Tofu Taco Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

By: Author Joy Shull

Posted on Last updated:

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These easy tofu tacos with homemade tofu taco meat make the best vegetarian dinner recipe!

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Mexican inspired meals are one of my favorite dinners since I became a vegetarian.

There are endless options like vegetarian stuffed peppers, mexican rice casserole, vegetarian enchiladas, and burrito bowls.

These tofu tacos are another great meatless dinner that comes together in minutes.

If you haven’t made tofu taco crumbles before, don’t be afraid!

This method is so easy that anyone can make it, whether or not you are a tofu newbie.

This smoky browned tofu taco meat is simply delicious and makes the perfect meat substitute.

Serve these tofu crumbles on any kind of taco with your favorite toppings!

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Tofu Tacos Recipe Ingredients

  • extra firm tofu: drained and patted dry. No pressing necessary!
  • olive oil
  • soy sauce
  • taco seasoning
  • soft or hard tacos
  • toppings of choice: sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, etc
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How to make tofu taco meat

Step 1: Drain the extra firm tofu and pat it dry.

There is no need to press it.

Step 2: Heat the oil and soy sauce in a skillet.

Use your hands to crumble the tofu into the skillet, leaving some larger pieces for texture.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the crumbled tofu.

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Step 3: Saute the tofu taco crumbles on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges.

Let the tofu sit in 2-3 minute increments throughout the cook time without stirring in order for it to brown and get those yummy crispy bits.

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That’s it! It’s really such a cinch to throw together and so flavorful.

We serve these family style so that everyone can build their toppings of choice.

Topping Ideas for Tofu Tacos

  • fresh diced tomatoes or avocado
  • homemade salsa
  • guacamole
  • queso blanco
  • fresh chopped cilantro
  • chopped lettuce
  • tamed jalapeños
  • fresh squeezed lime juice
  • sour cream
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This was such an easy recipe to throw together for taco night and everyone loved it!

While I sometimes buy the meatless crumbles from the grocery store, this tofu taco meat was quite a nice change.

I prefer to use the taco seasoning packets vs making my own taco seasoning as I find it makes it taste more similar to ground beef taco meat.

If you have a great taco seasoning recipe you could also use that!

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Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

More Tofu Recipes we love

  • Tofu Mexican Rice Casserole
  • Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowls
  • Teriyaki Tofu
  • Tofu Wraps
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Be sure to pin this recipe for later and followBuild Your Bite on Pinterestfor all the latest delicious recipes!

Other ways to serve Tofu Taco Crumbles

  • Enchiladas: Roll this tofu meat up inside flour tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and shredded mexican cheese and bake at 350 until bubbly and melted.
  • Tofu Nachos: Serve this up with tortilla chips covered in tofu crumbles, melted gooey cheese, and all the fixins on top
  • Burrito Bowls: make a burrito bowl with rice or cilantro lime cauliflower rice, fajita veggies, guac, and any other toppings of choice!

How to store leftover Tofu Taco Meat

Store leftover tofu taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Does Tofu Taco Meat freeze well?

Tofu taco crumbles can be cooked and frozen for up to 3 months. You can thaw the tofu meat in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before heating.

Reheating Tofu Tacos

Reheat leftover tofu taco meat in a skillet with a splash of oil until warmed through and crispy.

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Tofu Taco Recipe FAQs

What makes Tofu taste like meat?

The cooking method and seasonings used can make tofu taste more like meat, especially frying crumbled tofu pieces in a skillet until browned and crispy.
Keep in mind that tofu does not taste exactly like meat. Tofu does not really have a flavor of its own, and instead absorbs any seasonings or marinades that you add to it.

Try this recipe the next time you need a quick dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Gluten free, vegetarian or vegan friendly, and so yummy.

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a star rating below!

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Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

These tofu tacos with homemade tofu taco meat are a delicious meatless meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • Soft or hard taco shells

For the tofu taco meat

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry (no need to press it)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

Topping ideas

  • sour cream
  • cilantro
  • tomatoes
  • pice de gallo
  • salsa
  • avocado slices
  • guacamole
  • fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and soy sauce in a large skillet
  2. Use your hands to crumble the tofu into the skillet. Leave some larger pieces for texture.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the tofu
  4. Saute on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges. Let the tofu sit in 2-3 minute increments throughout the cookstime without stirring in order for it to brown.
  5. Serve on soft taco shells with veggies and toppings of choice
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 114Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 318mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g

Nutritional information is for the tofu crumbles, and does not include the toppings or taco shell

Did you make this recipe?

Be sure to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

Tofu Taco Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How to make tofu actually good? ›

How to Cook Tofu That Actually Tastes Good
  1. First, you need to "press" tofu. Here's how: ...
  2. It tastes best when marinated, just not with oil. If you don't marinate it, it won't taste like anything. ...
  3. Use cornstarch to make tofu crispy. ...
  4. You can also broil and grill it. ...
  5. Here's what you can make with tofu:
Mar 20, 2019

How to cook tofu so it doesn't taste bad? ›

How to Make Tofu Taste Good
  1. Understand the different tofu varieties. ...
  2. Press your tofu. ...
  3. Marinate the tofu – for a long time! ...
  4. Use cornstarch to make crispy tofu. ...
  5. Use sesame oil for pan-frying. ...
  6. A good sauce is your best friend. ...
  7. Crumble it up. ...
  8. Use your blender.
Apr 6, 2022

How to get more flavor in tofu? ›

Instead of considering tofu as merely a meat substitute, consider it a food with limitless potential for flavor and adaptability.
  1. Press tofu to help it absorb flavor. ...
  2. Coat tofu in starch before cooking. ...
  3. Season tofu more than you think. ...
  4. Use a marinade. ...
  5. Toss it in a sauce. ...
  6. Find inspiration from other foods.
Jan 7, 2024

Why can't you eat spinach and tofu together? ›

As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Does tofu affect your stomach? ›

But be forewarned: Processed soy (which includes tofu) can cause serious puff. It has estrogen-like effects in the body, which contribute to bloating. Dr.

What should I season tofu with? ›

Most seafood seasonings include celery seed, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Add lime juice to the tofu marinade to bring forward more of that classic seafood flavor. 5. Soy sauce: Marinating tofu in soy sauce helps the tofu absorb flavor quickly.

Is tofu good for weight loss? ›

Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.

Can you eat raw tofu? ›

Eat it raw: Tofu is completely safe to eat raw. Whether you press it or marinate it, you can use raw tofu in salads, smoothies, or have it as a protein-packed snack. Marinating: Since tofu has a bland flavor, marinating it is very popular.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

Why does my tofu smell weird? ›

Tofu that has gone bad also tends to be slimy and have a sour or rotten odor – fresh tofu has no odor. If you find any of these signs of spoilage, toss the tofu. Bottom Line: Even though tofu is a plant-based food, it can still spoil and should be handled with care.

Why is my tofu so tasteless? ›

Not Using Enough Seasoning

"Coat tofu generously in herbs, spices, and sauces. You can marinate it before or after cooking, just make sure you use plenty of seasonings like ginger and garlic, soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, green onions, vinegar, cajun seasoning, and other strong flavors," she says.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder. Spices.

Can we eat tofu and egg together? ›

Yes, you can eat eggs and soya chunks together. Both eggs and soya chunks are good sources of protein, and consuming them together can help meet your daily protein requirements. You can add boiled or scrambled eggs to your soya chunk curry or stir-fry for a balanced meal.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

By stretching an egg with a little tofu, you reduce the cholesterol and saturated fat. Try tucking it into a whole-wheat pita pocket for a simple and satisfying breakfast sandwich-and a healthful alternative to fast-food fare.

What happens if you blend tofu? ›

Add a few simple ingredients to a blender, blend, and serve. It's simple yet satisfying and delicious! Silken Tofu: The base of this creamy vegan pasta sauce is silken tofu. When silken tofu is blended, it becomes silky and smooth and makes the perfect protein-packed pasta sauce.

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