Super meaty, juicy, and flavorful, these Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are a long time fan-favorite recipe! The secret to the best vegan tacos lies in my famous tofu crumble technique that makes the tofu a deliciously chewy, meaty texture. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favorite toppings for an easy weeknight dinner. These crumbles can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making dinner a breeze. 🌮
FEATURED COMMENT:
There’s none left - need I say more! Will be making again for sure!! 10 outta 10! - Glenda
So you know how I made Tofu Bolognese, and then I made The Best Vegan Chili Ever, and how both of those recipes turned out to be two of my most popular recipes? Well, even if you didn't know that, I'm telling you right now because, friend, you have no idea, people are obsessed. And what are they obsessed with? The magic of tofu crumbles. That's why today I'm bringing you Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles! Ah! So excited. I can't wait to make these on repeat. Taco Tuesday is every day, right?
What are these magical tofu crumbles you ask? (Well, ok, you didn't ask, but I'm asking for you). This is my technique where I crumble up a block of extra-firm tofu, coat it in spices, and then dry it out in the oven. The crumbles darken and get dry and crunchy. They are addictive to snack on just like that. But then the magic really happens when you add a bit of moisture back to the tofu. (In these vegan tofu taco crumbles, I'm using salsa as my moisture, clever, I know). The dried tofu bits suck up the moisture and become this amazing, chewy, meaty (yes I went there), texture. This tofu taco meat blows peoples minds how awesome and delicious it is. No really, I've received comments from readers saying that they actually had to tell their meat-eating buddy that the dish was vegan. Ha! Point for the vegans.
These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy, flavour-packed, and perfectly spiced. Just layer on a taco or they are also fab on a burrito, with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. They keep their chewy texture perfectly.
Now get into your kitchen and start whipping up a batch of these taco crumbles immediately. (Sorry, I don't mean to be so bossy, I'm just excited over here)!
To make Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles: mix the oil, soy sauce, and all the spices in a large bowl. It will make a brown paste-like texture.
Crumble the block of tofu with your fingers into the bowl with the seasoning. Mix the tofu crumbles with the seasoning making sure all of the tofu is evenly coated.
Spread the tofu crumbles evenly over the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stopping to stir the tofu every now and then. Keep a close eye on it towards the end so that it doesn't burn. You want the tofu to be nice and browned. The smaller crumbles will be darker than the larger crumbles, and that's ok because it will provide a variety of texture.
Remove the tofu crumbles from the oven and add to a pan with the ¾ cup salsa. You may need more salsa depending on how watery the salsa is and how wet you would like your tofu crumbles to be, add more salsa to taste. Heat through and serve the tofu mixture hot on taco shells or warm flour or corn tortillas with your favorite toppings such as peppers, tomatoes, vegan cheese, lettuce, cilantro, red cabbage, vegan sour cream, hot peppers, or any other toppings you enjoy. Omnomnom!
You can store vegan tofu taco crumbles in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Common Questions:
Why is my tofu still soft? Why won't my tofu get crispy? If your tofu is still soft and not the desired texture or browned, you likely did not cook them long enough or at the correct temperature. Or, they were not spread evenly over the pan. Be sure to give them plenty of room to cook and at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time.
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles
Servings: (makes 2 cups)
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon light oil, (such as canola or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne, (optional for spice)
- 1 block (350g) extra-firm tofu, drained (no need to press it)
- ¾ - 1 ¼ cups salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- Mix the oil, soy sauce, and all the spices in a large bowl. It will make a brown paste-like texture.
- Crumble the block of tofu with your fingers into the bowl with the seasoning. Mix the tofu crumbles with the seasoning making sure all of the tofu is evenly coated. Spread the tofu crumbles evenly over the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stopping to stir the tofu every now and then. Keep a close eye on it towards the end so that it doesn't burn. You want the tofu to be nice and browned. The smaller crumbles will be darker than the larger crumbles, and that's ok because it will provide a variety of texture.
- Remove the tofu crumbles from the oven and add to a pan with the ¾ cup salsa. You may need more salsa depending on how watery the salsa is and how wet you would like your tofu crumbles to be, add more salsa to taste. Heat through and serve hot on taco shells with desired toppings or in a burrito.
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More delicious vegan recipes you might enjoy!
Alf says
Delicious and surprisingly versatile given the soy sauce and chili powder
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you loved it Alf 🙂
Megan says
super easy to make, excellent flavor. I only had a mango habanero salsa to mix in, it was perfect for our taco salads. Will be saving for mixing into the meal rotation regularly.
p.s. I was really excited to find this recipe as we are big fans of the chilli recipe you have where tofu crumbles are baked and added in.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you enjoyed it Megan! And thanks so much! I am a bit obsessed with making tofu crumbles so lots more recipes for you to try 😉
MG says
all I can say is OMG! I was hoping for leftovers but my husband and I ate it all! this by far was one of the best ways I have enjoyed tofu. 10/10. I will definitely keep this on our dinner rotation ❤️
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Fantastic, that makes us so happy to hear!