Description
Mexican-inspired cauliflower taco meat offers a plant-based alternative to traditional ground beef. Seasoned crumbles provide rich flavor and protein-packed texture for tacos, burritos, and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, washed and cut into florets
- 5 oz (142 g) mushrooms (e.g., baby bella), cleaned and quartered
- 2 tbsps chili powder
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsps olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsps smoked paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- corn tortillas
- optional toppings: diced tomatoes, diced avocado, salsa, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preparation: Pulse cauliflower and mushrooms in a food processor until they resemble a coarse, granular texture, avoiding a mushy consistency.
- Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for one minute to release their fragrant essence.
- Seasoning and Cooking: Add processed cauliflower and mushroom mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine with aromatics. Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and drizzle soy sauce over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and moisture evaporates.
- Assembly: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned cauliflower and mushroom mixture, then top with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, salsa, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
- Pulse Carefully: Avoid over-processing cauliflower and mushrooms to prevent a mushy texture; aim for a rice-like consistency.
- Control Moisture: Cook the mixture thoroughly to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring a crispy, meat-like texture.
- Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce and choosing gluten-free tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg