Crispy Vegan Tofu Tacos with Pickled Onions
These delightful Vegan Tofu Tacos feature crispy, golden-battered silken tofu that mimics the texture of traditional fish, making them an irresistible plant-based option. Each bite combines various flavors and textures, from the crunchy panko coating to the soft, creamy avocado and zesty pickled onions. Customize your fillings by adding fresh salsa, guacamole, or even your favorite veggies. Perfect for taco night or a casual gathering, these tacos are sure to impress everyone at the table, whether they are vegan or not!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Silken tofu
14 ounces (Pressed and broken into 1-inch irregular chunks)
Panko breadcrumbs
2 cups (Plain, for coating the tofu)
Plain flour
1/2 cup (For coating the tofu)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning the flour)
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the coating)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For adding a kick of heat)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the coating)
Non-dairy milk
1/2 cup (To dip the tofu)
Vegetable oil
For frying (To achieve a crispy texture)
Cabbage
1/4 head (Finely shredded for taco filling)
Ripe avocado
1 (Sliced or mashed, for topping)
Small tortillas
8 (Warmed for serving)
Vegan mayonnaise
To serve (As a spread for extra creaminess)
Red onion
1 (Peeled and finely sliced)
Apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (For pickling the onions)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For pickling the onions)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For pickling the onions)
Instructions
1
Begin by pressing the silken tofu gently with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into irregular, rough 1-inch chunks for a more artisanal look.
2
In a shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, mix the plain flour, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. In a third bowl, pour in the non-dairy milk.
3
Take each tofu chunk and coat it first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the non-dairy milk, and finally cover it with the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Transfer the breaded tofu to a baking sheet.
4
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles and browns, the oil is hot enough. Fry the tofu chunks in small batches until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried tofu and place it on a baking sheet lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Repeat until all tofu is cooked.
5
For the pickled onions, combine apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar in a small pot. Heat until steaming, then pour over the sliced red onions in a bowl or jar. Allow the onions to pickle for at least 30 minutes until they turn pink and tender.
6
To serve, warm the tortillas over a gas burner or in a pan. Fill each tortilla with crispy tofu, a generous helping of pickled onions, a dollop of vegan mayonnaise, creamy avocado slices, and finely shredded cabbage for crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source in these vegan tacos?
The primary protein source is silken tofu, which is pressed and broken into chunks to mimic the texture of traditional fish.
Is this recipe entirely plant-based?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan, utilizing non-dairy milk and vegan mayonnaise.
How do I prepare the silken tofu for frying?
Press the silken tofu gently with kitchen paper to remove moisture, then break it into irregular, rough 1-inch chunks.
What kind of coating gives the tofu its crunch?
The tofu is coated in a three-step process using a seasoned flour mixture, non-dairy milk, and panko breadcrumbs.
Which spices are used to season the flour coating?
The flour mixture is seasoned with salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin.
How do I make the pickled onions?
Heat apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar until steaming, then pour the mixture over sliced red onions and let them sit for 30 minutes.
How long do the onions need to pickle?
The onions should pickle for at least 30 minutes until they turn pink and tender.
What is the best way to cook the tofu chunks?
Fry them in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides.
How can I tell if the frying oil is hot enough?
Drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles and browns immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
What toppings are recommended for these tacos?
Recommended toppings include pickled onions, vegan mayonnaise, avocado slices, and finely shredded cabbage.
Can I add other ingredients to the tacos?
Yes, you can customize the fillings by adding fresh salsa, guacamole, or your favorite vegetables.
How should I serve the tortillas?
Warm the small tortillas over a gas burner or in a pan before filling them.
How do I prevent the fried tofu from being too greasy?
After frying, place the tofu chunks on a baking sheet lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.
Why use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?
Silken tofu provides a soft, creamy interior that, when battered and fried, closely mimics the texture of fried fish.
What type of vinegar is best for the pickled onions?
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for the pickling liquid in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, but it is generally balanced and not overly spicy.
How many tortillas does this recipe typically fill?
The recipe is designed to serve approximately 8 small tortillas.
What role does the cabbage play in the recipe?
Finely shredded cabbage provides a necessary crunch that contrasts with the creamy avocado and soft tofu.
Can I make the pickled onions in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pickled onions ahead of time as they need at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain panko breadcrumbs are used to provide the lightest and crunchiest texture.
Is the tofu deep-fried or shallow-fried?
The tofu is shallow-fried in about 1/2 inch of oil.
Can I use regular flour for the coating?
Yes, the recipe specifies plain flour for the initial coating stage.
How should I prepare the avocado?
You can either slice the ripe avocado or mash it for a creamier topping.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the pickling liquid?
The sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness to create a well-rounded pickle flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for non-vegans?
Absolutely! The combination of textures and flavors is designed to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
What should the tofu chunks look like before frying?
They should be irregular, rough 1-inch chunks, which gives them an artisanal, rustic appearance.
How do I ensure the breading stays on the tofu?
By following the flour-milk-panko sequence, you create a strong bond that keeps the coating attached during frying.
Can I use these as party food?
Yes, these tacos are excellent for casual gatherings or street-food style parties.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a mix of smoky, zesty, creamy, and crunchy elements with a savory fried finish.
What kind of non-dairy milk is best?
Any unsweetened non-dairy milk like soy, almond, or oat milk will work for dipping the tofu.