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Cauliflower Tacos with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe


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4.3 from 41 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Chop Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves to use as a garnish for the tacos.
  7. 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.
  8. 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