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Weeknight style Crispy Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Honey Lime Avocado Crema. Cauliflower seasoned up with smoky chipotle peppers and enchilada sauce, then mixed with cheese, stuffed into tortillas, and oven-baked. Each tinga taco is crunchy on the outside, but spicy and cheesy inside. Serve with a creamy, salty honey-lime avocado crema sauce, and a mix of your favorite toppings. These come together easily and are so delicious. The perfect vegetarian twist on a classic taco that everyone loves!
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Large head cauliflower
- Yellow onion
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Red enchilada sauce
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded pepper jack cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Large avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Honey
- Garlic
- Limes
So, I’m sure I mentioned this, but brother Red has been in town since a little before Christmas. He’s here snowboarding until the end of the month. We almost never see Red since he’s constantly traveling, but because of COVID, his travel schedule is much mellower this year. It’s a huge bummer of course, but the silver lining is that we get to have him home for more than a few days at a time. Personally, I love having him around. He’s one of those kids that can always bring a smile to your face.
And let’s be honest, I’m a real sucker when he asks anything of me. But especially when it comes to the question, “what’s for dinner”? I cave-in and make him pretty much whatever he asks for.
Unlike my oldest brother, Creighton, Red actually enjoys a meat-free dinner. His all-time favorite…The Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower from the HBH Super Simple Cookbook. I’ve been making it on repeat.
But guys, while I love that recipe, I also love trying new things. Since Red is very, very into cauliflower right now, tacos seemed like a great idea.
Enter these crispy cauliflower tinga tacos…still cauliflower but presented in a whole new way.
The inspiration…
I’ve actually had this recipe on my list for a while, so when I realized just how much Red has been loving cauliflower I thought I’d make these while he’s in town. I drew inspiration from my chicken tinga taquitos that I shared last year. We all LOVE that recipe so much. I want to see if I could make something vegetarian, but with those same flavors.
I also really, really wanted to do crispy taco shells, since the cauliflower itself is saucy, not crispy. So I grabbed my hard shell taco recipe from my family’s favorite classic taco. I put the two recipes together, then added the cauliflower tinga. Guys, they turned out even better than I had thought.
I wasn’t sure how the cauliflower would hold up to the tinga sauce, but in all honesty? Everyone said they enjoyed the cauliflower, more than any other meat.
Making these tacos is pretty easy, here are the steps.
Aside from these tacos being delicious, they really are so easy to make. I start with the cauliflower tinga. If you’re new to Chicken Tinga, it’s a Mexican dish consisting of shredded chicken in a tomato-based chipotle sauce with sliced onions. It’s actually very simple, but the flavors from the chipotle peppers are KEY, and what is most traditional with any Tinga dish.
Cook the cauliflower and onion together in a super hot skillet. You’ll want to get a char on the cauliflower, but leave it tender, not mushy. Once the cauliflower starts to char, add in chipotle peppers and enchilada sauce. I use enchilada sauce as the tomato base for my tInga sauce. Once the cauliflower simmers in the sauce for a bit, it’s ready. It shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes, then you can assemble the tacos!
Now onto the crispy shells.
Instead of using store-bought taco shells, I like to take corn tortillas and stuff them with the cauliflower tinga and a sprinkling of cheese. I throw them in the oven to bake until the tortillas are crispy.
This method is my GO-TO. It’s become a staple in a lot of my taco recipes. I love the crispy oven “fried” shells. Nothing beats them!
And finally, the crema.
While the shells bake, make the crema. I wanted something cooling and creamy to balance the heat from the chipotle sauce. So instead of using a classic cream-based crema, I went a little healthier and whipped my avocado in the food processor.
It is so creamy, and a touch of lime plus flaky sea salt makes it so delicious.
Serve up the cream with the crispy tacos and you’ll have the perfect dinner. This recipes is sure to be one of your new favorites.
If you wanted to take the toppings a step further, I would recommend a pineapple salsa or mango salsa. You all know me, I love a good fruity salsa. The perfect way to liven up an average Tuesday night at home.
Oh, and yes, Red LOVED these (so did the rest of the fam). So I’d say I’m really close to winning that sister of the year award this year. Cool, Cool! Your new go-to weeknight tacos!
Looking for more simple, Mexican recipes? Here are a few favorites:
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
Cauliflower Al Pastor Quesadillas with Lime Smashed Avocado
Mushroom Al Pastor Tacos with Garlic Lime Special Sauce
Healthier Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
Lastly, if you make these, Crispy Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Honey Lime Avocado Crema, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys on Instagram and Facebook and on the blog and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crispy Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Honey Lime Avocado Crema
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 503 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 6 cups chopped)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped use to your taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce homemade or store-bought
- 8-12 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salsa, shredded lettuce, and pickled onions for serving
Honey Lime Avocado Crema
- 1 large avocado, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- juice from 2 limes
- kosher or flaky salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the cauliflower and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is charring, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle peppers, enchilada sauce, oregano, salt, and 1/3 cup water. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.3. Warm the tortillas for 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave, until pliable. On a baking sheet, rub the tortillas with olive oil. Lay each flat and then layer evenly with cheese and cauliflower. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, gently pushing to adhere (see above photo). Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes more, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crisp. 4. Meanwhile, make the Honey Lime Avocado Crema. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt.5. Serve the tacos topped with avocado, lettuce, limes, and any other desired toppings.
This post was originally published on January 19, 2021
I was a little nervous about these but Everyone loved these. Quite delicious!
Hey Kimberly,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! ?xTieghan
winner, winner chick…cauliflower dinner! So good! So easy! My latest new fave, and new addition to easy, clean, nutritious weeknight meal go-to-list. Thank You Tieghan!
Hey Simone,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Can I use green enchilada sauce? We can’t find red at our local store! Thank you!!
Hey Leah,
Yes, green enchilada sauce will work well for you. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
What if you don’t have a microwave what’s the best option for the tortillas
Hey Brittany,
You can warm your tortillas on a skillet or in the oven. I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
These tacos are now one of my all time favourite meals. Everything pairs together so well and it’s really easy – as are all of Tieghans recipes I have tried
Hey Maire,
I really appreciate you giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed.? xTieghan
So good and easy!!
Hey Sabrina,
Thanks for making this recipe! I am so glad it was a hit! xTieghan
Best tacos I’ve ever had! This tastes like a restaurant-style taco would. Super delicious, totally vegetarian and loved by even the meat eaters. It’s full of flavour and both the cauliflower and avocado crema compliment each other so perfectly. Easy to make and definitely a hit!
Hey Sabina,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Trying to keep to meatless Monday’s. This was my pick. This recipe will stay in the rotation! It was so delicious ? It was meaty without being meat and the flavors were great! Paired with the crema and pineapple salsa put it over the top! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
Hey Julia,
Awesome, I love to hear that the recipe was enjoyed and thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious. Love everything about this
Hey Nikki,
I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks so much for giving it a try. Have a great week! xTieghan
We really enjoyed this, the lime crema gave zing which was perfect!
So glad the recipe was enjoyed! Thanks for giving it a try Hannah! xTieghan
What size tortillas do you use? The street taco or regular corn tortillas?
Hey Lisa,
I used 6 inch tortillas, and I used corn tortillas from Whole Foods. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Sooo delicious and easy! I had a bunch of frozen red and yellow bell peppers that I threw in and it was perfect. Easy to customize, hearty, but not heavy. My whole family is a fan!
Hey Haley,
Thanks a bunch for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
So good! Love the flavors of the cauliflower and the avocado crema is the perfect addition. Thank you! Will be saving this one for sure.
Hey Leah,
Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that the recipe was enjoyed! Have a fantastic weekend! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, we loved the cauliflower tacos; easy but delicious and my daughter who is a vegetarian was certainly appreciative of the invitation to dinner. Will try more recipes and very drawn to your photos as it all looks so good.
Hey Andrea,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a go! I am thrilled it was enjoyed. xTieghan
Just delicious! So, so yum! I made it for just my husband and me, and my girls hovered over me in the kitchen as I prepared it, drooling (they can only handle a little spice and I warned them this would be spicy) — they begggggged me to try a bite and then beggggged me to make it next time without the chipotle, which I will gladly do. I topped it with your spicy ranch from your cheesy gordita crunch recipe (that I plan to make later this week — do you use 6” fajita tortillas or 8” soft taco tortillas? I bought 8” ones, but I’m wondering if they’ll be too big and eclipse the hard shell! ?)Thanks for such a great meal!
Hey Tamara,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! I used 6 inch but 8 inch should be totally fine. Happy Sunday:) xTieghan