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    Home » Vegan Main Dish Recipes

    Blackened Tofu Tacos

    By Sarah Pilley Updated Apr 8, 2024 · Published Apr 8, 2024

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Three blackened tofu tacos with avocado lime crema drizzled on top lined up in a row with toppings in the background; text reads "blackened tofu tacos with avocado crema".

    Blackened Tofu Tacos drizzled with cilantro lime avocado crema are packed with flavor! These tacos feel extra special and fancy but are ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.

    Three blackened tofu tacos with avocado lime crema drizzled on top lined up in a row with toppings in the background.

    If you can't already tell, I'm a fan of tacos! With smoky cauliflower tacos and jackfruit tacos, there are so many creative vegan taco recipes out there.

    But I had to add one more to my roster! And let me tell you, these vegan tofu tacos are soon to become your new go-to for Taco Tuesday!

    From the crispy blackened tofu strips to fresh pico de Gallo and vegan avocado crema filled with cilantro lime, these tacos will take your taste buds on a flavor journey.

    And if you're feeling extra fancy, make some chickpea tortilla chips and fresh mango salsa to serve alongside your taco feast.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Prepare the Blackened Tofu
    • Directions with Pictures
    • Top Tips
    • Make Ahead Tips
    • More Vegan Taco Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    You will need these simple ingredients to make blackened tofu tacos:

    Ingredients with labels: lime, tortillas, coleslaw, tofu, cilantro, Pico de Gallo, and avocado crema.
    • Tortillas - Use your favorite tortilla, whether that’s a chickpea flour tortilla, flour tortilla, or a classic corn tortilla.
    • Blackened Tofu - These crispy tofu steaks are packed with flavor from the blackened seasoning mix. They are pan-fried and ready in less than 20 minutes.
    • Lettuce or Cabbage Mix - Adds a layer of crunch and freshness to the tacos. I like to use pre-shredded cabbage; you could also use creamy coleslaw for some extra flavor.
    • Avocado Crema - This cream sauce made with avocado, vegan sour cream, fresh lime, and cilantro really brings the flavor of these tacos up a notch.
    • Pico de Gallo - A bit of pico adds a burst of freshness, but is completely optional!
    • Cilantro & Lime Wedges - Use some extra minced cilantro and lime wedges for garnish.

    Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

    Prepare the Blackened Tofu

    Blackened tofu is so easy to prepare and instantly elevates the flavor of these tacos. All you need is a block of firm or extra-firm tofu, some blackened seasoning, and a little olive oil.

    Step by step guide to making blackened tofu: slice tofu; pat tofu dry with a paper towel; season tofu with blackened seasoning; pan fry tofu until crispy.
    1. Cut the tofu into slices.
    2. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
    3. Sprinkle on blackened seasoning.
    4. Then pan fry the tofu on each side for about 5 minutes. 

    Finish by cutting the cooked tofu steaks into strips so they are the perfect size for the taco filling!

    Directions with Pictures

    Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling the best blackened tofu tacos:

    Step by step guide to assembling tacos: add coleslaw; add tofu strips; add pico de gallo; drizzle avocado crema.
    1. Start with a layer of greens.
    2. Then, add the blackened tofu.
    3. Next, spoon on some pico.
    4. Drizzle on the avocado crema.

    Top Tips

    To make top-notch blackened tofu tacos:

    • Use homemade flour tortillas! They are so soft and fluffy, but they also taste so much better than store-bought tortillas or taco shells.
    • Make crispy taco shells! Fold your tortillas in half and air fry for a few minutes at 400ºF.
    • Always garnish with extra cilantro! This speaks for itself, but some extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime will take your vegan tacos to the next level.
    Overhead photo of 3 blackened tofu tacos with avocado crema, pico, and cilantro for garnish; the toppings and a bowl of chips are to the side of the tacos.

    Make Ahead Tips

    If you plan to meal prep for your Taco Tuesday festivities, remember to store each component separately to maintain freshness and flavors!

    • Blackened Tofu - Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 5 days in advance.
    • Avocado Crema - Keep it in an airtight container with a layer of lime juice and plastic wrap in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time.
    • Pico de Gallo - Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance.
    Hand holding up a tofu taco with lots of toppings on it.

    More Vegan Taco Recipes

    • Two vegan cauliflower chickpea tacos on a plate.
      Smoky Cauliflower Tacos with Chickpeas (Vegan, GF)
    • Three vegan jackfruit tacos on a plate.
      Vegan Jackfruit Taco Filling
    • Vegan taco past in a pot.
      One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Black Beans (Vegan)

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Three blackened tofu tacos with avocado lime crema drizzled on top lined up in a row with toppings in the background.

    Blackened Tofu Tacos

    Blackened Tofu Tacos drizzled with cilantro lime avocado crema are packed with flavor! These tacos feel extra special and fancy but are ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 tacos
    Author: Sarah Pilley
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    Ingredients

    Blackened Tofu

    • 14-18 oz block of extra firm tofu
    • 2-3 teaspoons blackened seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    For the Tacos

    • 12 tortillas corn, flour, or gluten-free
    • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
    • 1 cup pico de gallo
    • ¾ cup vegan avocado lime crema thinned with extra water
    • cilantro for garnish
    • lime wedges for garnish

    Instructions

    Make the Blackened Tofu

    • Cut the tofu into ¼” thick slices.
    • Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
    • Sprinkle on blackened seasoning.
    • Then pan fry the tofu on each side for about 5 minutes at medium hight heat.
    • Cut the cooked tofu steaks into strips so they are smaller for the taco filling.

    Assemble the Tacos

    • Heat the taco shells on the stovetop (or in anair fryerr for a crispier shell).
    • Place the tacos into a taco holder for easy assembly.
    • Add a layer of shredded cabbage, coleslaw mix, or lettuce.
    • Then, add the blackened tofu stips.
    • Next, spoon on some pico de gallo.
    • Drizzle on the avocado crema.
    • Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!

    Notes

    See more expert tips, pictures, and variations above for making the best blackened tofu tacos with avocado crema!
    Yield: 12 tacos
    Serving Size: 3 tacos
    Make Ahead Tips: If you plan to meal prep for your Taco Tuesday festivities, remember to store each component separately to maintain freshness and flavors!
    • Blackened Tofu - Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 5 days in advance.
    • Avocado Crema - Keep it in an airtight container with a layer of lime juice and plastic wrap in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time.
    • Pico de Gallo - Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance.
    Did you make this recipe? Share your experience! Mention @AlternativeDish on Instagram or Facebook, or drop a comment below—I'd love to hear from you!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 503mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Isabelle says

      April 08, 2024 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      Love these tacos! Such a fun, easy, and delicious meal

      Reply
      • Sarah Pilley says

        April 10, 2024 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks Isabelle!

        Reply
    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi, I'm Sarah!

    I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

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