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    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Jerk Seasoned Tofu Tacos with Coconut Sauce

    Published: Feb 10, 2019 · Modified: Oct 20, 2021 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    809 shares
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    Close up of blackened tofu with a white coconut drizzle.

    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. 

    Overhead view of tacos with lime wedges on a white plate with a grey background.

    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.

    Side view of tofu on taco.

    This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; read my disclaimer policy for more information.

    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.

    Close up of blackened tofu with a white coconut drizzle.

    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.

    Left image: Cubed tofu being marinated in jerk seasoning. Right image: Jerk tofu being sauteed in a large skillet.
    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.
    Overhead view of white plate with tofu taco.

    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
    White plate with a tofu taco in a corn tortilla.
    Close up of blackened tofu with a white coconut drizzle.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Jerk Seasoned Tofu Tacos with Coconut Sauce

    Crispy blackened jerk seasoned tofu is paired with shredded purple cabbage, diced mango, and a coconut drizzle for a flavorful weeknight meal. 
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time12 mins
    Marinating Time30 mins
    Total Time52 mins
    Servings: 3 servings
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra firm tofu
    • ½ cup diced red onion
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger from 2" ginger
    • 1 jalapeno, chopped optional - adds heat! plus more for topping
    • 1 and ½ tablespoons jerk seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari to make gluten-free
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from one lime
    • 1 and ½ teaspoons brown sugar
    • ¼-1/2 cup coconut milk
    • 6 corn tortillas
    • ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
    • 1 mango cubed

    Instructions

    • Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes. If you don't havea tofu press, place the tofu block between two plates. Weigh the top plate down with a heavy can or bag of beans until water starts to come out of the tofu block.
    • Prepare the marinade by blending together the red onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, jerk seasoning, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice and brown sugar into a puree. 
    • Slice the tofu into thick rectangles and place in a shallow dish. Cover with the pureed marinade. Let marinate covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu (reserve the marinade for the coconut sauce) and saute until dark brown, almost blackened. Rotate to saute each side. 
    • Make the coconut sauce by stirring together equal parts remaining marinade and coconut milk. 
    • Heat the corn tortillas in a hot skillet over high heat. Flip to brown both sides. 
    • Make your tacos by layering each tortilla with purple cabbage and mango. Top with blackened jerk tofu and drizzle with coconut sauce. Enjoy! 

    Notes

    This recipe is adapted from Piquant Post's Jerk Chicken recipe. 

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    Serving: 2tacosCalories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 368mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 810IUVitamin C: 39.9mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.7mg

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    Hi, I’m Cassidy! I’m the registered dietitian behind Cozy Peach Kitchen, a food and nutrition blog sharing easy vegetarian recipes for every occasion.

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