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    Home » Recipes » Game Day Favourites

    January 17, 2018 293 Comments

    Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles

    57.6K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    So you know how I made Tofu Bolognese, and then I made The Best Vegan Chili Ever, and how both of those recipes turned out to be two of my most popular recipes? Well, even if you didn't know that, I'm telling right now because, friend, you have no idea, people are obsessed. And what are they obsessed with? The magic of tofu crumbles. That's why today I'm bringing you Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles!

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    Ah! So excited. I can't wait to make these on repeat. Taco Tuesday is every day, right?

    What are these magical tofu crumbles you ask? (Well, ok, you didn't ask, but I'm asking for you).

    This is my technique where I crumble up a block of extra-firm tofu, coat it in spices, and then dry it out in the oven. The crumbles darken and get dry and crunchy. They are addictive to snack on just like that. But then the magic really happens when you add a bit of moisture back to the tofu. (In these vegan tofu taco crumbles, I'm using salsa as my moisture, clever, I know). The dried tofu bits suck up the moisture and become this amazing, chewy, meaty (yes I went there), texture. It blows peoples minds how awesome and delicious it is.

    No really, I've received comments from readers saying that they actually had to tell their meat-eating buddy that the dish was vegan. Ha! Point for the vegans.

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy, flavour-packed, and perfectly spiced. Just layer on a taco or they are also fab on a burrito, with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. They keep their chewy texture perfectly.

    Now get into your kitchen and start whipping up a batch of these taco crumbles immediately. (Sorry, I don't mean to be so bossy, I'm just excited over here)!

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    To make Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles: mix the oil, soy sauce, and all the spices in a large bowl. It will make a brown paste-like texture.

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    Crumble the block of tofu with your fingers into the bowl with the seasoning. Mix the tofu crumbles with the seasoning making sure all of the tofu is evenly coated.

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    Spread the tofu crumbles evenly over the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stopping to stir the tofu every now and then. Keep a close eye on it towards the end so that it doesn't burn. You want the tofu to be nice and browned. The smaller crumbles will be darker than the larger crumbles, and that's ok because it will provide a variety of texture.

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    Remove the tofu crumbles from the oven and add to a pan with the ¾ cup salsa. You may need more salsa depending on how watery the salsa is and how wet you would like your tofu crumbles to be, add more salsa to taste. Heat through and serve hot on taco shells with desired toppings or in a burrito. Omnomnom!

    You can store vegan tofu taco crumbles in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    These Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles are chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #tacos #veganrecipes #vegantaco

    Common Questions:

    Why is my tofu still soft? or Why won't my tofu get crispy? If your tofu is still soft and not the desired texture or browned, you likely did not cook them long enough or at the correct temperature. Or, they were not spread evenly over the pan. Be sure to give them plenty of room to cook and at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time.

    Print Recipe
    4.98 from 192 votes

    Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles

    Chewy and perfectly spiced. Layer on a taco (or burrito) with your favourite toppings for the ultimate vegan taco. These can be made ahead and reheated making dinner a breeze. 
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    ingredient tag: tofu
    Servings: 4 (makes 2 cups)
    Calories: 89kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon light oil (such as canola or vegetable)
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional for spice)
    • 1 block (350g) extra-firm tofu, drained (no need to press it)
    • ¾ - 1 ¼ cups salsa
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking sheet.
    • Mix the oil, soy sauce, and all the spices in a large bowl. It will make a brown paste-like texture.
    • Crumble the block of tofu with your fingers into the bowl with the seasoning. Mix the tofu crumbles with the seasoning making sure all of the tofu is evenly coated. Spread the tofu crumbles evenly over the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stopping to stir the tofu every now and then. Keep a close eye on it towards the end so that it doesn't burn. You want the tofu to be nice and browned. The smaller crumbles will be darker than the larger crumbles, and that's ok because it will provide a variety of texture.
    • Remove the tofu crumbles from the oven and add to a pan with the ¾ cup salsa. You may need more salsa depending on how watery the salsa is and how wet you would like your tofu crumbles to be, add more salsa to taste. Heat through and serve hot on taco shells with desired toppings or in a burrito.

    Notes

    You can store vegan tofu taco crumbles in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 324mg | Potassium: 175mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 595IU | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      January 18, 2023 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Sam! Thanks for this recipe, I love it and make it constantly.

      Reply
    2. Kyla says

      December 14, 2022 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I was skeptical about this recipe, I usually don't enjoy eating tofu, but my partner does, so I tried it and we both loved it! the texture and taste are both great! never thought I would look forward to making a tofu recipe so much. pretty sure my parents who hate tofu would even be fooled by this one

      Reply
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    Sam Turnbull

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    I'm Sam. Bestselling cookbook author and full-time vegan recipe creator! I LOVE vegan food, but it didn't start that way. As someone who comes from a family of hunters, butchers, and chefs I'm the last person I thought would go vegan. Here's My Story →

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