These tofu tacos are a brilliant way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic favourite. Loaded with flavour and a variety of delicious toppings, they are a perfect alternative to traditional meat tacos.
Easy Tofu Tacos – A Tasty Vegan Twist For Taco Night
These tofu tacos are a brilliant way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic favourite. Loaded with shredded tofu and a variety of delicious toppings, they are a perfect alternative to traditional meat tacos.
Not only are they low in fat, but they are also packed with plant-based protein, making them an excellent option for anyone on a flexitarian diet who is looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste.
The tofu can be prepared and served alongside a meat or fish option, whenever you need to cater for different diet requirements. I like to serve them with my roasted sweet potato salad.
Whether you’re preparing them for a quick midweek dinner or for a fun Taco Tuesday, these tacos with tofu are a sure crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
TOP TIP: Once the tofu is pressed, this shredded taco recipe only take 30 minutes to make. To get a head start, you can press the tofu ahead (you can keep it refrigerated overnight while it is pressing) so it is ready to be used once you start cooking.
This recipe makes 6 tofu tacos and serves 2 to 3 people.
Other Tofu Recipes To Try:
Watch How to Make These Tofu Tacos
In This Post
Why is Tofu Perfect for Tacos?
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that readily absorbs the flavours of the spices and herbs it is cooked with, making it an ideal choice for tacos. For this recipe, I am using extra-firm tofu, which has a dense texture that works well when grated into a shredded consistency. It perfectly mimics the texture of shredded meat, making it a satisfying filling for your tacos. It is tossed in a flavoursome marined before being baked in the oven until crispy.
Another benefit of using tofu for tacos is that it’s a great source of plant-based protein and a nutritious alternative to meat that fits well into a balanced diet. It is also low in calories and fat, making it suitable for those who are watching their waistline.
How to Make These Tofu Tacos
Ingredients
To make these tofu tacos you will need:
- extra-firm tofu
- olive oil
- dark soy sauce
- tomato paste
- dry oregano
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- ground cumin
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
TOPPINGS (customise as needed)
- soft tortillas
- avocado
- limes
- salt
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber
- red onion
- coriander
Step 1: Press The Tofu
Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to extract as much water as possible. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu slab in a clean towel and press it between two plates, placing something heavy on top for pressure.
Note: This step can be done ahead of time (you can keep the tofu refrigerated overnight while it is pressing).
Step 2: Prepare The Marinade
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Grate The Tofu
Using the coarse side of a box grater, grate the pressed tofu. Mix the grated tofu with the marinade until evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake The Tofu
Spread the tofu on the oven tray. Bake at 200°C/400°F for around 30 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy all over, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The tofu will crisp up further as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it.
Step 5: Prepare The Toppings
Smash the avocado flesh and season with lime juice and salt. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, slice the onion, chop the coriander, and grate the cheese if using.
Step 6: Serve These Tofu Tacos
Pile two tablespoons of shredded tofu onto each tortilla. Add your preferred toppings, lime wedges, and enjoy!
Best Toppings for These Tofu Tacos
One of the thing I love about these tofu tacos is that they can be customised with a wide range of toppings. While the tofu bakes in the oven, you can prepare the rest of the toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Avocado or Guacamole: Simply mash an avocado with a bit of lime juice and salt, or use pre-made guacamole for convenience.
- Raw vegetables: Diced tomatoes, cucumber work great here.
- Red Onions: Sliced red onion or pickled red onions add crunch and colour.
- Cheese or Vegan Cheese: For those who like a bit of indulgence, sprinkle some grated cheese or vegan cheese over your tofu tacos.
- Fresh Salsa: Diced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh coriander make a simple yet vibrant salsa.
- Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage: For a bit of crunch, add some shredded lettuce or cabbage to your tacos.
I hope you enjoy this tofu tacos recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
Tofu Tacos
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 400 g extra-firm tofu
MARINADE:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
TOPPINGS:
- 6 small soft tortillas
- 1 large avocado
- 2 lime divided
- salt to taste
- 100 g cherry tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- fresh coriander chopped
OPTIONAL:
- grated cheese of choice
Instructions
- Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to extract as much water as possible. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu slab in a clean towel and press it between two plates, placing something heavy on top for pressure.400 g extra-firm tofu
- Meanwhile, prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.3 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dry oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Line a large oven tray with parchment paper.
- Using the coarse side of a box grater, grate the pressed tofu.
- Mix the grated tofu with the marinade until evenly coated.
- Spread the tofu on the oven tray. Bake for around 30 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy all over, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The tofu will crisp up further as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it.
- While the tofu is in the oven, prepare the toppings: Smash the avocado flesh and season with lime juice and salt. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, slice the onion, chop the coriander, and grate the cheese if using.1 large avocado, 2 lime, salt, 100 g cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cucumber, 1 small red onion, fresh coriander, grated cheese of choice
- To serve the tacos, pile 2 tablespoons of shredded tofu onto each tortilla. Add your preferred toppings, lime wedges, and enjoy!6 small soft tortillas
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Nutrition
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