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

Tofu Taco Recipe - Build Your Bite? ›

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.

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.

What can I add to tofu to make it taste better? ›

Toss the cubes with olive oil, tamari or soy sauce, and sriracha. If desired, you could also add cornstarch to make the cubes extra crispy. Finally, bake! Transfer the baking sheet to a 425°F oven and cook until the cubes are browned around the edges.

How do you make tofu texture better? ›

Use a heavy object — wrap drained tofu in a clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy on top (our favorite is a cast iron skillet). Let it press for about 10-30 minutes, or even longer for firmer tofu.

How do you make tofu texture like meat? ›

Try freezing medium or firm tofu then thawing and draining it before cooking it. Freezing the tofu makes the water in it form ice crystals and forces the bean curd into something much more like a sponge. The texture becomes more meatlike. It is still not chicken so do not try passing it off as chicken.

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

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. 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.

What is the downside of eating too much tofu? ›

The significant disadvantages of Tofu may cause allergies in some people. The symptoms of soy allergies include skin rash, inflammation, itching, fainting, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain and throat swelling. In rare scenarios, Tofu may cause osteoporosis and estrogen-related cancer.

Is tofu good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

What to season tofu in? ›

Tofu seasoning rub: Rub the pressed tofu with lots of spices like garlic or onion powder, salt and pepper, nutritional yeast or a spicy taco seasoning, KFC seasoning, Buffalo spice, etc. Tofu marinade: Soak the tofu cubes in your favorite chicken/meat marinade to infuse extra flavor.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking. The longer you press your tofu, the firmer the texture will be and the easier it will be to achieve a nice crispy texture.

What does adding cornstarch to tofu do? ›

A light coating of cornstarch will absorb even more moisture from the tofu's surface and contribute to a distinct coating. Sprinkle over the starch (potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot all work too) a little bit at a time and toss the tofu, pressing gently so the starch adheres.

Why won t my tofu get crispy? ›

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu. Or you forgot to add the corn flour. These three reasons can cause your tofu to be soggy or not crisp up as much as you'd like.

What should I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

What is the best texture of tofu? ›

Firm Tofu: The most popular firmness for tofu beginners! The curds are tight and visible. Holds up well to frying and grilling. Best use: Stir fry, pan fried, deep fried, baked, scrambled or any meat alternative option in any meals.

What makes tofu chewy? ›

If your tofu ingredient has less water the bite improves and is perceived as chewiness. To remove the water content, some weight is put on top of the tofu which is setting in a mould and the water squeezed out gradually over some time. The product will be with less water and voila your chewy tofu is ready for frying.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

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.

Does tofu affect your stomach? ›

Soy has actually been found to increase the good bacteria in the gut, leading to overall better gut health when consumed. This might help explain why soy foods have been associated with healthier outcomes as we are learning more and more about how connected a healthy gut is to an overall healthy body.

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