Easy and Delicious Vegan Tofu Tacos with Cajun Slaw

Cajun style vegan tacos. I am always looking for new and interesting ways to serve my velveted tofu. I usually use an Asian inspired peanut sauce or maybe a spicy sweet and sour type sauce, but I wanted something that would be really good in tacos. And what better than my vegan crispy tofu filling in tacos?

Tacos, like Burritos, are a food that I often crave but rarely cook for myself. I have no idea why, although I think it could be because I'm usually only cooking for two and I feel that Tacos are food for a crowd. Plus I always end up chopping way too much lettuce and tomato for them, but a generous portion is never a bad thing.

I first tried Tacos at Taco Bell in the US, and, whilst I wasn't disappointed, I wasn't blown away by them. I knew there had to be more to Tacos than this fast food joint could offer. Later on the same trip, we visited a Mexican restaurant that served the most delicious green chilli pork tacos and I was permanently converted. Whilst I no longer eat meat, I love the fact that with such amazing ingredients as Jackfruit or Tofu or Seitan, we can replicate the textures of the foods that many of used to enjoy.

I don't think it's bad to admit that you used to enjoy certain foods before you became plant-based. In many respects it reveals your absolute dedication to your new lifestyle, whether you've made the change because of ethical or health reasons. Before I made the change, I really enjoyed meat and dairy to the max and justified it to myself by always choosing the organic option. Whilst this is still a better choice than meat/dairy straight off the supermarket shelves, it doesn't address the ethical or health reasons that people really become vegan or plant-based. But that debate should not be on a recipe page for Tacos

What are Tacos?

In case you have had the misfortune in life never to have tried a Taco, it is a small flour or corn tortilla, sometimes crunchy, sometimes soft, filled with all sorts of delicious toppings. It is a Mexican street food or Antojitos but is just as commonly seen on the dinner table nowadays due to its versatility.

In Mexico, fillings vary from region to region, for example, fish tacos from Baja, and more traditional fillings such as organ meat are found in true taco taquerias throughout the country. One of the fillings that I come across the most, and is seen in adverts for taco shells and seasonings (in the yellow packaging) is a minced beef filling with shredded lettuce, cheese, refried beans and salsa. This was probably the least satisfying of all the taco fillings to me, even when I made them with vegan mince.

My recipe is definitely a mutt, using flavours from Cajun cooking, a slaw and then some traditional taco toppings too, but it really works. And if it tastes good, I'm a happy girl.

Ingredients in my Easy and Delicious Vegan Tofu Tacos with Cajun Slaw

Tofu

Make sure to use firm tofu. Press it and dry it between kitchen paper before coating. To press it, I wrap it in a couple of layers of kitchen paper, place it in a bowl and put a chopping board on top with some cans. If your tofu is extra firm, you don't really need to go to all this trouble, just drain and dry.

The Tofu Spice Mix

• This was my first spice blend. I used to coat chicken and fry it, but it works great on tofu or (drumroll……) in mashed potatoes!)
• 2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

What is velveted tofu?

Click here to read my tips about velveting tofu.

Tortilla Wraps

I like soft flour ones. They should be of the small size, 4" dia or thereabouts. I'm not a fan of the crunchy ones as they are just annoying to eat but, if they're your preference, use these! Ideally fresh ones, but I know that's not always possible (certainly not around here).

The Slaw

I used a pre-sliced coleslaw mix which contained red and white cabbage, carrot and a little bit of red onion. You can of course slice your own veg, add some spring onions or radish for some extra crunch.

The sauce is a slightly healthier version that full fat mayo. My favourite brand of vegan mayo is Hellmann's. I think they've just nailed the flavour without it being too vinegary, and it's just delicious. I like to mix it with a little vegan Greek yogurt as it just lifts the slight heaviness that mayo on it's own can have. This is optional. By all means use all mayo if you prefer!

I then flavour the mayo/yogurt mixture with mustard, jalapeno, lime, smoky paprika and a secret ingredient of maple syrup which helps counterbalance all the spicy, smoky, sharp flavours. A perfect umami balance.