Vegan BBQ Lentil Tacos (Printable)

Smoky BBQ lentils combined with colorful cabbage slaw in warm tortillas for vibrant, plant-based main dishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ BBQ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 1/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

13 - 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
14 - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
15 - 1 medium carrot, grated
16 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
20 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - Black pepper to taste

→ Tacos and Toppings

23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, vegan certified
24 - 1 avocado, sliced
25 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
26 - Fresh cilantro for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
02 - While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, green onions, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over slaw and toss well to coat. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven at 275°F for 5 minutes.
05 - Spoon BBQ lentils onto each tortilla. Top generously with cabbage slaw and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The BBQ lentils get that deep, almost meaty richness from smoked paprika and a double dose of tomato that makes you forget you're eating legumes.
  • The slaw stays fresh and crunchy even after sitting, so you can prep it ahead without it turning into mush.
  • Four pantry staples and thirty minutes of actual cooking time means these tacos fit into a real weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the lentils—excess water will make your filling soggy and your tacos fall apart.
  • The cabbage slaw gets better as it sits because the vinegar softens the vegetables slightly and the flavors deepen, so make it at least ten minutes before serving.
03 -
  • If your BBQ sauce tastes too sweet, balance it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.
  • Warm your tortillas in a clean kitchen towel after heating them—the steam keeps them soft and pliable, and they'll stay warm through the meal.
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