Crispy Tofu Tacos

By Alexa Weibel

Published May 29, 2025

• Total Time: 1¼ hours

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Rating: 5 (1,543 ratings)

• Comments: 221 comments

While countless crispy tofu recipes circulate, few live up to their promise—tofu’s high moisture content typically causes it to steam rather than crisp. However, prolonged oven cooking solves this issue, producing brittle edges and a chewy interior with minimal effort. Start by pressing as much excess liquid as possible from the tofu block, then grate it coarsely, season it generously, and roast until it sizzles.

A critical final step is drizzling the tofu with a blend of olive oil and tomato paste toward the end of cooking. This step enhances crispiness at the edges and imparts a deep umami flavor—so much so that the tofu can nearly pass for seasoned ground beef.

Avocado mayonnaise, thinned with lime juice and brightened with lime zest, adds richness and tang while acting as a functional binding agent for the tacos. By selecting vegan-friendly mayonnaise and tortillas, the entire dish can be made fully vegan.

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