Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

Cauliflower tacos with cilantro lime crema offer a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic tacos. Roasted to crispy perfection and paired with a tangy, creamy sauce, these tacos make a delicious and easy plant-based meal.

Three soft corn tortillas, lightly browned with char marks, lie open on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each tortilla holds a layer of roasted cauliflower pieces colored golden brown and orange with spices, sitting on a base of finely chopped red onions and green peppers. The roasted cauliflower is topped with a dripping white sauce flecked with green herbs. A halved lime rests on the board near the top left of the tacos, and scattered cilantro leaves add a fresh green touch around the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Corn or flour tortillas (your choice)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pickled onions
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional for non-vegan option)
  • Hot sauce (for an extra kick)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
  4. Step 4: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the cilantro lime crema. Combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
  5. Step 5: Blend until smooth and creamy, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed with more lime juice or salt.
  6. Step 6: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
  7. Step 7: Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with roasted cauliflower, drizzling with cilantro lime crema, and topping with sliced avocado, pickled onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and optional cheese or hot sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cauliflower seasoning mix.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter crema without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Try adding black beans or grilled corn to increase protein and texture.
  • Make it vegan by using dairy-free yogurt and skipping the cheese.

Storage

Store leftover roasted cauliflower and crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower in the oven to retain crispness before assembling tacos again. The crema can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Two tacos are filled with three main layers each: the first layer is soft, white corn tortillas with slight charring and a rough texture. The second layer consists of bright orange roasted cauliflower pieces with a slightly crispy surface. The third layer includes small chunks of fresh green cilantro leaves and thin slices of purple onion scattered throughout. Light green creamy sauce with visible herb bits is drizzled over the top, adding a smooth texture contrast. The tacos rest on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower works best for roasting to achieve crisp edges, but you can use frozen cauliflower if it is thawed and patted dry first to prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for pickled onions?

If you don’t have pickled onions, thinly sliced red onions lightly tossed in vinegar and a pinch of salt work well as a quick alternative.

Print

Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe

These Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema offer a flavorful, vibrant vegetarian meal featuring oven-roasted spiced cauliflower topped with a creamy, tangy cilantro lime sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, these tacos bring together a wonderful combination of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors with optional extras like avocado, pickled onions, and cheese.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Seasoning

  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Tortillas and Toppings

  • Corn or flour tortillas (your choice)
  • Sliced avocado, for serving
  • Pickled onions, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional, for non-vegan option)
  • Hot sauce, optional for an extra kick

Cilantro Lime Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the florets are evenly coated.
  2. Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy.
  3. Make the Cilantro Lime Crema: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice or salt to taste.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and slightly charred.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with roasted cauliflower and drizzle with cilantro lime crema. Add desired toppings such as sliced avocado, pickled onions, fresh cilantro leaves, crumbled cheese, and a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative and omit the cheese.
  • Adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or hot sauce according to your taste preference.
  • Optional toppings like pickled onions add a nice tangy contrast to the roasted cauliflower.
  • These tacos are best served immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the roasted cauliflower.

Keywords: cauliflower tacos, vegetarian tacos, cilantro lime crema, roasted cauliflower recipe, healthy tacos, meatless tacos, easy dinner recipe

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