This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Indulge in Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos for a spicy, vegetarian delight. Quick & easy to make, this recipe will satisfy your cravings in no time!
This is a scrumptious and satisfying meal that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to your table. Whether you’re craving something spicy or simply in search of a fresh, meat-free meal, this recipe is a game-changer.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Are Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos?
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
- How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos For One
- Expert Tips
- How To Cut Cauliflower Into Florets
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Serving Suggestions
- Topping Ideas For Cauliflower Tacos
- Recipe Variations
- 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 relatively simple to prepare, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
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
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.
- Cauliflower: The star of this recipe, high in fiber and vitamins.
- Buffalo Sauce: Gives the tacos their distinctive spicy and tangy flavor. 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.
- 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.
- Paprika: Contributes a sweet and smoky flavor.
- 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.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
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.
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.
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.
Serving Suggestions
There are countless ways to enjoy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos. Here are some of our favorites:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Offer a side of crispy baked Sweet Potato Fries seasoned with smoked paprika and a sprinkle of salt. The sweetness of the fries complements the spicy cauliflower.
- Tangy Cucumber Salad: A cooling Cucumber Salad complements the heat of the tacos.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Serve a classic Guacamole alongside your tacos, along with a bowl of crispy Tortilla Chips for dipping.
- Creamy Coleslaw: If you’re not using coleslaw as a taco topping, serve it as a side dish. A creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing complements the tacos nicely.
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.
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.
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:
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower Casserole, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
- Garlic powder: Hash Browns, BBQ Sauce, Personal Pizza Dough, Baked Shrimp
- Paprika: Paprika Chicken, Oven Baked Ribs, Smothered Pork Chops, Pepper Steak
- Buffalo sauce: Buffalo Cauliflower, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Baked Buffalo Chicken
- Tortillas: Chicken Fajitas, Beef Enchiladas, Spinach Turkey Wrap, Steak Fajitas
- Blue cheese: Blue Cheese Dressing, Baked Buffalo Chicken, Cobb Salad
- Honey: Honey Lemon Custard, Peanut Butter Balls, Fruit Quesadilla, Baked Oatmeal
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.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Recipe
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.
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.