Get ready to embark on a taste adventure that combines the irresistible heat of buffalo sauce with the wholesome goodness of cauliflower. Our Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos are here to tantalize your taste buds and offer a plant-based twist on a beloved classic.
The zesty kick of hot sauce meets the crunch of perfectly roasted cauliflower, all wrapped up in a tortilla with creamy avocado and fresh lettuce.
If you want something a bit unique, you'll also love these fried potato tacos. Such a yummy plant-based meal!
📋Ingredients
You will need the ingredients for preparing your cauliflower, and then all of your favorite taco toppings. We prefer classics like lettuce, avocado, and onion. For exact measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- Cauliflower florets
- Olive oil
- Vegan buffalo sauce
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Green onions or white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Vegan ranch dressing
🔪Instructions
Video Recipe:
Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set it aside.
Rinse the cauliflower and cut or break into bite-sized florets. Place into a bowl. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the spicesand buffalo sauce. Pour the oil and half of the sauce over the bowl of cauliflower and stir to combine.
Pour half of the mixture onto the cauliflower and toss, then spread evenly onto the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes or until tender and browning.
While the cauliflower bakes, you will prepare the taco toppings. Heat the tortillas, and set aside. This is easy to do by placing on a microwave-safe plate with a sprinkle of water between each tortilla. Cover with a paper towel, then heat for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave.
Slice the avocado, chop the lettuce, green onions, and cilantro. Add tomato or any other topping you prefer.
When the cauliflower is cooked through, remove it from the oven and toss it with the remaining sauce if needed.
Assemble and serve tacos with a drizzle of vegan ranch on top.
🥘Substitutions
While the basics are a must, you may want to swap a few things out. This can happen if you don't have everything on hand, or if you have preferences. Below are some items that work well as replacements.
- Use a ready-made buffalo seasoning blend
- Substitute flour tortillas with cauliflower tortillas, wheat tortillas, or corn tortillas
- Use any greens you prefer such as spinach, mixed greens, romaine, or even kale
- Replace vegan ranch with vegan sour cream
- Use broccoli florets instead of cauliflower for a different flavor with the same texture
📖Variations
Sometimes you like the base of a recipe but want something just a bit different. Below are some ideas that give you an idea of how to vary this buffalo cauliflower tacos recipe just a bit.
- Add a sprinkle of vegan shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
- Introduce red onion, diced tomatoes, or black beans for diverse textures.
- Chop the cauliflower into smaller bits and then spread onto larger tortillas with vegan cheese for a quesadilla
- Do the same with a burrito, adding rice or black beans
🍽Equipment
For those who are new to cooking, a few simple tools are a must in your kitchen. Below are a few that we always keep on hand for making this recipe.
⏲️Storage
These are perfect for making ahead of time to assemble just when ready to eat. The best way to do that is to roast the cauliflower ahead of time. Then you can just create a taco bar and let everyone assemble with their favorite toppings.
Any leftover cauliflower should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it is safe to eat for up to 5 days, the texture is best within the first 2 to 3 days.
The cauliflower can be roasted and then frozen for up to 4 months if you are unable to eat all within the time given.
💭Top Tip
Make sure your cauliflower has a super crispy exterior while keeping the pieces tender. This gives a nice crisp texture that is satisfying. I recommend stirring the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time so it is cooked evenly.
FAQ
While fresh cauliflower is preferred, you can use frozen cauliflower with slight adjustments in cooking time. Pat the frozen florets dry before seasoning and baking for better results.
If not crisp enough, but tender, place under a low broil for 2 minutes, watching to make sure it doesn't burn.
Most buffalo sauce begins with a bottle of hot sauce. A popular option is Frank's Red Hot Sauce. A buffalo sauce that is labeled as such, may include butter which is not vegan. Make sure to check labels, or simply prepare your own mixture of the sauce with vegan butter and seasonings.
Related
If you like the buffalo flavor, then below you are going to find our favorite recipes that keep that at the forefront. Check them out and bookmark them to make soon.
Pairing
You'll want to pair these with something tasty but simple on the side. Tacos are ideal for serving with things like rice, beans, or salads. Below are some ideas of things that serve well with these buffalo tacos.
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cauliflower florets approximately ½ head
- 1 cup buffalo sauce more or less to taste
- 4 corn tortillas
- 2 green onions diced
- 2 cups lettuce chopped
- 1 avocado peeled and sliced
- 2 ½ tablespoon vegan ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Also, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite sized pieces. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the spices and sauce. Add half the sauce and the oil to the cauliflower. Toss together.1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 4 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cups cauliflower florets, 1 cup buffalo sauce
- Spread the cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet, and into the oven it goes. Roast for about 20 minutes until it's tender and has that perfect golden-brown hue.
- While the cauliflower is getting all crispy and delightful, let's work on your taco toppings. Prep those fresh ingredients. Slice the creamy avocado, chop the crisp lettuce, green onions, and fragrant cilantro. If you like, add some tomatoes or any other favorite toppings.2 green onions, 2 cups lettuce, 1 avocado
- Once the cauliflower is ready, take it out of the oven. Give it a final toss with the remaining sauce if you want that extra buffalo kick. Now, assemble your tasty tacos, drizzle on some creamy vegan ranch, and enjoy a flavorful meal that's as simple as it is delicious.4 corn tortillas, 2 ½ tablespoon vegan ranch dressing
Video
Notes
- Serve on toasted corn tortillas for a classic flavor
- Make your own vegan ranch dressing or use a ready-made vegan version such as Follow Your Heart, Primal Kitchen, or Plant Powered Hidden Valley Ranch
Nutrition
🥗Food Safety
When cooking at home, you should be following the same safety practices you expect at a restaurant. That starts with clean and sanitary spaces, but also how you handle ingredients. Below are some tips.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower before seasoning.
- Use separate cutting boards for vegetables and other ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
- Don't taste test and put the same spoon back into the dish.
roda rose says
You have chili powder listed twice. Should one be something different?
Melanie Hightower says
So is each serving for the 322k cal just one taco served in a corn tortilla? Seems like a lot of ingredients to go into small corn tortillas? Says serves 4 but only lists 4 corn tortillas. It looks delicious though.