Tofu Tacos Recipe: How to Make Tofu Tacos
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 13, 2022 • 3 min read
Learn how to make tofu tacos, and celebrate the next Taco Tuesday with this vegetarian dish.
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What Is Tofu?
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is condensed soy milk pressed into blocks. The absorbent texture of tofu allows it to take on marinade and seasoning flavors. You can also purée tofu to make sweet desserts, or bake it as an addition to a savory dish. Tofu is high in protein and iron and often operates as a meat replacement in vegan dishes. Tofu comes in varying levels of firmness, from silken to extra-firm.
What Are Tofu Tacos?
Tofu tacos use bean curd crumbles instead of classic ground beef as the main filling component. To make vegan tofu tacos, choose certified vegan seasonings and toppings. For gluten-free tofu tacos, use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).
Use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning to impart that classic beef taco flavor into the tofu. This tofu taco filling also works in enchiladas, burritos, nachos, and other meatless recipes.
3 Tips for Cooking Tofu
Tofu requires some prep work before it’s ready for cooking, but the extra steps produce a flavorful result. Follow these tips for crispy tofu:
- 1. Cook tofu at a high temperature: Extra-firm tofu is the most common type for cooking because it has less liquid, but some remains even after you press the tofu. A high oven or stovetop temperature evaporates the excess liquid and crisps the tofu efficiently. Opt for medium or medium-high heat on the stove and 375–400 degrees Fahrenheit for the oven.
- 2. Freeze, then defrost tofu: Frozen food releases more liquid than non-frozen food. While freezing tofu changes the texture, it’s barely noticeable in crumbles for tofu tacos. Thaw the frozen tofu completely, then press it to remove the extra liquid.
- 3. Heavily season tofu: This meat alternative has a mild flavor and absorbs marinades like a sponge, but it takes a lot of seasoning to fully flavor tofu. Common flavorings for tofu are soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Tofu Tacos Recipe
makes
prep time
25 mintotal time
40 mincook time
15 minIngredients
For the taco seasoning
For the tofu taco filling
Tortillas and taco toppings
Make the taco seasoning
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, black pepper, and salt.
- 2
Stir to combine.
Make the tofu taco filling
- 1
Take the block of tofu out of the package.
- 2
Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean and dry dish towel and place it on a cutting board.
- 3
Put a baking sheet on top of the wrapped tofu.
- 4
Place a heavy skillet or pot on top of the baking sheet.
- 5
Press the tofu for 20 minutes to release the excess moisture.
- 6
In a large bowl, crumble the pressed tofu.
- 7
Add the taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice to the tofu.
- 8
Toss to coat the tofu crumbles in the seasonings.
- 9
Heat a large nonstick skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- 10
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
- 11
Add the tofu mixture to the skillet.
- 12
Sauté the tofu, occasionally stirring, until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- 13
Transfer the crispy tofu crumbles to a bowl.
Assemble the tacos
- 1
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or char them over an open flame on the stove.
- 2
Spoon a portion of tofu taco meat into each tortilla.
- 3
Add various toppings, like guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, cabbage slaw, or black beans.
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