Tempura Cauliflower Taco Bites (Printable Version)

Crispy cauliflower tempura tacos with zesty slaw and creamy chipotle sauce in soft tortillas for bold, fresh flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower Tempura

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup cold sparkling water, plus more as needed
07 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Slaw

08 - 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
09 - 1/2 cup shredded carrot
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Chipotle Sauce

14 - 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
15 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
16 - 1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
17 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
18 - Pinch of salt

→ Assembly

19 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
20 - 1 avocado, sliced
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
22 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine red cabbage, carrot, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well and allow to marinate while preparing other components.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and salt until you achieve a smooth consistency. Chill until ready to use.
03 - Heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate cold sparkling water, stirring until a thick, smooth batter forms. Adjust with additional water if necessary.
05 - Working in batches, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off. Carefully lower into hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per batch until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
06 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
07 - Place a portion of tempura cauliflower into each tortilla. Top with marinated slaw and avocado slices. Drizzle with chipotle sauce, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Crispy savory tacos with a unique fusion twist
  • Satisfies meat eaters and vegetarians alike
  • Ready in under an hour and totally make ahead friendly
  • Uses accessible pantry ingredients with fresh produce
  • Customizable spice level in the sauce
02 -
  • Cauliflower is loaded with fiber and vitamin C
  • This recipe is perfect for making ahead and assembling just before eating
  • Leftover tempura bites can be heated in the oven to keep them crisp
03 -
  • Work quickly with the cold batter and dip just before frying for the most delicate result
  • Do not crowd the pot or the oil will drop in temperature and make the batter greasy
  • If you want spicy tacos add more chipotle to the sauce while if making them for kids stick to the mild version

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