Craving tacos but looking for a plant-based twist? These crispy vegan cauliflower tacos are the perfect solution! This easy recipe transforms roasted cauliflower into delicious, flavorful taco shells. Enjoy them with a creamy cashew crema and a tangy yum yum sauce for a truly satisfying and guilt-free meal.
Get ready to ditch the meat and embrace the magic of cauliflower! This recipe is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Whether you’re air frying for a healthier option or enjoying them fried to crispy perfection, these vegan cauliflower tacos are sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup vegan sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Cashew Crema:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce, if needed)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes (oven method) / 20 minutes (air fryer method)
Total Time: 40 minutes (oven method) / 35 minutes (air fryer method)
Serving Size: 4 servings (8 tacos, 2 tacos per serving)
Total Estimated Cost: $9.80 (This estimate assumes you have some pantry staples like olive oil and spices on hand. Adjustments may be needed based on your specific location and ingredient preferences)
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower
In Oven:
Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
In Airfryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is tender and crispy on the edges.
In a Skillet with Coconut Milk:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the coconut milk, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coconut milk has reduced and thickened.
Step 3: Make the Cashew Crema or the Yum Yum Sauce
For Cashew Crema:
While the cauliflower is roasting, drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a blender, combine the cashews, water, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
For Yum Yum Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin (or sugar), garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add water a little at a time, whisking until you reach your desired consistency. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the cauliflower is roasting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly on the oven rack for a few seconds on each side until pliable. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, place a few cauliflower florets in each warm tortilla. Top with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of vegan sour cream if desired. Squeeze a lime wedge over the fillings for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegan cauliflower tacos!
Feel free to customize the toppings according to your taste. Happy cooking!
Storage Instructions
- Cauliflower Filling: Let the cooked cauliflower florets cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The cauliflower filling will last for up to 3-4 days.
- Tortillas: If you have leftover tortillas, place them in a resealable plastic bag or wrap them in foil. Store at room temperature if you’ll use them within a day. Otherwise, refrigerate. Tortillas will last for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
- Cashew Crema / Yum Yum Sauce: Transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. The sauces will last for up to 5 days.
Reheating Methods
Cauliflower Filling
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and the leftover cauliflower. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Tortillas:
Skillet: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
Microwave: Place tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutritional Information for One Vegan Cauliflower Taco
Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional information for a serving of vegan cauliflower tacos. Note that this is an approximation, and actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin C | 45% of DV* |
| Calcium | 4% of DV* |
| Iron | 6% of DV* |
*DV = Daily Value
This table includes key nutritional components, and it gives you a good idea of what you’re getting in each taco. Keep in mind that additional toppings or sauces, like cashew crema or yum yum sauce, will change the nutritional content.
Dietary Information
- Vegan: Yes, this recipe is completely vegan, using no animal products.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, if you use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all other ingredients (like spices and sauces) are gluten-free, this recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Keto: No, this recipe is not suitable for a keto diet due to the corn or flour tortillas, which are high in carbohydrates. However, you could adapt it by using lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
- Soy-Free: Yes, as long as you choose a soy-free vegan mayonnaise for the sauces.
- Nut-Free: Yes, the base recipe is nut-free, but the cashew crema is not. You can skip the cashew crema or replace it with another nut-free sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Yes, this recipe does not contain any dairy products.
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs.
The History of Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
What’s the history of Vegan Cauliflower Tacos?
The history of vegan cauliflower tacos is a fascinating blend of culinary innovation and the evolution of traditional Mexican cuisine. While traditional tacos have roots in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, where indigenous peoples used corn tortillas filled with various ingredients like fish and beans, the vegan cauliflower taco is a modern adaptation.
The rise of plant-based diets and the increasing popularity of veganism have led to creative reinterpretations of classic dishes. Vegan cauliflower tacos emerged as a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meat-based tacos. By using cauliflower as the main ingredient, these tacos offer a crispy, flavorful filling that’s both satisfying and healthy.
In recent years, vegan tacos have gained popularity among health-conscious diners and those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Chefs and home cooks have embraced plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan, as well as vegetables like cauliflower, to create innovative and flavorful taco fillings.
Final Thoughts
Vegan cauliflower tacos are a wonderful example of culinary creativity, combining tradition with modern dietary preferences. They’re not only delicious but also versatile, fitting into various dietary needs like vegan and gluten-free. Whether you’re roasting cauliflower in the oven, air frying it, or adding creative twists like coconut milk or cashew crema, these tacos offer a healthy, flavorful meal option.
Embrace the joy of cooking and experimenting with flavors. Vegan cauliflower tacos not only cater to a healthy lifestyle but also promise a delightful culinary experience.
Bon appétit, and happy cooking! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
