Tinaktak (pronounced as tee•nak•tak), is a classic CHamoru dish. In this vegan version, it is a mix of meatless grounds, veggies, and coconut milk. Sounds strange at first, but it’s absolutely delicious. It’s one of Guam’s most popular dishes. Perfect for those rainy days, and it’ll definitely knock you out and ready for a nap after eating! Taking a bite of this dish reminds me of home, that it makes me miss Guam a lot more. It’s a unique dish and is quite easy to make. So, if you want a taste of what Guam is like, then you need to try this dish. 

Tinaktak is a staple in many households on Guam. Many tourists and visitors enjoy this dish because it is so unique and the flavors are complex.. I’ve seen this dish served at many parties and restaurants as well, however, it still doesn’t beat home-cooked. When I was still living on Guam, I ate a couple of vegan tinaktaks. But some of them weren’t that good. There wasn’t a lot of flavor going on, and they tasted like blanched vegetables soaked in coconut milk. It sounds boring, and it tasted it boring. I’m pretty sure that there are more restaurants now that are making it better. Seeing that I don’t live back home, I had to make it for myself.

I really wanted to start representing the food of my home more. When I created this recipe, I made sure that it is as authentic as possible. So, my best friend and I collaborated in creating this recipe. She also has a culinary background, and she knows her flavors well. So, I 100% trust her judgment. During the time she visited me here in Virginia, we perfected this recipe together. Let me tell you, my husband hasn’t had tinaktak before, but he absolutely loved this dish. It’s absolutely delicious, comforting, and it’s good to know that this recipe is a hit! Thanks to the help of my best friend, she really helped me refine this recipe. Be on the lookout, we will be collaborating in more recipes soon!

If you’d tried this recipe out or you’d like to see more Guam inspired recipes, let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @flouredframe and don’t forget to tag me when you create my recipes! Happy cooking!

Vegan Tinaktak

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review

• Author: Floured Frame
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Entree
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: CHamoru
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Tinaktak (pronounced as tee-nak-tak), is a classic CHamoru dish. In this vegan version it is a mix of meatless grounds, veggies, and coconut milk. Sounds strange at first, but it’s absolutely delicious. It’s one of Guam’s most popular dishes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pack – meatless grounds (I used Boca, see notes)
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups – cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups – green beans, cut in thirds  
• ¼ teaspoon – vegetable bouillon, dissolved in ¼ cup water (sub for ¼ cup vegetable broth)
• 1 ½  tablespoon – soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons – lemon juice
• 2 cans – full fat coconut milk (see notes)
• 1 teaspoon –  salt
• ½ teaspoon – black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Before starting, make sure to defrost meatless grounds. Prep and cut the vegetables and set aside until ready to use.
2. Heat a tablespoon of oil on a large skillet on medium heat, saute onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add in meatless grounds to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Add in the green beans, cherry tomatoes, and saute for 5 min till cooked. Mix the coconut milk, and vegetable broth until well combined. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. 
4. After 5 minutes, add in the soy sauce and lemon juice, stir, and let it continue to simmer. 
5. Finally, add in salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve over a bowl of rice and enjoy!

---

Notes

• You can sub the meatless grounds for TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). Make sure to rehydrate in water before using. 
• If you like a less “soupy” tinaktak, use one can of coconut milk. 

Keywords: vegan, chamoru, guam, recipes, entree, comfort food