BBQ Tofu Taco Crumbles (3 Ways to Make it!)

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BBQ tofu taco crumbles are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat tacos. I am trying once a month to include a meatless dinner in our meal planning and this crispy vegan twist on taco night is one of my favorite recipes!

These BBQ tofu taco crumbles are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. They are a great way to introduce your friends and family to the world of vegetarian cooking (you need to try my spicy mushrooms and asparagus tacos!) and are sure to be a hit with everyone. So why not give them a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying they can be?

Ingredients

• firm or extra-firm tofu, crumbled
• olive oil
• smoked paprika
• dried oregano
• BBQ sauce
• fresh parsley, chopped
• scallions, thinly sliced
• lemon juice
• small tortillas
• salt and black pepper to taste

To serve salsa, preferably homemade salsa verde

How to make Crispy BBQ Tofu Taco Crumbles?

You can make BBQ tofu taco crumble in 3 different ways:

How to make crispy bbq tofu on the stove top

To make the BBQ tofu taco crumbles, start by crumbling a block of extra-firm tofu and mixing it with a blend of spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, cook the tofu in a skillet with some oil until it is crispy and browned. Finally, add your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and avocado.

How to make crispy bbq tofu in the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!

Take your crumbled tofu and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over it and generously sprinkle with smoked paprika, and oregano. Give it a good toss to evenly coat the tofu with those flavorful spices. Don’t season now with salt and pepper!!! It will release more water and it will not become cripsy. Season after baking it

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the tofu bake until it turns beautifully browned and crispy. This process should take around 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Once the tofu is nicely browned, carefully remove it from the oven. Add a delightful twist by mixing in some BBQ sauce, coating the tofu with its tangy goodness.

Place the baking sheet back into the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Heat your tortillas in the oven, ensuring they’re warm and pliable. Once heated, fill each tortilla with the mouthwatering BBQ tofu, drizzle it with the delicious sour cream sauce, and top it off with some homemade salsa. The combination of flavors will be a taste sensation!

How to make crispy bbq tofu in an air fryer?

As someone who loves using an air fryer, I was curious if tofu crumbles could be cooked in it. After some experimentation, I can confidently say that tofu crumbles can indeed be cooked in an air fryer, and they turn out crispy and delicious.

Here are some tips for cooking tofu crumbles in an air fryer:

• Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes.
• Once the tofu is pressed, crumble it into small pieces and season it with your desired spices. I like to use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the seasoned tofu crumbles in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Once the tofu crumbles are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and use them in your favorite recipe.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the tofu crumbles. Be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Tips to get crispy tofu taco crumbles

1. Choose the right tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best results. These varieties have a lower moisture content and hold their shape better during cooking.
2. Press the tofu: Remove excess moisture from the tofu by pressing it. Place the tofu block between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and place a heavy object (like a plate or a pan) on top. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes to press out the liquid.
3. Crumble the tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork. You can make the crumbles as fine or as chunky as you prefer.
4. Season after cooking: Once the tofu crumbles are cooked, you can further enhance the flavor by adding additional seasonings such as salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving BBQ tofu taco crumbles, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:

• Tacos: Of course, the most obvious way to serve tofu taco crumbles is in a taco! Warm up some corn tortillas and fill them with the crumbles, along with your favorite toppings. I like to use diced avocado, shredded romaine lettuce, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
• Taco Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using the tofu crumbles as a protein source in a taco salad. Simply layer the crumbles on top of a bed of greens, along with some sliced veggies and a drizzle of dressing.
• Meal Prep: These tofu crumbles are perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and use them in different ways throughout the week. They can be added to salads, bowls, or tacos for a quick and easy meal.
• Taco Bowls: Speaking of bowls, why not make a taco bowl? Layer warm rice, black beans, and the tofu crumbles in a bowl, and top with your favorite taco toppings. This is a great option for those who want a more filling meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these BBQ tofu taco crumbles are sure to be a hit. They’re packed with flavor and protein, making them a great addition to any meal.