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Five Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema, avocado, and fresh lime wedges arranged on a dark wooden board.
Layla

Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

These vibrant vegetarian tacos feature perfectly seasoned and roasted cauliflower florets, all brought together with a zesty, creamy cilantro lime crema. A fresh and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Cauliflower
  • 1 large head Cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Crema
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 small Garlic clove minced
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • Pinch Sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 1-2 tbsp Water or milk as needed, to thin the crema
For Assembly and Toppings
  • 8-10 Small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 Avocado diced (optional)
  • 1/4 head Red cabbage thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Pickled red onions (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Cotija cheese crumbled (optional)
  • 2 Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet or air fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Whisk
  • Small skillet (optional, for warming tortillas)

Method
 

Prepare the Cilantro Lime Crema
  1. In a small bowl or a blender/food processor, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and optional sugar. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. If the crema is too thick, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
Roast the Cauliflower
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all florets are evenly coated.
  3. If roasting in the oven: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until it's tender, slightly caramelized, and has a nice char on the edges.
  4. If air frying: Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and crispy.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. While the cauliflower is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes.
  2. To assemble, place a generous spoonful of the roasted cauliflower into each warm tortilla. Drizzle liberally with the prepared cilantro lime crema.
  3. Add your desired toppings such as diced avocado, thinly sliced red cabbage, pickled red onions, or crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, make the cilantro lime crema at least 30 minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Leftover crema can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Roasted cauliflower is best served fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer.