These buffalo cauliflower tacos are a delightful twist on the classic taco, offering a spicy and tangy flavor profile that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The crispy cauliflower florets, coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, provide a perfect contrast to the fresh toppings and soft tortillas.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Buffalo sauce is a key ingredient that gives the tacos their signature spicy kick. If you don't already have it at home, make sure to grab a bottle. Additionally, fresh cilantro and avocado might not be in your regular grocery list, so keep an eye out for these in the produce section.
Ingredients For Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and nutritious base.
Flour: Used to create the batter that coats the cauliflower.
Water: Mixed with flour to form the batter.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the batter.
Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the batter.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Buffalo sauce: Gives the cauliflower its spicy and tangy kick.
Tortillas: The vessel for the tacos, holding all the delicious components together.
Lettuce: Adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the tacos.
Tomatoes: Provides a juicy and slightly sweet contrast to the spicy cauliflower.
Red onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the tacos.
Cilantro: Offers a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.
Avocado: Adds a creamy and rich texture to the tacos.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your cauliflower gets extra crispy, make sure to space out the florets on the baking sheet so they aren't touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting even browning and crispiness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free alternative that provides a similar texture and binding quality.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor to the batter, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with vegan butter: Sriracha mixed with vegan butter can mimic the spicy and tangy flavor of buffalo sauce while keeping it vegan.
small tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that still holds the fillings well.
shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides a crunchier texture and can hold up better under the heat of the cauliflower.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy element, offering a different flavor profile.
diced red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a milder onion flavor and a pop of color.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can be a good alternative for those who don't like cilantro.
sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole adds a creamy texture and additional flavors like lime and garlic, enhancing the overall taste.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store / Freeze Your Tacos
To keep your buffalo cauliflower tacos fresh, store the cauliflower florets separately from the tortillas and toppings. This prevents sogginess and maintains the crispiness of the cauliflower.
Place the cooked buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the cauliflower soggy.
Store the tortillas in a resealable plastic bag or wrap them in aluminum foil. This keeps them soft and pliable for when you're ready to assemble your tacos.
Keep the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado in separate containers. This ensures that each ingredient stays fresh and crisp.
For longer storage, you can freeze the buffalo cauliflower. Lay the florets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the florets from sticking together.
When ready to use, reheat the frozen buffalo cauliflower in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Avoid freezing the tortillas and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado, as they do not thaw well and can lose their texture and flavor.
If you have leftover assembled tacos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Warm the tortillas in the oven for the last 2-3 minutes. Assemble your tacos with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. Reheat the buffalo cauliflower in the skillet, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Warm the tortillas in a separate dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Assemble your tacos with the reheated ingredients.
Microwave Method: Place the buffalo cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Assemble your tacos with the fresh toppings.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and heated through. Warm the tortillas in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes. Assemble your tacos with the fresh ingredients.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower on a toaster oven tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Warm the tortillas in the toaster oven for the last 2-3 minutes. Assemble your tacos with the fresh toppings.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking the cauliflower florets in the oven.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cauliflower from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to mix the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt to create the batter.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used to blend the batter ingredients until smooth.
Tongs: A tool used to dip the cauliflower florets into the batter and to turn them halfway through baking.
Oven: An appliance used to bake the cauliflower florets at the specified temperature.
Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the cauliflower into florets and to dice the tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to chop and dice the vegetables.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the flour, water, buffalo sauce, and other ingredients accurately.
Serving platter: A large dish used to assemble and serve the buffalo cauliflower tacos.
Lime squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from lime wedges to serve with the tacos.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made buffalo sauce: Save time by using store-bought buffalo sauce instead of making your own.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra cauliflower to have leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the batter and cauliflower to reduce waiting time.
Warm tortillas together: Heat all tortillas at once in the oven wrapped in foil to save time.
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup diced red onion
- 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, letting excess drip off, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Remove from oven and toss cauliflower in buffalo sauce.
- Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with buffalo cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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