Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos (Cajun-Spiced)

Call me biased, but I think these shredded tofu tacos are a thing of beauty. Meaty, slightly crispy, and full of flavour, the tofu shreds are seasoned with a Cajun spice mix and a few other ingredients to give them a sticky-sweet texture that's incredibly moreish.

If you're new to the world of grated bean curd, I'd say you're in for a nice surprise. This shredded tofu also lends itself well to wraps, sandwiches, toasties, and a whole host of other meal ideas.

If you like the look of this recipe, you might also be interested in these jackfruit tacos or this vegan haggis quesadilla.

Why you'll love this recipe

• It's simply delicious
• You need just one pan
• It can be ready in under 20 minutes
• It's a 'grate' one for the tofu-haters out there (or those who struggle to get good results from the ingredient)
• By shredding the tofu, you massively increase the surface area that comes into contact with the heat and so you end up with slightly crispy, chewy pieces

Can you grate tofu?

You certainly can! Make sure you have a very firm variety that has been drained of any excess water, then simply grate into thin shreds using the largest side of a box grater.

Which tofu is best to grate?

You'll want to make sure you use extra-firm tofu for shredding. This is more dense than other varieties and should hold its shape well when grating.

Saying that, there will of course be some variation from one brand to another. If your tofu seems a little wobbly, you can always press it to remove any additional water (either with a tofu press or by wrapping in a cloth with a weight placed on top for around 15-30 minutes).

For more dishes that use extra-firm tofu, check out these recipes for smoked tofu risotto, tofu jalfrezi curry, and vegan Singapore noodles.

What you'll need

To make these delicious tofu tacos, you'll need:

• Extra-firm tofu for the meaty shreds
• Onion and pepper to fry along with the mix
• Cajun seasoning for flavour and spice
• Tomato paste and soy sauce (or tamari if GF) to add extra depth
• Agave syrup to add a sticky sweetness to the shredded tofu

How to make shredded tofu tacos

Drain the tofu and press gently to remove any excess water.

Use the large side of a block grater to grate the tofu into shreds. You'll also end up with a few crumbly bits, which is fine.

In a large frying pan, heat one tablespoon of oil and add the sliced onion and pepper.

Season with a little salt and fry gently for 2-3 minutes.

After a few minutes, add the tofu shreds along with another tablespoon of oil.

Mix well and increase the heat to get things going, stirring regularly.

Fry for around 6-8 minutes or until the tofu starts to become crispy, reducing the heat again if necessary.

Once the shreds have started to turn a light golden brown, reduce the heat and stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, soy sauce (or tamari), and agave syrup.

Add a couple of tablespoons of water to loosen it up, then mix well and cook for another couple of minutes.

After a couple of minutes, the mix in the pan should be fairly dry and you'll have yourself some delicious, sticky-sweet shreds of joy. Serve in tacos with your choice of toppings.

Serving suggestions

This recipe will make approximately 6 tacos, which can be enjoyed on their own or with sides such as baked wedges, three-bean salad, roasted cauliflower, or couscous salad.

When it comes to topping ideas, the list is virtually endless! Here are a few of my personal favourites:

• Cashew lime crema
• Chopped coriander
• Lime wedges
• Black bean dip
• Hot sauce
• Homemade guacamole
• Sriracha mayo
• Pico de gallo
• Sliced spring onions
• Super seed mix
• Grated vegan cheese

Recipe FAQ

Variations and tips for shredded tofu tacos

• Cajun seasoning: If you don't have a store-bought version, make a simple version yourself by mixing similar quantities of garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and oregano.
• Tomato paste: If you want to keep the shredded tofu mix really dry, leave out the tomato paste and water.
• Garlic: There'll likely be some garlic in the seasoning mix, but feel free to add more along with the peppers and onions.
• Other additions: Try adding ingredients such as sliced greens, courgette, or mushrooms.

More vegan recipe ideas

If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy:

You can also check out my full list of vegan main meals.