Crispy, Spicy, and Packed with Flavor — Vegan Street Food at Its Finest
If you’ve been craving something spicy, crispy, and totally plant-powered, this Jalapeño Smashburger Taco is about to be your new obsession. Think smashed burger vibes, but layered with the heat of fresh jalapeño, the richness of sautéed mushrooms and lentils, and the melty goodness of vegan cheese — all pressed into a crispy tortilla.
@tappedinwellness brings a nutrient-packed remix to taco night, complete with a creamy mango red pepper sauce (find it under “3 Easy Sauces” in her bio). This recipe balances plant-based protein, texture, and crave-worthy flavor — no meat needed, just big flavor and even bigger energy.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patty
- 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ white onion
- ¼ green bell pepper
- 4–5 white mushrooms
- ¼ white onion + 1 jalapeño (sliced thin, for pressing into patty)
- ½ cup chickpea flour
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp each:
- salt
- pepper
- smoked paprika
- dried thyme
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- nutritional yeast
To Assemble
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Vegan cheese of choice
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomato
- Burger sauce or Mango Red Pepper Sauce (linked in creator’s bio)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies
- Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to a food processor.
- Pulse until evenly chopped.
2. Sauté the Mixture
- Cook the veggie mix in a pan over medium heat until most moisture evaporates.
- Optional: add salt to draw out excess water.
3. Make the Patty Mix
- In a small bowl, combine chickpea flour with spices.
- In a large bowl, mash lentils and chickpeas, then fold in the cooked veggies, flour mix, and ketchup until mixture holds shape.
4. Smash & Sear
- Place a tortilla on a skillet, form a thin patty layer on top.
- Press sliced jalapeño and onion directly into the mix.
- Cook patty-side down for 3–5 minutes with a press or spatula.
5. Flip & Melt
- Flip the taco, add vegan cheese, and cover briefly to melt (a splash of water and a lid help create steam).
6. Build Your Taco
- Top with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of mango red pepper sauce (or your favorite burger-style sauce).
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use a tortilla press or cast iron pan to help get a crispy, smashed patty effect.
- Add avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for extra heat and creaminess.
- Swap chickpeas for black beans if preferred — still holds together well.
- Batch the mix ahead — refrigerate or freeze for future taco nights.
About the Creator
This recipe is by @tappedinwellness, a plant-based content creator known for reimagining comfort food with purpose and flavor. She’s redefining what wellness tastes like — bold spices, nourishing ingredients, and unapologetic creativity in every bite.
Tapped In Wellness | @tappedinwellness