Tofu Tacos

Tofu tacos, with their crispy golden bite, stand as a testament that following a plant-based diet doesn’t necessarily mean you have to let go of your most-loved dishes.

Every week, I create a plant-based version of tacos, burritos, and loaded nachos because I enjoy the ease and satiety of Mexican cuisine. I’m confident you’ll be following my lead once you sample these tasty tofu tacos.

History of Mexican Vegetarian Cooking

Vegans will find a lot of familiar flavors and techniques in Mexican (and Mexican-inspired) cooking. Vegetarian meals in Mexican cuisine have a long and storied history, dating back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous tribes relied mainly on plant-based sustenance.

The Aztecs, Mayas, and Toltecs, among others, used sophisticated farming techniques to raise corn, beans, squash, amaranth, tomatoes, chili peppers, and a wide variety of leafy greens.

Rice, wheat, onions, garlic, and spices were only some of the new additions to the local diet that the Spanish conquest made possible. Plant-based foods play a significant role in Mexican cuisine because of the blend of native crops and European influence.

Why You Should Try This Dish

• Veganism is more accessible now than ever before, thanks to the widespread availability of meat and cheese alternatives made from plants. However, the prices for such items tend to be fairly high. This recipe for tofu tacos is a great alternative to ground beef because it uses only natural foods.
• The best part about making tacos is choosing your own ingredients. It’s great for gatherings or family dinners since everyone can make their tacos just the way they like them.
• This dish requires next to no effort to put together. You can finely dice your preferred toppings in the time it takes to create the tofu filling. Perfect for a night of binge-watching on Netflix.
• The filling in these tofu tacos is so good that they can be eaten on their own. It’s a great protein-packed addition to salads and pizzas. It can also stand in for meat in dishes like bolognese sauce or sandwiches and burritos.
• This dish is not only entirely vegan but also gluten-free and nut-free. You can even remove the soy with the correct substitutions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• ½ yellow onion, diced or minced
• ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup of tomato sauce
• 375 gram of extra firm tofu
• 3 tbsp of tomato paste
• 3 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 tsp of onion powder
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 2 tsp of chili powder, adjust to taste
• 1 tsp of paprika
• 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

• 8 corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. To begin, use a cheese grater to grate the tofu. Get out your biggest grater for this. You can also make “ground meat” by tearing it apart with your hands.
2. Onion, if using, should be cooked in a pan with oil over medium heat. Translucent after around 3 minutes of sauteing.
3. Sauté the garlic and tofu for 3 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly browned.
4. Soy sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings should be combined. For the next 5 minutes, as the tofu is browning, stir it to ensure that it is evenly coated in the sauce and spices.
5. Incorporate the teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste. Brown the mixture to your liking, stirring occasionally until the tofu is well coated.
6. Corn tortillas should be used to hold your chosen taco fillings.