Crispy Tofu Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Crispy tofu tacos offer a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Packed with flavorful spices and a creamy avocado sauce, these tacos are perfect for a quick dinner that feels both fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan, if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
• Minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes, and chopped cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Drain the tofu, pressing out excess moisture over the sink. Coarsely grate the tofu onto two large, foil-lined sheet pans. It may crumble unevenly, which is fine.
3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce over the tofu on each pan. In a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle half the seasoning mix over each pan and toss the tofu to coat evenly. Spread it out in a single layer.
4. Step 4: Roast the tofu for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through and rotating pans, until it crisps and darkens.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Drizzle this over the tofu evenly, toss to combine, and spread out. Roast again for 10 to 15 minutes until the tofu crackles and gains a slight crunch.
6. Step 6: While the tofu roasts, prepare the avocado cream by blending avocados, mayonnaise, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Season generously with salt.
7. Step 7: To serve, spread warmed tortillas with avocado cream, then top with crispy tofu, red onion, radishes, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Pressing tofu longer helps achieve an even crispier texture.
• For extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce to the avocado cream.
• Swap flour tortillas with sturdy corn ones for a gluten-free option.
• Add black beans or corn for more hearty fillings.

Storage

Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to preserve crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy. Avocado cream is best made fresh but can be stored separately for up to 24 hours in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed tight to avoid browning.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?

Firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape and crisps better. Soft tofu is too delicate and will not achieve the desired texture.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply use vegan mayonnaise and ensure your tortillas do not contain lard or other animal products. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

Crispy Tofu Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Crispy Tofu Tacos are a flavorful, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Firm tofu is grated and seasoned with a blend of smoky, spicy spices before being roasted to crispy perfection. Topped with a creamy avocado lime sauce and fresh garnishes, these tacos offer a satisfying texture and vibrant taste, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu and Seasoning

• 2 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup tomato paste

Avocado Cream

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt, to taste

To Serve

• 8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
• Minced red onion, for serving
• Thinly sliced radishes, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tofu.
2. Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and squeeze out excess moisture over the sink, breaking it into chunks. Coarsely grate the drained tofu onto two large foil-lined baking sheets. The tofu will crumble irregularly, which is expected. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce over each pan. In a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; evenly sprinkle half this seasoning mix over each pan and toss to coat. Spread the mixture evenly.
3. First Roast: Roast the tofu at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans. The tofu should sizzle, darken, and become crispy.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Roast Again: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the tofu, dividing it between the two pans. Toss the tofu to coat, then spread it in an even layer and roast again for 10 to 15 minutes until it crackles audibly and develops a slight crunch.
5. Make Avocado Cream: While the tofu roasts, blend the avocados, mayonnaise, lime zest, and lime juice in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt to taste.
6. Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then spread each with a generous swipe of avocado cream. Top with the crispy tofu mixture, minced red onion, sliced radishes, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Notes

• For a spicier taco, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon; use 1/4 teaspoon for mild flavor.
• Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results; pressing the tofu beforehand helps remove moisture if desired.
• Vegan mayonnaise can be used to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for best texture.
• These tacos are best eaten immediately after assembly for optimal crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: crispy tofu tacos, vegan tacos, baked tofu recipe, avocado cream tacos, plant-based tacos