Grilled Tofu Tacos with Roasted Jalapeño Lime Sauce

Recipe By: Catherine Brown

grilled tofu tacos

Grilled Tofu Tacos are what I call a "flex" meal, meaning they can be made in lots of different ways. The one thing I've kept consistent is how I prepare the tofu. No baking, frying or grilling is required, which means much less fat absorption. I also prefer the consistency of the tofu when it's been pressed overnight. It becomes more dense and satisfying. You can check out my process, including lots of step-by-step photos and the ingredients for the marinade, here.

For tacos, I use my Latin American marinade, whole wheat tortillas or organic corn tortillas, whatever vegetables I have on hand, black or pinto beans, and my Fire Roasted Jalapeno Lime Sauce.

Some ideas for the grilled veg:

  • sweet peppers (multi-colored bells, cubanelles, poblanos)
  • spicy peppers (cherry, jalapeño, Thai, habanero)
  • onions (yellow, purple, green)
  • garlic scapes
  • sweet corn (white, yellow or multi)
  • summer squash (yellow or green zucchini, pattypan, crookneck)

Some ideas for the toppings:

  • fresh lime wedges
  • fresh lemon wedges
  • cilantro
  • fresh Mexican oregano
  • salsa
  • fresh chilies, chopped
  • shredded purple or green cabbage
  • avocado, sliced or cubed
  • guacamole
  • fermented vegetables
  • Roasted Jalapeno Lime Sauce (recipe below)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cashews, plain, raw
  • 2 limes, zest and flesh
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 large jalapenos, grilled or roasted
  • 3 Tbsp fortified nutritional yeast*
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • 2 Medjool dates, soaked in 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup white wine or champagne vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water (or more depending on desired consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked salt or regular sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander

Instructions

  1. Place cashews in a bowl and pour enough hot water over them to cover by 1/2". Set aside for two hours, occasionally stirring to submerge those floating on the surface. If you have a high-powered blender, you may not need to soak the cashews.
  2. Grill or roast the jalapeños over an open flame until charred. Place inside a paper bag, fold and allow to cool. Once cooled, peel off most of the charred skin. Cut in half and remove some (or all) of the seeds, depending on your desired spice level. Place these in a small bowl.
  3. Zest the limes into the same small bowl with the jalapeños. Peel the zested limes with a sharp paring knife. Remove as much of the white pith as possible. Slice into quarters. Add these to the bowl with the zest. Cover and place in the freezer while waiting for the cashews to soak. This accomplishes two things. It keeps your blender from overheating the contents while pureeing and it allows the finished dressing to be cooler so you can use it right away, if needed.
  4. Remove the seeds from the dates, place in a small bowl and pour 1/4 cup hot water over them. Set aside.
  5. Keep the vinegar, water, and garlic cloves cold until needed.
  6. Add the partially frozen lime and jalapeño chunks, zest, the soaked and drained cashews, the dates and their soaking liquid, nutritional yeast, garlic, vinegar, water, cilantro and spices to your high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down sides, if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Dressing should be slightly thick, creamy and pourable. Thin with additional water or more vinegar if necessary. Refrigerate until needed (can be stored up to 1 week).
  7. To Assemble: Slice or chop the grilled vegetables. Prepare the condiments. Grill the tortillas individually, or wrap in foil and heat them on the grill. Spread everything around the table and everyone can fill their own.

Recipe Notes

*Fortified nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins, including vitamin B12. Not all brands of nutritional yeast are fortified, so check the label carefully. Nutritional yeast also lends some body and flavor to this dressing but is not necessary.

One of the things I love about this preparation method, is it doesn't need cooking to be absolutely delicious. However, if you'd prefer hot, crispy tofu instead, here's what to do:

  • Increase the nutritional yeast to 4 Tbsp.
  • After marinating period, heat oven to 400°F.
  • Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  • Bake tofu 30-40 minutes until crisp, turning halfway through.
  • Enjoy eating it in any of the ways suggested above.