Introduction
Buffalo cauliflower tacos are a delightful and spicy twist on traditional tacos that bring together the vibrant flavors of buffalo sauce and creamy avocado. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for something savory but also includes the nutritious goodness of cauliflower and fresh ingredients. Great for both casual meals and entertaining, these tacos are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos:
– 1 cup flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, salt, and pepper
– 1 head cauliflower (4–5 cups florets)
– 3/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s brand)
– 3 cups shredded cabbage or slaw
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– 10 tortillas
For the Avocado Crema:
– 2 avocados
– 1 clove garlic
– 1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Squeeze of lemon or lime
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Instructions
1. Batter the Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 450°F. Whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on the upper rack for 15–20 minutes until lightly crisped and browned.
2. Spice the Cauliflower: Gently toss the baked cauliflower in a bowl with the hot sauce. Return to the baking sheet and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
3. Prepare Avocado Crema: Combine all avocado crema ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
4. Prepare Slaw: Toss the shredded cabbage or slaw with some of the avocado crema until well-coated and creamy.
5. Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the creamy slaw, buffalo cauliflower, a drizzle of avocado crema, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious homemade buffalo cauliflower tacos!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Batter the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Take the cauliflower head and cut it into florets, yielding approximately 4-5 cups. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to let any excess batter drip off. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the florets on the upper rack of the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they are lightly crisped and browned.
Spice the Cauliflower
After the initial baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer the florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour 3/4 cup of your chosen hot sauce (such as Frank’s brand) over the florets and gently toss them until they are evenly coated. Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and the cauliflower is crispy.
Prepare Avocado Crema
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the avocado crema. In a food processor or blender, add 2 ripe avocados, 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup of sour cream (or yogurt), 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Prepare Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of shredded cabbage or slaw. Pour a portion of the prepared avocado crema over the slaw and gently toss until the cabbage is well-coated and creamy. Adjust the amount of avocado crema as needed for desired creaminess.
Assemble Tacos
To assemble the tacos, take a tortilla and fill it with a generous amount of the creamy slaw. Next, add a portion of the buffalo cauliflower on top of the slaw. Drizzle additional avocado crema over the cauliflower and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Repeat the assembly for each tortilla.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe makes approximately 10 tacos. Adjust the ingredients as necessary if serving a larger group.
Hot Sauce
Feel free to choose your favorite brand of hot sauce or adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Storage
Leftover cauliflower and slaw can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tacos are best assembled fresh.
Vegan Option
For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt and use a non-dairy milk for the batter.
Cook techniques
Battering Cauliflower
Whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a batter. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring that excess batter drips off before placing them on a baking sheet.
Baking for Crispiness
Preheat the oven to 450°F and bake the battered cauliflower on the upper rack for 15–20 minutes until they are lightly crisped and browned.
Tossing in Sauce
After baking, gently toss the roasted cauliflower in hot sauce to coat it evenly. Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Blending Avocado Crema
Combine avocados, garlic, sour cream (or yogurt), water, salt, and a squeeze of lemon or lime in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Preparing Slaw
Toss shredded cabbage or slaw in a portion of the avocado crema until it is well-coated, making it creamy.
Assembling Tacos
Fill each tortilla with the creamy slaw, topped with buffalo cauliflower, a drizzle of avocado crema, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before battering and baking.
How spicy are the buffalo cauliflower tacos?
The spice level depends on the hot sauce used. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat according to your preference.
Can I make the avocado crema in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado crema ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?
Corn or flour tortillas are both suitable. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
How can I make the tacos vegan?
To make the tacos vegan, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and ensure the tortillas are also vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional tacos. The crispy buffalo cauliflower pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado crema and crunchy slaw, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. These tacos are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chickpea Tacos
Swap the cauliflower with roasted spiced chickpeas and use the same avocado crema as a topping for a protein-packed twist.
Grilled Vegetable Tacos
Replace buffalo cauliflower with a mix of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy slaw.
Black Bean Tacos
Use seasoned black beans instead of cauliflower, adding diced tomatoes and cilantro for a fresh and hearty option.
Lentil Tacos
Cooked lentils can take the place of cauliflower, providing a nutritious and filling base to your tacos, complemented by avocado crema.
Mango Salsa Tacos
Top your buffalo cauliflower tacos with a mango salsa for a sweet and spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Quinoa and Veggie Tacos
Mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and spices, then use it as the filling for tacos to create a wholesome and protein-rich meal.
