Author: Get ready to fall in love with my new Easy Vegan Tacos recipe made with Shredded Tofu Taco Meat! This is the BEST vegan taco meat you'll ever taste! The secret is to use a cheese grater to grate the tofu into shreds- this gives it a texture similar to pulled chicken! The tofu is then sautéd with onion, garlic, tomato, and a homemade spice blend for the best taco seasoning. Just 30 minutes to make, these shredded tofu vegan tacos are bursting with flavor in every bite. 🌮🥳
These easy vegan tacos are even better with a drizzle of my avocado crema.
I adore a good tofu taco, and my trusty tofu crumbles recipe has been a kitchen staple for years. Yet, there are moments when I either lack the time or simply don't fancy firing up the oven. That's why I love this new tofu taco meat recipe! It's quicker and made in just one pan on the stove. This new vegan taco recipe has a texture and taste similar to chicken, which is a change from the beefy flavor of my original recipe. But both are favorites for Taco Tuesdays!
Serve this pulled tofu taco meat in a soft flour tortilla, or a crunchy taco shell with your favorite taco toppings. You can also wrap it up in a burrito, pile it on a taco salad, or sprinkle over vegan nachos! This vegan taco meat is about to become your new go-to recipe for taco night. So grab that cheese grater and let's get shredding for some seriously tasty vegan taco goodness!
Common Questions:
How do you make vegan taco meat with tofu? Very easily! Just shred a block of extra-firm tofu using a cheese grater. The sauté in a pan with onion, garlic, tomato, and taco seasoning for a delicious meaty taco filling.
What are some easy vegan taco recipes? Other than these Easy Vegan Tacos, you can find other super-simple vegan taco recipes on my blog like my Easy Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, Easy Soy Curl Tacos, Easy TVP Tacos, or my Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles. Head over to the Vegan Taco section of my blog to see these plus many more ideas.
What seasonings are best for shredded tofu tacos? Onion, garlic, soy sauce (which adds salt and umami) chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes.
What are some creative toppings for vegan tacos? There are so many options when building a scrumptious vegan taco, but if I had to choose I'd go with: vegan shredded cheese, vegan sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, avocado chunks, cilantro, and spicy salsa. You could even add some sliced black olives or Tabasco Sauce for a bit of a kick!
Are shredded tofu tacos healthy? Yes! Tofu is an excellent plant-based source of protein, is low in saturated fat, and is cholesterol-free. Also (here's a little talked about fact): Tofu is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Making tofu a staple part of your diet could help promote bone density and lower the risk of osteoporosis. Take that dairy industry!!
How To Make These Vegan Tacos:
There is no need to press the tofu as any excess moisture cooks out in the pan. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion just begins to brown, 3 - 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the shredded tofu. Cook for about 10 - 15 minutes until the tofu begins to brown. The less time you cook the tofu the more tender it will be, and the longer you cook the tofu the more dry and chewy it will be, so cook to your desired texture.
Tip: don't stir the tofu too much, let it cook for a couple of minutes without stirring so that the bottom can brown. Stirring too often will make it difficult for the tofu to brown.
Once the desired texture is reached, add the tomato, soy sauce and all of the spices and mix in. Continue to cook for another 2 - 5 minutes to heat through.
Fill your taco shells with the tofu taco meat, and top with desired toppings. Allow leftover tofu filling to cool before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This Shredded Tofu Taco Meat...
- Quick & easy to make
- Meaty, juicy, and bursting with flavor
- Can also be used in burritos, on nachos, or taco salads
What to Serve with Vegan Tacos...
Guacamole
Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Vegan Sour Cream
Vegan Nacho Cheese
Re-fried Beans or Black Beans
Fresh Veggies (Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Sliced Red Onions, Cilantro, Sliced Black Olives)
Lime Wedges (or lime juice)
Tortilla chips
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)
Easy Vegan Tacos: Shredded Tofu Taco Meat
Servings: (makes enough filling for about 8 tacos or 4 burritos)
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Ingredients
For the taco meat:
- 1 block (350 g/ 12.3oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and shredded (see step 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (optional for spice)
For the tacos:
- 8 hard or soft taco shells, (or 4 burrito wraps)
- Toppings of choice such as tomato, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, vegan cheese shreds, vegan sour cream, jalapeno slices, or fresh cilantro
Instructions
- There is no need to press the tofu as any excess moisture cooks out in the pan. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion just begins to brown, 3 - 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the shredded tofu. Cook for about 10 - 15 minutes until the tofu begins to brown. The less time you cook the tofu the more tender it will be, and the longer you cook the tofu the more dry and chewy it will be, so cook to your desired texture.Tip: don't stir the tofu too much, let it cook for a couple of minutes without stirring so that the bottom can brown. Stirring too often will make it difficult for the tofu to brown.
- Once the desired texture is reached, add the tomato, soy sauce and all of the spices and mix in. Continue to cook for another 2 - 5 minutes to heat through.
- Fill your taco shells with the tofu taco meat, and top with desired toppings. Allow leftover tofu filling to cool before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕More Vegan Taco Recipes You Might Enjoy...
Greg says
Thank you.
Easy yummy. Great way to protein and benefits of tofu.
Would not know it wasnt chicken.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes me so happy to hear, thanks, Greg! 😊
Anusha says
Turned out great! Easy college dinner
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I love that, perfect easy college meal 👏
Karen says
Was so excited about this recipe but sadly, it was ruined for me by the addition of oil. Any suggestions for making this oil-free?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We try to include oil-free swaps in the notes of most recipes. For oil-free: simply omit the oil and instead do a water or broth sauté.
Tish says
I made these for dinner, and they were super delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy to hear that! Thanks for the review Tish 🙂
Marcel says
Reading your site and news letter for some time now. I am enjoying several recipes, like the chickpea salad for example.
Though, this was a revelation. I am using tofu for many years, but I never knew it could be grated. Very useful in this recipe, but probably in many others too. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.
I made soft shell taco's with shredded tofu. I flavored it with dry toasted cumin seeds, coriander seeds and the seeds from a dried ancho pepper (this gives the dish such a nice flavor). I grounded the seeds and mixed half of them them through the tofu. (After making it as you described, with onion and garlic.) The ancho pepper itself I soaked for a while in hot water and put in a tomato sauce with the rest of the grounded seeds.
All together it tasted so good!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds excellent! We're so happy you enjoy the shredded tofu method!
JJ says
This turned out ok for me. I think it’d be better to use super firm tofu or press the extra firm tofu first.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi JJ! Different tofu brands can vary a lot in how soft or firm they are, so yes, super firm, or trying another brand could work better for you next time. I hope that helps!
Art says
I just made this tonight. It was FANTASTIC! I was real lazy and used store bought taco seasoning, but it was delicious. You are correct about this being my go-to recipe for taco night.
Thank you so much for your great recipes!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that's so wonderful, so happy you're enjoying my recipes Art 🙂
Judy and Larry says
Hi Sam, thank you very much for this recipe. It was great we aren’t vegan, but love that this recipe is easy and tasty.
I’m still recovering from Covid, needed to make something for dinner! This was perfect. I definite 10.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it Judy and Larry! Feel better soon 🙂
Joyce Ellis says
My husband said that this is easily the best vegan taco meat he has EVER had! And it was quick to make, and so healthy! This recipe is a keeper!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy, thank you Joyce!
Jane says
Another winner. Really easy and delicious. Left out the chili but followed the recipe apart from that. Definitely a new favourite.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy! Thanks for the review, Jane 🙂
Audrey says
Soooo good and easy! I know I will make this often.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We love to hear that!
Jess says
My family loves these and they’re on our weekly rotation! Super easy and filling. I sometimes add mushrooms and peppers as well. It’s a guaranteed hit with my toddler! Leftovers heat up awesome for lunch too! Thank you so much!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for your wonderful review!
Maria del Rocio says
Me encanta el tofu
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Me too!