Go Back
+ servings
Overhead view of three beer battered tofu tacos topped with red cabbage slaw and crumbled cheese

Beer Battered Tofu Tacos with Chipotle Aioli (Vegan)

40aprons.com/beer-battered-tacos-with-chipotle-aioli-vegan/
These crispy tofu tacos coated in beer batter are crispy, golden, and everything you love about fish tacos, but completely plant-based. Tender tofu dipped in a hoppy, spiced beer batter, fried until crunchy, and piled into warm corn tortillas with bright, limey red cabbage slaw and a smoky, creamy adobo aioli — sooo delicious and incredible!  
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 25 minutes
Recipe Makes (Approximate): 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1- pound block extra firm tofu
  • 2 cups flour
  • 12 ounces beer ((preferably Mexican))
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 whole avocado
  • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce ((depending on how spicy and smoky you like it))
  • 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise ((I use Just Mayo and adore it))
  • 1 Juice Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp Salt (to taste)
  • 1 whole Small head red cabbage
  • 1 Juice Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • Chopped cilantro (to garnish)
  • 8-10 corn tortillas

Instructions

  • Drain the tofu and slice the block into about 8-12 slabs. Brine, if desired (recommended), or continue ahead to next steps.

Brine the tofu (optional)

  • Salt some water (it should taste salty) and bring to a boil. Stir until the salt dissolves, then pour over tofu slabs. Let sit about 15 minutes, then drain and continue on with recipe.
  • Make your slaw. Using a mandolin, slice the red cabbage thin, until it is "shredded" so to speak. Place in a medium mixing bowl. Squeeze juice of one lime and sprinkle big pinch of salt over and toss to combine. Set aside.
  • Make your aïoli. In a blender, process avocado, chipotle, 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, garlic clove(s), mayonnaise, and juice of 1/2 a lime until very smooth. Taste to make sure, and add 1 more teaspoon adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt, if desired. Process again. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, make the beer batter. Whisk together all dry ingredients then slowly pour in beer, whisking until smooth. In a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet, heat about 1/4-1/2" oil over medium-high heat.
  • If you did not brine the tofu, sprinkle salt over the pieces now (be generous - this is the only flavoring for the tofu!). Dip tofu pieces in beer batter then place in skillet, being careful so as not to splash any hot oil! Fry until golden-brown on each side, about 3-5 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towel-lined plate.
  • Wrap corn tortillas in a few moist paper towels and microwave in 30-second bursts (should only take about 30 seconds) or until warm and soft. Arrange with a couple pieces of tofu per tortilla, top with slaw, a drizzle of chipotle aioli, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Recipe Notes

Dulse (Optional): For a subtle briny, seafood-like flavor, season tofu slabs generously with dulse flakes before pouring brine over. Find dulse at health food stores or online.
Brine the Tofu: Salt water generously, bring to a boil, pour over tofu slabs, and let sit 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry before battering. If skipping brine, season tofu liberally with salt before frying — this is the only seasoning the tofu will get.
Aioli Without a Blender: Use a fully ripe avocado and mash completely smooth with a fork before adding remaining ingredients. Add 2 teaspoons of adobe sauce (or also test to taste). Grate garlic on a microplane rather than mincing gives smoothest result.
Adobo Sauce: Use only the sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo — scoop out 2 teaspoons of sauce and leave the peppers behind.
Storage: Best served immediately. Leftover fried tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Re-crisp in an air fryer or oven at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes. Store slaw and aioli separately; aioli keeps up to 24 hours with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1servingCalories: 468calProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4059mgPotassium: 387mgTotal Carbs: 72gFiber: 10gSugar: 2gNet Carbs: 62gVitamin A: 256IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 4mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/beer-battered-tacos-with-chipotle-aioli-vegan/