Gluten Free Cilantro-Lime Tofu Tacos
Taco night gets a serious upgrade with this plant-based, naturally wheat-free version that delivers on every level — crispy, smoky, bright, and fresh all at once. The key is pressing the tofu well and letting it sear undisturbed in a hot skillet, which builds that deep golden crust that makes each bite genuinely satisfying rather than soft and forgettable. Tamari stands in for regular soy sauce here, keeping things safely gluten-free without sacrificing any of that savory, umami depth in the marinade. Corn tortillas are the natural choice for the base — they char up beautifully and have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika on the tofu. The quick cilantro-lime slaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts right through the richness of the avocado, so every taco has that ideal balance of textures and flavors. This recipe makes four generous servings, so it's just as good for a casual weeknight dinner as it is for feeding a small crowd who might not even realize they're eating something gluten-free.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado oil or canola oil), divided
For the slaw
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
- hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Drain the tofu and press it firmly between several layers of paper towels, placing a heavy skillet or cutting board on top, for 15 minutes until most of the surface moisture is removed. Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the tamari, 1 tbsp lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the slaw.
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