Soy Crumbles vs. Beef

• Soy crumbles don't taste exactly like ground beef so if you have your heart set on a beef taco you may be disappointed by the substitution. Soy crumbles are spongier than real meat, although they provide chunks that are similar in size and similarly absorb flavors from taco seasonings and taco sauces. Although ground beef and soy crumbles aren't exactly the same, there is sufficient similarity that if you're looking for an alternative to meat and are willing to keep an open mind, you may be perfectly satisfied with the substitution..

Heating Soy Crumbles

• Unlike ground beef, which must be cooked and seasoned, commercially available soy crumbles are already flavorful. When using them for tacos, simply open the package and heat as much as you need in the microwave or on the stove top. They don't take long to heat through, so all other ingredients such as beans and rice should be at or close to the proper temperature before you begin heating the soy crumbles. Timing this process properly allows you to assemble the tacos while the hot ingredients are still optimally hot.

Straightforward Soy Crumble Tacos

• When using soy crumbles for someone who would rather be eating meat, but is open to trying healthier alternatives, keep your remaining taco ingredients traditional and flavorful. Use Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole and salsa. Choosing the other taco ingredients thoughtfully can draw attention away from the substitution and can put a reluctant eater back into his comfort zone.

Soy Crumble Taco Alternatives

• When serving soy crumble tacos to eaters who are comfortable and familiar with imitation meat products, think outside the box when choosing the other ingredients. Use less common grains such as quinoa and millet or less traditional taco beans such as lentils or black-eyed peas. Try mango or pineapple salsa and top the taco with an assortment of vegetables including carrot, zucchini and eggplant.