Name: Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 14-ounce block extra firm tofu (pressed); 3 tablespoons coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any cooking oil of choice); 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (or 1 tablespoon tomato paste); juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or any granulated/liquid sweetener); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Taco shells or soft corn tortillas; Taco toppings of choice

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Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? These shredded tofu tacos deliver! Made with tofu, simple spices, and your favorite toppings, they taste like they’re straight from your favorite taco joint — and they’re vegan, vegetarian, and packed with protein, too!

Three crispy tofu tacos brimming with vegetables and shredded cheese sit on a wooden board, accompanied by lime wedges and a small bowl of red salsa.

Five Stars From Our Readers

“I cannot believe this recipe hasn’t been rated yet. I am pleased to be the first to tell you that we love, love, love these. So easy and yummy. I froze the rest for another meal (as there are only two of us). I plan on using the same technique of shredding the tofu and marinating in the sauce before cooking to make sloppy Joes. We are getting into tofu and this is such a tasty and easy way to introduce tofu. Will be added to my favorites. Thank you for the great idea and the super recipe.” — Carol F.

Taco nights will never be the same once you try this plant-based upgrade! Far from bland or boring, my shredded tofu tacos burst with bold, smoky flavor and a meaty texture you’d expect from regular tacos. They’re quick to make, absolutely delicious, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings — guaranteed to win you over!
~Kristen

Three hard shell tofu tacos filled with shredded meat, diced onions, cilantro, and sauce, served on a wooden board with lime wedges and a bowl of red sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!

Extra Firm Tofu: The star ingredient of these shredded tofu tacos, providing meaty texture while also absorbing all the flavors of the spices and seasonings. The firmer the tofu, the crispier it will become once cooked.

Coconut Aminos: Add a rich umami taste and a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness and smokiness of the other ingredients. If you do not have coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari will do the trick.

Avocado Oil: Adds a mild, buttery flavor to the dish while coating the tofu to ensure the seasonings stick. You can use any cooking oil of choice for this recipe if you prefer.

Tomato Sauce: Imparts a slightly sweet, slightly tangy flavor while acting as a binder for the tofu and the spices. You can also use a tablespoon of tomato paste if preferred.

Lime Juice: Provides these vegan tacos with brightness and tangy acidity that helps make the dish well-balanced and vibrant. If you do not have lime, lemon juice or red wine vinegar work well.

Smoked Paprika: Gives the shredded taco filling a smoky richness that enhances its overall taste.

Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness that helps balance the smokiness and spiciness of the dish. You can use any granulated/liquid sweetener if needed

Chili Powder: Provides the dish with a slightly smoky heat, giving the tacos a more authentic Mexican flavor.

Ground Cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy depth that helps make the dish taste more robust and vibrant.

Garlic Powder: Gives a bold, savory kick to the tofu, helping to deepen its flavor.

Onion Powder: Provides a slightly tangy and mildly sweet taste.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the rest of the ingredients in this tofu taco recipe.

Taco Shells or Soft Corn Tortillas: The vessel that holds all the wonderful tofu and taco fillings together. Just be certain to use gluten-free certified if necessary.

Taco Toppings Of Choice: Adds texture, flavor, and freshness to the tofu tacos.

Three crispy tofu tacos filled with lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese on a wooden board. Lime wedges are placed in front.

How to Make Tofu Tacos

01

MAKE THE MARINADE

Combine all the ingredients (except the tofu) in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.

A white, speckled bowl contains a colorful blend reminiscent of tofu tacos, with a mixture of brown and red liquids and white granules sprinkled on the surface.

02

SHRED

Shred the pressed tofu into strands using a box grater or crumble it with your hands.

03

TOSS

Combine the shredded tofu and marinade in a bowl, tossing well to coat. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes, up to one hour.

A close-up of a bowl filled with shredded jackfruit, seasoned with spices, creating a texture reminiscent of pulled meat, perfect as a filling for tofu tacos.

04

COOK

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tofu and cook for 10-15 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.

Savory fried onions in a pan, perfect for adding to your tofu tacos.

05

ASSEMBLE

Warm your taco shells (or corn tortillas), then fill them with shredded tofu. Top with taco toppings of choice and a little store-bought or homemade taco sauce. Enjoy!

Tofu tacos filled with shredded chicken sit on a wooden board, accompanied by a plate of lime, cilantro, and onion. A skillet brimming with more savory filling beckons in the background.

Four crispy tofu tacos filled with vegetables on a wooden board, garnished with lime wedges and accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce.

Taco Toppings

Fresh Toppings: Shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, red peppers, pickled red onions, pickled peppers, or charred corn kernels.
Rich and Creamy Toppings: Avocado crema, guacamole (made with guacamole seasoning), vegan sour cream, vegan queso or shredded cheese.
Zesty Toppings: Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, mango salsa, or lime wedges.
Other Toppings: Cilantro, refried beans, black beans, hot sauce, or sauteed onions.

Four hard shell tacos filled with seasoned shredded chicken, diced avocado, chopped red onions, cilantro, and drizzled sauce sit enticingly on a wooden board alongside lime wedges. For a twist, try our tofu tacos for a delicious alternative.

Serving Ideas

Paired with Mexican rice, corn fries, or Mexican lentil soup.
Served with a fresh green side salad or Southwest salad.
Paired with smoky potato wedges.
Served with a blueberry margarita mocktail.

Three crispy tofu tacos filled with shredded meat, diced onions, cilantro, and sauce are artfully arranged on a wooden board.

Expert Tips

Remove excess water from the tofu by wrapping it in a clean towel, placing a heavy object on top, and pressing it for about 10 minutes or more. This will help give your tofu a firmer texture and allow it to absorb flavors better.
Letting the tofu shreds sit in the marinade for at least 5 minutes will help the dish soak in all the flavors and achieve an enhanced taste.
If desired, you can make the shredded tofu filling in advance and then assemble the taco when it’s ready to be served.

Four crispy tofu tacos filled with shredded meat, lettuce, onion, and salsa rest on a wooden board next to lime wedges and a jar of red sauce.

More Delicious Tofu Recipes

Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Sticky Maple Ginger Tofu Noodle Bowl (Vegan, Gluten-Free)