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Indulge in Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos for a spicy, vegetarian delight that’s quick and easy to prepare. This scrumptious meal satisfies your cravings fast, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re in the mood for something with a kick or seeking a fresh, meat-free option, this recipe is a true game-changer.
Enjoy your Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos alongside delicious sides such as crispy sweet potato fries, refreshing cucumber salad, creamy guacamole, fresh salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Are Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Cut Cauliflower Into Florets
- How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One
- Expert Tips
- Topping Ideas For Cauliflower Tacos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: Buffalo cauliflower tacos offer a tantalizing combination of flavors. The crisp cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce provide a zesty kick, while the sweet honey, crisp cabbage, and tangy blue cheese balance out the heat. The contrast between the spicy, sweet, and savory elements creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Vegetarian or Plant-Based Option: For those who are vegetarian or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, these tacos are a fantastic choice. The cauliflower serves as a hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meat fillings, making it a great option for individuals who prefer a vegetarian meal.
- Healthier Alternative: Buffalo cauliflower tacos provide a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken tacos. Cauliflower is low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Baking the cauliflower instead of frying it further reduces the calorie content while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Customizable Toppings: One of the joys of making tacos is the ability to customize them to suit individual preferences.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare.
What Are Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos?
Buffalo cauliflower tacos are a delicious and creative twist on traditional tacos, where crispy florets are coated in spicy buffalo sauce and then served in tortillas along with various toppings. This dish takes inspiration from the popular buffalo chicken wings by substituting the meat with cauliflower to create a vegetarian or plant-based alternative.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve buffalo cauliflower taco recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Cauliflower: The star of this recipe, high in fiber and vitamins. If you’ve got leftover cauliflower, consider using it to make crispy Buffalo Cauliflower.
- Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is a spicy sauce typically made from a combination of hot sauce (usually cayenne pepper-based), butter, and sometimes vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. It gives the tacos their distinctive spicy and tangy flavor. You can buy buffalo sauce at most grocery stores, usually located in the condiments aisle alongside other hot sauces and marinades. Sriracha or another hot sauce mixed with butter can be used instead.
- Blue Cheese: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try feta or ranch dressing. Extra blue cheese can be used to make a small batch of Blue Cheese Dressing or added to a Cobb Salad.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan option.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the spices adhere to the cauliflower and adds richness. Avocado oil, canola, or vegetable oil can be used instead.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish. Onion powder may be used as a substitute. Garlic powder is a pantry staple and we use it in Chicken Nuggets, Deviled Eggs, and so many other recipes!
- Paprika: Contributes a sweet and smoky flavor. We use paprika in so many of our single serving and small batch recipes like Baked Chicken Thighs and Hummus. We also add it to our small batch Creole Seasoning mix.
- Tortillas: The vessel for the taco fillings. Use lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free option.
- Shredded Cabbage or Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness. Any leafy green like spinach or arugula can be substituted. Leftover cabbage can be used to make coleslaw.
Recipe Variations
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos are versatile, and experimenting with different flavors and textures can be quite enjoyable. Here are some variations:
- BBQ Cauliflower Tacos: For those who prefer a sweeter, less spicy flavor, BBQ Sauce can replace the Buffalo sauce.
- Add Beans: Include black or pinto beans for extra protein.
- Different Greens: Experiment with kale or arugula instead of lettuce for a more peppery taste.
How To Cut Cauliflower Into Florets
- Start by slicing the whole cauliflower into two equal halves.
- Proceed to slice each half again, resulting in four quarters.
- Angle your knife and cut out the cores from each quarter.
- You can now easily break down the quarters into individual florets.
- Don’t throw away the cauliflower cores. They are edible and resemble the texture of broccoli stems. You can chop and cook them just as you would the florets.
Here are some additional tips for cutting a cauliflower into florets:
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
- Cut the cauliflower quarters into florets that are all about the same size so that they cook evenly.
- Remember, if you want to save the cauliflower cores, you can chop them up and cook them in a stir-fry or soup.
How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make buffalo cauliflower tacos. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 425° F (220° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Spread the cauliflower florets evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway.
- Remove the roasted cauliflower from the baking sheet and place back into the bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
- Place the shredded cabbage onto each tortilla, followed by an equal portion of the cauliflower. Top with blue cheese and a drizzle of honey. If you want more heat, feel free to add additional buffalo sauce to taste and garnish with chopped green onions, if you’d like.
Expert Tips
- Preparation: Cut the cauliflower into uniform florets of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper: To prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the baking sheet and to make cleanup easier, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Baking sheet arrangement: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leaving enough space between the cauliflower florets allows them to crisp up properly. If the baking sheet is overcrowded, the florets might steam instead of get crispy.
- Layering order: Start with a layer of shredded cabbage or coleslaw on the tortilla before adding the buffalo cauliflower. This creates a barrier between the crispy cauliflower and the tortilla, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Topping Ideas For Cauliflower Tacos
Here are some creative topping ideas to elevate your Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos:
- Lime Crema: Mix lime juice and zest into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a zesty and creamy topping that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Pickled Red Onions: Add a tangy kick with Pickled Red Onions. Quick-pickle for a flavorful and colorful topping.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Dice or slice roasted red peppers and place them on top of the tacos. Their slightly sweet and smoky flavor complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
While fresh cauliflower is recommended for better texture, you can use frozen cauliflower if necessary. Thaw and pat the florets dry before tossing with oil and spices. Keep in mind that frozen cauliflower might release more moisture during roasting, potentially affecting the crispiness.
Place any remaining cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within 2-3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven to restore its crispiness.
Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Replace the blue cheese with a vegan dressing and use agave instead of honey. Ensure that the buffalo sauce you use is vegan too, as some brands like Frank’s Buffalo Sauce already are.
The spice level can be adjusted by using a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried these Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons buffalo sauce -divided
For the tacos
- 2 flour tortillas
- shredded cabbage or lettuce
- blue cheese crumbles or dressing
- honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° F (220° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Spread the cauliflower florets evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the roasted cauliflower from the baking sheet and place back into the bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
- Place the shredded cabbage onto each tortilla, followed by an equal portion of the cauliflower. Top with blue cheese and a drizzle of honey. If you want more heat, feel free to add additional buffalo sauce to taste and garnish with chopped green onions, if you'd like.
Notes
- Preparation: Cut the cauliflower into uniform florets of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper: To prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the baking sheet and to make cleanup easier, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Baking sheet arrangement: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leaving enough space between the cauliflower florets allows them to crisp up properly. If the baking sheet is overcrowded, the florets might steam instead of get crispy.
- Layering order: Start with a layer of shredded cabbage or coleslaw on the tortilla before adding the buffalo cauliflower. This creates a barrier between the crispy cauliflower and the tortilla, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi, What is buffalo sauce? Also, I love all your single dish recipes. Thanks.
Thank you, Monica! Buffalo sauce is a spicy, tangy sauce for often used for chicken. It is typically made with hot sauce and melted butter, and sometimes a dash of Worcestershire sauce. While pre-made bottles are readily available in many grocery stores, it’s simple to adjust the spice level at home by making your own!
Let me start off by saying I did not follow this recipe as stated. I substituted bbq sauce for the Buffalo sauce and it was pretty good. Super east to follow and vert quick! Thanks
Easy and delicious!
Good recipe.