These avocado grilled tofu tacos are fresh, satisfying, and come together fast.
The tofu is seasoned and grilled until golden, the avocado is buttery and cool, and it all tucks into a warm tortilla like it was meant to be.
It’s one of those meals that feels special but takes hardly any time.
I make these on busy weeknights when I still want something that hits all the right notes: creamy, crispy, tangy, and fresh.
What You’ll Need
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced into ½-inch thick strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 corn tortillas, warmed
- ¼ cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s always on repeat in my kitchen. It’s light but filling, easy to throw together, and it feels a little fancy without being fussy.
- Tofu grills up golden and full of flavor
- Avocado gives it that creamy, cool contrast
- You only need a few fresh toppings to pull it all together
- It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free
- You can scale it up for a crowd or just make a couple for yourself
Servings & Cook Time
Servings: 2 (makes 4 tacos)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – 2 tacos)
Calories: 390
Protein: 17g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 8g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Tofu is like a sponge—it soaks up flavor. Pressing it first gets rid of the water so the oil and spices can get in and crisp it up on the grill pan. Avocado brings healthy fats and creaminess. Lime adds acidity to balance everything out.
Common Mistakes
- Not pressing the tofu: If it’s too wet, it won’t crisp up
- Overcrowding the pan: Tofu won’t grill properly—give it space
- Using underripe avocado: You want buttery, not rubbery
- Skipping the lime: That final squeeze pulls all the flavors together
What to Serve With
- Black bean salad
- Grilled street corn (elote style)
- Chips with guacamole or salsa
- Light cucumber salad
- Sparkling water with lime
Tools You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- Small bowl for pickled onions
- Plate for serving
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap avocado for guacamole if you prefer
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn
- Add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of chipotle mayo
- Replace tofu with tempeh or grilled mushrooms for variation
- Use red cabbage for extra crunch
Make Ahead Tips
- Press and slice the tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge
- Pickled onions can be made days in advance
- Warm tortillas just before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Press and Slice the Tofu
Press 1 block (14 oz) of extra-firm tofu for at least 10 minutes. Slice it into ½-inch thick strips.
Step 2: Season the Tofu
In a bowl, gently toss tofu strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
Step 3: Grill the Tofu
Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Add tofu strips and cook 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown with grill marks.
Step 4: Slice the Avocado
Cut 1 ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully slice the flesh into thin, even slices.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Warm 4 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until soft and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Layer grilled tofu strips onto each tortilla. Add avocado slices, about 1 tablespoon pickled red onions per taco, sprinkle chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover tofu, avocado, and toppings separately in airtight containers. Tofu will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat tofu in a pan to crisp it back up. Avoid storing assembled tacos—they’ll get soggy.
FAQ
Can I use silken tofu?
Nope, it’s too soft. Stick with extra-firm or firm tofu.
How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes to the tofu seasoning or drizzle with hot sauce.
Can I grill the tofu outside?
Yes! Use a grill basket or non-stick surface.
Do I need oil?
A little helps the spices stick and the tofu brown nicely.
Are corn tortillas gluten-free?
Yes, as long as they’re 100% corn—double-check the label.