These crispy cauliflower tacos are crispy and full of punchy Baja flavor!
Traditional Baja tacos feature tempura battered white fish or shrimp but that’s not vegetarian-friendly.
So, in this recipe, we substituted the fish with cauliflower but used the same crispy batter and delicious toppings to emulate the original dish.
The crunchy cauliflower is wrapped in a soft tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy Baja sauce.
The flavors are vibrant and will definitely have you coming back for more. These are the ideal tacos to serve as a vegetarian option at a taco night with your friends.
Why you will love this Cauliflower Tacos recipe…
Baja-Style Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cauliflower:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cold sparkling water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for frying
For the Baja Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like Cholula or Tapatío)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Gradually add the sparkling water, whisking until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat ( 350°F). Fry the cauliflower in batches, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- To each tortilla, add a handful of shredded cabbage, a few crispy cauliflower florets, and a drizzle of Baja sauce. Top with pico de gallo and diced avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cauliflower tacos with your favorite corn or flour tortillas or try your hand at making some yourself.
For a refreshing twist, pair them with a Pomegranate & Rosewater Champagne Cocktail to complement the savory flavors and add a festive touch to your meal.
🧑🍳 Expert Tips
Storage Suggestions
Cauliflower Tacos FAQs
What makes something Baja?
Baja food was created in Tijuana and is traditionally based around food that comes from the sea. Baja tacos usually feature battered shrimp or white fish, shredded cabbage and a creamy Baja sauce.
Is cauliflower a good meat substitute?
Yes, cauliflower is often used as a substitute for meat because it has a juicy, meaty texture when cooked correctly.
Is cauliflower a protein substitute?
Cauliflower is high in protein when considering how low it is in calories. A 100g serving of cauliflower contains 1.9g of protein.
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