Crispy Cauliflower Tacos

For plant-based take on Taco Tuesday, make these crispy cauliflower tacos. Simply coat the cauliflower in chipotle sauce and breadcrumb, then roast until perfectly tender.

Kirsten Nunez, MS

By Kirsten Nunez, MS

25 Ratings

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Once upon a time, people would have scratched their heads at the thought of cauliflower tacos. But thanks to the growing popularity of vegan and plant-based eating, the cruciferous veggie has found its place in Mexican-inspired cuisine.

This taco recipe, for example, features breaded and roasted cauliflower. The cauliflower is then layered in a tortilla with tasty taco fixings, creating a healthy and flavorful meal.

You can even toss the crispy cauliflower with your traditional taco fillings, whatever that may look like for you. This is a great way to simply eat more vegetables or slowly transition to plant-based eating.

crispy cauliflower tacos
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

How to Make It

To make crispy cauliflower tacos, you’ll need:

  • panko breadcrumbs
  • flax meal (optional)
  • medium cauliflower head
  • canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • non-dairy milk, water, or broth
  • cumin
  • garlic or onion powder

If you eat a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Of course, you’ll also need tortillas and your favorite taco fixings.

cauliflower taco ingredients
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Preheat the oven to 425° Fahrenheit. In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers and non-dairy milk. If you like very spicy flavors, feel free to add more chipotle.

chipotle sauce in a bowl
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Cut the cauliflower head into florets and, in a large bowl, toss them with the chipotle-milk mixture. Toss until the florets are fully coated.

chopped cauliflower in a bowl
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cumin, onion powder, and flax meal. If you don’t like or have flax meal, feel free to skip it.

panko breadcrumbs in a bowl
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Coat the cauliflower florets in the panko mixture. Use a spoon or pair of tongs, as this can get messy if you do it by hand.

cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Place the coated cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

cauliflower on a baking sheet
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Roast the cauliflower for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is crispy and golden brown.

crispy golden brown cauliflower

On a tortilla, layer the chipotle cauliflower with taco fillings like:

  • shredded lettuce
  • corn
  • chopped tomatoes
  • chopped red onion
  • sliced olives
  • shredded vegan cheese
  • avocado
  • beans
  • fresh cilantro

The total number of tacos you can make will depend on the size of your tortillas, as well as the other fillings.

Don’t forget the condiments, too. Ideas for topping options include vegan sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and lime juice.

This recipe can also be adapted into a vegan burrito or burrito bowl. Yum!

If you’ve got a craving for Mexican-inspired food and can’t make it to Taco Bell or Chipotle, try some of these other great recipes:

Crispy Cauliflower Tacos

For plant-based take on Taco Tuesday, make these crispy cauliflower tacos. Simply coat the cauliflower in chipotle sauce and breadcrumb, then roast until perfectly tender.
Click stars below to rate, or leave a full review in the comments
25 Ratings
Print Rate it Now Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cauliflower tacos
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 58kcal
Author: Kirsten Nunez, MS

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425° F. Combine the chipotle and non-dairy milk in a blender. In a large bowl, toss the chipotle mixture and cauliflower.
  • In a smaller bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, flax meal (if using), cumin, and onion or garlic powder. Dip each cauliflower floret into the breadcrumbs to coat. Place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is crispy and golden brown. Layer on tortillas with fillings of your choice.

Notes

Note: nutrition information doesn’t include tortillas and other taco fillings.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @CleanGreenSimple or tag #CleanGreenSimple!

Thanks for sharing!

Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
Kirsten Nunez, MS
4.68 from 25 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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