Mexican Tofu Tacos with Chili-Lime Slaw Recipe

A plate of tofu tacos garnished with lime, cilantro and pepita crema.

Mexican Tofu Tacos with Chili-Lime Slaw Recipe

Mexican inspired flavors come together in these mouthwatering tacos. Take the heat up or down by varying the amount of adobo sauce to taste. Delicious served with Chili-Lime Pepita Crema, Spanish rice and guacamole. Make ahead for freezer friendly meal prep. This recipe is vegetarian and vegan, optionally gluten free. *Time above does not include hands off time needed to press the tofu (20-30 minutes).

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Mexican Tofu, Tofu Tacos

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 10

Servings -12 Tacos

Calories 174kcal

Author Traci York

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

10 oz (283g) Firm Tofu pressed and drained for at least 20 minutes (see note)*
1 Tbs Coconut Oil unrefined, virgin or olive oil
1 C (110g) Purple Onion large dice (about 1/2 a medium onion)
3/4 C (90g) Green Bell Pepper large dice (about 1/2 a medium pepper)
1 Tbs Cumin
1 Tbs Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Smokey Paprika
1 Tbs Masa Harina Flour or sub 2 Tbs ground tortilla chips **see note
3/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt
2 tsp Adobo Sauce from a can of chipotle chilis in adobo sauce (1 tsp for medium, 2-3 tsp for spicy!) - look for gluten free if needed
3/4 C (200g) Fire Roasted Tomatoes with its juice
1 C (220g) Vegetable Broth
Warm Tortillas, and Cilantro

For the Slaw:

3 C (150g) Shredded Mix of Red and Green Cabbage loosely packed
1 Tbs Seeded Jalapeño minced (or to taste. Take this up if you like spicy!)
1/2 C (20g) Cilantro rough chopped
Juice of 1 -2 Limes to taste and depending on the size of the lime
1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt

Serve With (optional):

Instructions

For the Tofu:

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Slice the tofu into about 1/2" - 1" (1.3 - 2.5 cm) cubes and place on a parchment or silpat lined sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until slightly golden and dryer to the touch. Baking dries the tofu out.
In a large saute pan, add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the onion and bell pepper. Saute for about five minutes on medium heat or until soft, a little charring is good! Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, masa flour, and sea salt all at once, then add the adobo sauce. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the seasonings are incorporated around the veggies.
Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable broth and tofu, then turn the heat to low and place a lid on the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes. Place mixture in a food processor and pulse 8-9 times, making sure the tofu is still somewhat chunky, but ground down. Place back in the pan, give it a little squeeze of lime and taste for salt adjustment. Put a lid on it to keep it warm (off the heat).

Make the Slaw:

In a medium bowl, mix the red and green cabbage, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and sea salt. Set in the refrigerator until ready to top tacos.

Taco Assembly:

Warm tortillas: I like to warm my tortillas on a low open flame on the stove top turning with tongs a few times to lightly char the tortillas. OR place the tortillas in a hot cast iron skillet for about 30 seconds to one minute, flipping once. To hold them warm, place the tortillas in foil and into a warmed oven on low heat.
On the warm tortilla, spoon a good smear of pepita crema, guacamole or sour cream down the center of the tortilla. Spoon the tofu evenly over the top, then add the slaw and any other condiments you prefer.
Store the leftover tofu taco filling in the fridge in a lidded container for up to three days or the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently rewarm on the stovetop.

Video

Notes

*Freeze your tofu when you bring it home from the store. Freezing improves its texture. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then press out the water. To press thawed tofu, use a tea towel and place it under and on top of the tofu. Set it on a plate. Place something heavy on top, like a cutting board, or skillet. We don't want it too heavy or it will squash the tofu. Move the tea towel a few times to a dryer area of the towel so it can absorb more water. Press for about 20-30 minutes, up to an hour if you have time.

**Find Masa Flour in the Mexican food or flour section of the grocery store. It really takes these tacos over the top! If unavailable, grind up a small handful of corn tortilla chips in a food processor - this takes about 2-3 minutes and use 2 Tbs of ground chips in the place of masa flour. It's not as flavorful as masa, but it will aid in thickening.

More Recipes Featuring Masa Harina:

Nutrition includes taco filling, a flour tortilla and slaw.

Nutrition