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These Baked Tofu Tacos feature cubed firm tofu marinated, baked and then stuffed into tortillas with fresh toppings and a creamy avocado lime sauce. They make a high-protein lunch or dinner that’s easy enough for any day of the week. Gluten-free and vegan.
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Paired with fresh toppings and a creamy sauce, these Baked Tofu Tacos will have you coming back for seconds!
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Tofu ~ If you’re looking for a high-protein meatless dish, it doesn’t get much better than soybeans. Tofu, in particular, is made up of about 36% protein. It also boasts over 75% calcium and is high in healthy omega-3 fats and iron. [source]
Tofu can be bland and/or mushy if not done well. And no one likes bland, mushy tofu!
Here, I marinated cubes of extra-firm tofu in flavorful spices and seasonings, then baked them at high heat to create a crispy crust on the outside and a firm “meaty” texture on the inside.
Firm tofu will also work. No need to press the tofu, just drain it and pat it dry. You may press it, however, if you prefer.
Do not use soft or silken tofu.
Spices ~ The usual taco spices work well here. I used smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
Tamari and liquid smoke, while not typical in traditional taco recipes, will help create a flavorful savory, smoky taste.
Tortillas ~ I love corn tortillas slightly charred in a skillet on the stove for these baked tofu tacos.
You can use soft flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells if you prefer.
Sauce ~ I’ve paired this tofu taco recipe with a homemade creamy avocado lime sauce. It’s easily made in a food processor and features herby cilantro and mildly spicy jalapeño, too.
Feel free to use more or less jalapeño, depending on the amount of spicy heat you like. If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out or use fresh parsley instead.
Other tasty sauce options: guacamole, southwest ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of homemade vegan queso.
Toppings ~ I’ve kept the toppings fairly simple with shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño.
Use whatever taco toppings you like best. Some other great options would be raw or cooked corn, shredded lettuce, tomato-based salsa or fresh peach salsa, pickled red onions, cooked black beans, thinly sliced radishes, avocado slices, etc.
How to make the recipe
Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.
Cube the tofu into even bite-size pieces.
Pour the marinade over the tofu and gently mix until thoroughly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Spread out the marinated tofu cubes onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Bake until the edges are crispy and the centers are firm.
While the tofu bakes, make the sauce.
Place all the sauce ingredients into a food processor and purée until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
To serve, layer shredded cabbage, 4 to 5 cubes of baked tofu, chopped cilantro, and the creamy avocado lime sauce on your tortillas of choice. Add any additional toppings you like.
Serving suggestions
These Baked Tofu Tacos can be loaded up with enough toppings that they are a meal on their own. However, if you want to complete the meal, try some of these vegan side dishes:
- Vegan Refried Beans
- Kale Apple Slaw
- Raw Corn Radish Salad
- Three Bean Corn Salsa
- Hearts of Palm Salad
The seasoned tofu can be eaten on its own, too, or added to bowls or salads.
You may have leftover avocado lime sauce. Use it as a dip for raw veggies or tortilla chips. Or use it as as sandwich spread.
Storage and freezing
Fridge: Store leftover baked tofu in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
The avocado lime sauce will keep in a separate air-tight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Store any toppings separately.
Freezer: You can also freeze these baked tofu cubes. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top plastic bag. They should keep well for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Do not use soft or silken tofu.
~ Drain the tofu and pat it dry. You may press the tofu if you prefer, but I don’t find it’s necessary if you’re using firm or extra-firm.
~ Cube the tofu into even bite-size pieces.
~ Taste and adjust the seasonings in the sauce to your tastes. Add more or less jalapeño, lime, and cilantro. And don’t forget to season with salt!
~ Slightly char the tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 to 60 seconds per side.
~ Add the toppings of your choice, but don’t overstuff the tortillas or they may fall apart.
~ If you’re using corn tortillas, double them up to help prevent tearing.
FAQs
If you use firm or extra-firm tofu for these baked tofu tacos, you do not need to press the tofu. Just drain it and pat it dry.
I prefer to bake the tofu, but you could pan-fry the cubes of tofu if you prefer.
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the star rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment with your feedback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Baked Tofu Tacos
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
Baked Tofu
- 1 package (16 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu drained and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce or liquid aminos
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Avocado Lime Sauce (makes about 1 ¼ cups)
- 1 avocado peel and pit removed
- ¼ cup packed cilantro
- juice of 1-2 lime(s) to taste
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½-1 jalapeño optional; ribs and seeds removed
- ¼-1/2 cup water to thin
For Serving
- tortillas of choice
Toppings
- shredded cabbage
- chopped cilantro
- sliced jalapeño
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut the block of tofu into even bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
- Whisk together the tamari, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder in a container or zip-top plastic bag. Add the cubed tofu and gently mix until thoroughly coated. Cover and place the container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the marinated tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Flip tofu cubes over and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until firm.
- While the tofu is baking, make the creamy Avocado Lime Sauce. Place all ingredients into the food processor and purée until smooth. Start with ¼ cup of water and add more, to thin, if needed.
- To serve, place the shredded cabbage on a tortilla, then the baked tofu cubes, a drizzle of the creamy Avocado Lime Sauce, and then the toppings of your choice.
Notes
Nutrition facts calculated assuming 2 corn tortillas per serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Linda
Would you be able to do the tofu in an air fryer? I don’t currently have a stove and an a total newbie with air frying.
Thanks in advance
Jenn Sebestyen
Sure! Try this method using the seasonings in my taco recipe: https://jessicainthekitchen.com/how-to-make-crispy-air-fryer-tofu/. Enjoy!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Being from San Diego Tacos are always a go! I love creamy cilantro lime sauce, we eat it a ton with our Mexican and it’s SUCH a good flavor! Looks delicious!
Jenn S.
Tacos forever! I could eat them every day and I’m from the midwest. Ha! Thanks, Sophia!
Vanessa
Yum! I love that you baked the tofu and didn’t fry it. I havent had the best of luck baking tofu so I’ll have to give your recipe a try. Looks delicious and don’t even get me started on that sauce! Yum!!!
Jenn S.
HaHa, the sauce is always the best part of every meal, right? And, I haven’t had much luck with baked tofu in the past either. I think it was just a matter of finding the right temp and length of time though. I really want to try to perfect baked tofu steaks now! 🙂
Hauke Fox
Oh dear, what a great idea! Well baked tofu and a tasty as sauce are already a good team. All wrapped in tacos makes it even better! I’d love to have had that for lunch today 😉
Jenn S.
I wish I had some left for lunch too! I need to make it again. Thanks, Hauke!
Linda
That creamy sauce looks delicious! I could totally go for a couple of those delicious tacos right now.
Jenn S.
Thanks, Linda! I wish I had some more too!
Gin
As usual, you make the tastiest-sounding food ever! I want these for breakfast right now. 😀
Jenn S.
Funny you say that – I ate them twice for breakfast!! So good anytime of day! Thanks, Gin!
Alisa Fleming
Baked tofu and creamy cashew sauce? I so need this for dinner this week!
Jenn S.
You do! 🙂 Thanks, Alisa!
Mel
What gorgeous looking tacos! The tofu looks so tasty and that sauce? Delicious!
Jenn S.
Thank you! Everything is better with a good sauce, amiright? And I just can’t get enough tofu lately. So good!
Kelly
Oh that sauce. am definitely going to need to make a double batch of that. Looks finger licking!
Jenn S.
I was licking from the spoon! Thanks, Kelly!
Taylor Kiser
These are calling my name! Love all the flavors going on! My kind of tacos!
Jenn S.
Thank you, Taylor! Gotta have flavor in the tacos!! 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Why the heck would any still fry tofu when you can get it that crispy and browned and flavorful in the oven! And with no oil even, I’m amazed. You are right, I would happily enjoy any part of these tacos by itself! And I’m pretty sure I have the exact same (and awesome) food processor as you too 🙂
Jenn S.
Yes, so true. I do still fry it sometimes – but I don’t even know why to be honest. It’s actually easier to bake it and, like you said, still crispy on the outside. Habit I guess. And, woohoo for the awesome food processor! My old one lasted 11 years!! And I’m thankful I got the same one again. 🙂
Cadry
Looks great! I’m all about tacos, and it’s nice to give beans a break sometimes. 🙂
Jenn S.
I would never say no to beans, but yes, it’s great to change things up every once in awhile. Thanks, Cadry!
Becky Striepe
Aah these look so good!
Jenn S.
🙂
Aimee
You are officially the taco queen, Jenn! These looks amazing, as always 😀
Jenn S.
HaHa, thanks, Aimee! We eat a lot of tacos over here. LOVE them!! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Let me just stop being lazy and make some chickpea tofu….uhhh I want there!!!! They sound like a delicious taco combo!!
Jenn S.
I have made chickpea tofu before and it’s amazing! And actually quite easy, too! But, store bought tofu rocks too. 🙂 Thanks, Rebecca!