Save Taco night is about to get a vibrant upgrade with these Vegan Smoky BBQ Cauliflower Tacos. By roasting cauliflower until it is perfectly caramelized and tossing it in a rich BBQ glaze, you create a satisfying filling that pairs beautifully with a bright, zesty salsa. This plant-based twist offers a delightful fusion of smoky and tropical flavors in every bite.
Save The secret to these tacos is the contrast between the warm, spicy roasted cauliflower and the cool, tangy pineapple salsa. It is a fusion of flavors that brings a tropical vibe to your kitchen, making it a crowd-pleaser for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: 1 large head cauliflower (bite-sized florets), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt and black pepper to taste.
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup vegan BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar.
- Pineapple Salsa: 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced), 1/4 cup red onion (diced), 1 medium tomato (seeded and diced), 1 small jalapeño (minced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, salt.
- To Serve: 8 small corn or flour tortillas, 1 avocado (sliced), 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime wedges.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 3
- Spread cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Step 4
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar.
- Step 5
- After 20 minutes, remove cauliflower from the oven. Toss with BBQ sauce mixture until well coated. Return to the oven and roast for another 8–10 minutes, until caramelized and slightly crispy.
- Step 6
- While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the pineapple salsa: combine pineapple, red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 7
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes.
- Step 8
- Assemble tacos: layer BBQ cauliflower, pineapple salsa, avocado slices, and shredded cabbage in each tortilla. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, add toasted pepitas or crispy chickpeas to your tacos as a finishing touch. Ensuring the cauliflower is spread in a single layer on the baking sheet helps it roast rather than steam, resulting in a better texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute mango for pineapple for a different tropical twist. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free tortillas and checking that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño.
Serviervorschläge
These tacos pair wonderfully with a light lager or a refreshing, citrusy mocktail. Serve them immediately while the cauliflower is warm and crispy for the best experience.
Save Simple to prepare and exploding with flavor, these BBQ cauliflower tacos are sure to become a new favorite in your plant-based rotation. Enjoy the perfect mix of sweet heat and smoky goodness!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the cauliflower crispy?
Roast the cauliflower at a high temperature, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Tossing it in olive oil and spices before roasting helps create a crispy texture.
- → Can I substitute pineapple in the salsa?
Yes, mango or other fresh fruits can replace pineapple for a different twist while maintaining the dish’s sweet and tangy balance.
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Small corn or flour tortillas are ideal. To keep it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check the sauce ingredients.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The heat is mild by default but can be adjusted by adding or omitting cayenne pepper and jalapeño in the salsa according to your preference.
- → What dishes pair well with these tacos?
Light lagers or citrusy mocktails complement the smoky, sweet flavors nicely, enhancing the overall meal experience.