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Crispy Tofu Tacos Recipe

4.6 from 107 reviews

These Crispy Tofu Tacos feature perfectly roasted, seasoned tofu with a flavorful avocado cream, served on warm tortillas and topped with fresh red onion, radishes, and cilantro. A delicious plant-based twist on traditional tacos that’s crispy, creamy, and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

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 pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tomato Paste Mixture

  • 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

Toppings and Serving

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tofu, which will give it a crispy texture.
  2. Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and squeeze out excess moisture over the sink, allowing it to crumble naturally. Coarsely grate the tofu onto two large foil-lined sheet pans. Drizzle each pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half the seasoning mixture over each pan and toss to coat the tofu evenly. Spread it into an even layer.
  3. First Roast: Roast the tofu in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans, until it sizzles, darkens, and becomes crispy.
  4. Add Tomato Paste Mixture and Roast Again: Mix the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. Drizzle this over the tofu evenly, toss to combine, and spread it out again in an even layer. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes until the tofu crackles and develops a slight crunch.
  5. Make Avocado Cream: While tofu roasts, blend 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 tortillas and spread each with a layer of avocado cream. Top with the crispy tofu mixture, then garnish with minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes, and chopped cilantro.
  7. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while warm and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • Squeezing tofu well is essential to achieve crispiness during roasting.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use vegan mayonnaise to keep the dish fully plant-based.
  • Warm tortillas before assembling for optimum softness and pliability.
  • Tofu can be pressed overnight for even better texture before grating.

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