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

What is the hack for pressing tofu? ›

There are several methods for how to press tofu without a tofu press. My favorite is simple: you just need a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and a cast-iron skillet. Wrap the tofu block in the kitchen towel, and place it on a flat surface. The towel will absorb much of the excess liquid the tofu releases.

How do you crumble a block of tofu? ›

Use your hands to crumble the tofu into a bowl.

Pick up the block of tofu with both hands, and hold it firmly over the bowl. Using your thumbs, break small pieces of tofu off from the main block. Aim to crumble off chunks that are no larger than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) across.

What happens if you don't press firm tofu? ›

Pressing is a technique used to remove some of the moisture and make it easier to cook with. In some recipes, if the tofu is too wet, it can break up during cooking, which may not be what you wanted.

Should I freeze tofu after pressing? ›

While some experts recommend pressing it before freezing, Wee says, "Since freezing tofu helps remove water, you don't actually need to press the tofu before putting it in the freezer." And while you can freeze it whole, she does suggest cutting the tofu into slices or cubes before freezing it, for quicker thawing and ...

What is the fastest way to squeeze water from tofu? ›

Place a Weight on the Tofu
  1. Place another layer of folded paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth top of the block of tofu.
  2. Place the bowl or another cutting board on top of the top layer of paper towels.
  3. Place the weight into the bowl or onto the cutting board. ...
  4. Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes.
Feb 15, 2024

Is pressing tofu worth it? ›

And if tofu is vacuumed packed or firm already, you definitely don't need to press it. Here's why: moisture in tofu is a good thing. Tofu is over 80% water, and that moisture is what makes it such a succulent, juicy source of protein. Pressing it can make the tofu unnecessarily dry and strip it of its intended texture.

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