BBQ Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema 🌮🥑
These BBQ Cauliflower Tacos are smoky, spicy, and bursting with texture. Crispy roasted cauliflower tossed in tangy BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy avocado crema — perfect for a meatless weeknight dinner or your next taco night!
Why You’ll Love These Tacos 💚
- ✅ Plant-based & satisfying: Crispy cauliflower gives them hearty bite.
- ✅ Flavor-packed: BBQ, lime, and creamy avocado make every bite sing.
- ✅ Meal-prep friendly: Roast the cauliflower ahead and store for quick assembly.
🛒 Ingredients
For the BBQ Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt or plant-based sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus zest)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- Water to thin (1–2 tablespoons)
To Assemble:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded purple cabbage
- Fresh cilantro
- Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until well coated. Spread in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Meanwhile, make the crema: Blend all avocado crema ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Add water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- When the cauliflower is ready, remove from the oven and toss with BBQ sauce while still hot.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble tacos: Add cabbage, BBQ cauliflower, a drizzle of avocado crema, cilantro, and red onion.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges for that extra zing! 🌮
💡 Pro Tips for Taco Success
- 🌶️ Use parchment paper: It keeps the cauliflower crispy and prevents sticking.
- 🕒 Pre-cut veggies: Save time by prepping cabbage, onions, and cilantro in advance.
- 🔥 Char your tortillas: Quickly toast them over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
- 🥑 Extra crema? It makes a great dip or sandwich spread too!
🌮 Flavor Variations
- ✨ Spicy Buffalo: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo hot sauce and top with ranch or tahini drizzle.
- ✨ Sweet & Smoky: Mix BBQ sauce with a bit of maple syrup for added depth.
- ✨ Crunchy twist: Add crushed tortilla chips or roasted chickpeas on top for texture.
🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- 🧊 Cauliflower: Roast up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven to crisp back up.
- 🥣 Avocado crema: Best used fresh but can last 1–2 days in the fridge with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
- 🌯 Meal prep tip: Store components separately and assemble tacos just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
- 🌽 Side of elote (Mexican street corn)
- 🥗 Cilantro-lime quinoa or rice salad
- 🍹 Fresh mango lime mocktail or agua fresca
❓ FAQ
- Can I air fry the cauliflower?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway, then toss with BBQ sauce. - What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
A smoky or sweet-spicy variety works best. Go sugar-free if you’re watching carbs. - Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check your BBQ sauce label. - How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level depends on your BBQ sauce. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want more heat.
Time to Taco-Bout It 🌮💬
These BBQ Cauliflower Tacos are colorful, bold, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for vegans, meat-lovers, and everyone in between. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you try them – we’d love to hear your twist!
