Jerk Seasoned Tofu Tacos with Coconut Sauce

These flavorful jerk tofu tacos are marinated in jerk seasoning then sauteed until crispy and blackened. Make it a complete meal with corn tortillas, shredded purple cabbage, mango, and a coconut drizzle. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. 

These Jamaican inspired jerk tofu tacos are so flavor packed! The tofu is marinated in jerk seasoning, then sauteed and served on corn tortillas with purple cabbage, fresh mango, and a drizzle of coconut sauce.

There are two things I know about jerk seasoned proteins:

1. They should be blackened
2. They should be spicy

These tofu tacos meet both of those requirements. Sauteing the tofu over high heat creates a crispy blackened outer layer, and adding an entire jalapeno really kicks the spice up a notch. But don't worry, the spice factor can easily be adjusted to fit your heat preference.

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I'm always looking for vegetarian recipes that turn a normal weeknight dinner into something special. Cooking with a new seasoning combination or flavor profile is a great way to do just that!

I recently received a jerk seasoning mix as part of a monthly spice subscription gift from Christmas. I tested it out with tofu, my go-to protein, and was thrilled with the flavor!

A few weeks ago I shared another taco-approved recipe, these vegan tofu chorizo crumbles, so I figure its best to just keep the tofu ball rolling.

What spices are in jerk seasoning?

Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica. There are a lot of spices in jerk seasoning, but two of the primary are scotch bonnet peppers (responsible for much of the heat) and allspice.

Spice mixtures may also include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground thyme, onion powder, parsley, paprika, black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Sound like a lot of spices? That's because it has a lot of flavor!

You should be able to find Jamaican jerk seasoning (not jerk paste or sauce) in the spice or international aisle at your grocery store. Want to avoid a spicy jerk seasoning? Check the label for spice level, or you can easily make your own seasoning.

How to make jerk tofu tacos

Making this tofu is divided into two parts: marinating and sauteing.

1. Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press (this is the brand I use) or place the tofu between two plates weighed down with a can or bag of dry beans.
2. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes in a flavorful combination of pureed jerk seasoning, olive oil, red onion, lime, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce and apple cider vinegar.
3. Saute the marinated tofu in a hot pan until dark brown, almost blackened. You don't want the tofu to be burned, but it should be crispy and dark around the edges. Turn to saute each side evenly.
4. Heat the tortillas in a hot, unoiled pan until lightly browned on each side.
5. Combine the remaining jerk tofu marinade with equal parts coconut milk to make a flavor-packed sauce.
6. Layer the tacos with sliced purple cabbage, mango, and jerk tofu. Drizzle with coconut sauce.

Looking for more easy vegetarian recipes?

• BBQ Pulled Portobello Tacos with Spicy Slaw
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
• BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
• Chipotle Black Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Brown Rice and Black Beans
• Easy Baked Peanut Tofu
• Roasted Cauliflower Tacos