Description
These Cauliflower Tacos with Yum Yum Sauce are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal featuring crispy breaded cauliflower, seasoned refried beans, tangy cabbage slaw, and a flavorful homemade Yum Yum sauce all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that balances crunchy textures and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Crispy Breaded Cauliflower
- 1 recipe Crispy Breaded Cauliflower (prepared separately)
Beans and Seasoning
- 15-ounce can vegetarian refried beans (or homemade refried black beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch or two of kosher salt (optional, to taste)
Cabbage Slaw
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
- Pinch or two of kosher salt
Tortillas and Garnishes
- 8 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Yum Yum Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (vegan if desired)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (use coconut oil for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Crispy Breaded Cauliflower: Make the crispy breaded cauliflower as per your preferred recipe, which will take about 40 minutes total. Use this time to prepare the other components of the tacos.
- Season the Refried Beans: If using store-bought vegetarian refried beans, taste them first. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a pinch or two of kosher salt if needed to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, use homemade refried black beans if desired.
- Make the Cabbage Slaw: Thinly slice enough red cabbage to equal 2 cups. Toss the shredded cabbage with 2 tablespoons lime juice and a pinch or two of salt. Allow this slaw to sit at room temperature until serving for the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Yum Yum Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan), tomato paste, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, and water. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Warm or Char the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas until warm by either warming them in a pan or oven. For a smoky touch, char them directly over a gas flame on medium heat for a few seconds per side, flipping with tongs until slightly blackened and warm.
- Chop Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves to use as a garnish for the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread some seasoned refried beans on a warm tortilla. Top with cabbage slaw, crispy breaded cauliflower, a generous drizzle of Yum Yum sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
- Reheat Leftovers (Optional): If you have leftover crispy cauliflower, reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, to restore crispiness.
Notes
- Using store-bought refried beans allows you to focus more on preparing the cauliflower and other components.
- For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and substitute melted butter with coconut oil in the Yum Yum sauce.
- Charring the tortillas over an open flame adds a pleasant smoky flavor and improves texture.
- The cabbage slaw can be prepared in advance, but add lime juice and salt just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Leftover crispy cauliflower can be reheated in the oven to retain crunch instead of microwaving, which may make it soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired