Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos are a bold, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian twist on traditional tacos. Featuring crispy roasted cauliflower coated in tangy buffalo sauce, these tacos are layered with fresh toppings like avocado, crunchy slaw, and creamy ranch, all tucked into warm tortillas. They’re perfect for a fun weeknight meal or entertaining guests who love a bit of heat with their veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously spicy and tangy flavor with a satisfying crunch
• A wholesome vegetarian (and easily vegan) option
• Oven-roasted instead of fried for a healthier take
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Fully customizable with your favorite toppings
• Great for Meatless Monday or any taco night

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Vegan ranch or regular ranch dressing
• Optional: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled blue cheese

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl. Toss with buffalo sauce until coated.
5. Return to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
7. To assemble, layer each tortilla with shredded cabbage, buffalo cauliflower, avocado slices, a drizzle of ranch, and any additional toppings you like.
8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 (2 tacos per person)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Air fryer: Cook cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
• Low carb: Serve the buffalo cauliflower in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Extra spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the buffalo mix.
• Protein boost: Add black beans or grilled tofu as a filling.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Tip: Store tortillas and toppings separately for best texture when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos vegan?

Yes, just use a vegan ranch and check that your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

Any store-bought buffalo sauce works, or you can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter or a plant-based alternative.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have a moderate kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the heat by using a milder sauce or adding less.

Can I prep these in advance?

Yes, roast the cauliflower and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving and assemble the tacos fresh.

Can I freeze buffalo cauliflower?

It’s not ideal—roasted cauliflower tends to lose texture when frozen and thawed.

What toppings go well with buffalo cauliflower tacos?

Avocado, shredded cabbage, ranch dressing, chopped cilantro, green onions, and crumbled blue cheese are all great options.

What can I serve with these tacos?

Serve them with a side of black beans, cilantro lime rice, or a fresh corn salad.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen cauliflower can work in a pinch.

How do I make these tacos kid-friendly?

Use a mild buffalo sauce or toss the cauliflower in BBQ sauce instead for a less spicy version.

Can I grill the cauliflower instead of roasting?

Yes, grill cauliflower florets in a grill basket until tender and charred, then toss with buffalo sauce.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos are a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy plant-based eating without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Add them to your weekly rotation for a spicy, crowd-pleasing twist on taco night.

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