldn’t resist sharing this because it proves plant-based Mexican food can be absolutely authentic and satisfying without being complicated. The best vegan Mexican nights are when you serve something like this and watch people realize how incredible and flavorful homemade taquitos can be. Don’t stress about perfect rolling technique—even rustic ones taste amazing and look gorgeous when they’re golden and crispy.
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Fava Beans Taquitos Recipe
Description
Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying—these golden taquitos will become your new party obsession
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 taquitos
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) fava beans, drained and rinsed (creates perfect creamy filling)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (adds color and sharp bite)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (brings authentic Mexican brightness)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (essential for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adds warming spice depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas (crucial for proper size and traditional flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for brushing (creates perfect crispy exterior)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash fava beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still textured—perfect consistency for authentic filling.
- Add red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper—mix until beautifully combined and aromatic.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Warm tortillas in microwave for 30 seconds until pliable—this prevents cracking during rolling.
- Place a spoonful of filling on each tortilla and roll tightly—work quickly while tortillas are still warm.
- Place seam-side down on baking sheet and brush generously with vegetable oil for golden crispiness.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until gorgeously crispy and golden brown—your kitchen will smell incredible.
- Serve hot with guacamole, salsa, or vegan sour cream and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe!
Notes:
- Don’t overmash the beans—some texture creates better filling consistency
- Work quickly with warm tortillas to prevent cracking
- Don’t overfill—tighter rolls cook more evenly and stay together better
Storage Tips:
- Best served immediately while crispy and hot
- Can be assembled ahead and baked when ready for entertaining
- Reheat in 350°F oven to restore crispiness
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for parties, game day, or any time you want delicious Mexican finger food
Mix It Up:
- Add nutritional yeast for extra umami richness
- Include extra jalapeños for serious heat lovers
- Try fresh lime juice for authentic Mexican brightness
- Serve with homemade guacamole and cashew crema for full feast
