Grilled corn tortilla filled with crispy tofu Tikka Masala tofu, grilled onions and peppers, fresh herbs, and a cool creamy vegan chilifire crema! This gluten-free, easy, vegan tikka masala taco recipe is packed with delicious Indian flavors with a little street-style taco flair!
Do you crave those exotic tongue-tingling Indian flavors, but then find yourself intimidated when you look at the recipe and realize you’re unfamiliar with many of the ingredients? Or maybe you hesitate buying multiple new spices, worried that you’ll never use them again? The Indian Cuisine can be both exciting and intimidating. If you’re not familiar with the flavors, you may find yourself frustrated trying to re-create a restaurant favorite. Or if you’re like me and love cooking Indian food at home, sometimes you just want that multi-purpose spice blend that will making cooking easy without having to sacrifice flavor. This is where my new favorite brand of fresh handcrafted sauces & seasonings comes in… enter Spicemode!
Growing up, we had Indian food the majority of the week. My mom cooked most of her meals from scratch, making her own spice blends or simply using a combination of basic spices in her food. Occasionally she’d bring home some new packaged masala from the Indian store (chat, sambar, pav bhaji or tikka masalas). But, they tasted fake, the flavors were always off, too salty and full of preservatives, that I couldn’t even recognize half the ingredients. It’s safe to say I wasn’t a huge fan of store-bought Indian seasonings. Even 20 years later, aside from standard blends like garam masala, store-bought Indian seasonings have not had a place in my kitchen. That is…until now!
When the wonderful people over at Spicemode asked if I would like to try out their handcrafted seasonings and sauces, I immediately recognized their logo because I pass by their products every week at Whole Foods. I’ve always been intrigued, but never really stopped to check them out because of my past experiences. I checked out their products online and learned that they were hand-crafted with all natural and fresh simple ingredients, without additives, preservatives, or GMOs. Exactly the type of things I look for in seasonings! So, I was willing to give it a try, and I’m SO glad I did. I tried a variety of different seasonings and was blown away by all of them! They were fresh and amazing, all of them having their own unique flavor and the perfect blend of acidity, sweetness, and heat. I couldn’t stop licking the palm of my hand as I was tasting each seasoning! Spicemode also offers a line of sauces that are versatile and perfect to have on hand.
I was very excited to create a new recipe using these spices. Seeing as how popular my Cauliflower Tikka Masala recipe has become, I decided to start with the tikka masala and chilifire seasoning. However, instead of going with a traditional Indian dish, I decided to create a fusion tofu tikka masala taco recipe. My twist on Indian street-style tacos. All those warm Indian spices and peppery heat, coupled with some fresh herbs and a cool creamy vegan chilifire crema. Simply season some cubed tofu, bake it in the oven until crispy (warning…do not devour all of them otherwise you’ll be left with no tacos!), saute some lovely peppers and onions, and whip up a fiery and sweet chilifire crema! All you need is 30 minutes and you have yourself some delicious Crispy Tofu Tikka Masala Tacos with Peppers, Onions, and Chilifire Crema!
So if you’re looking to try out Indian flavors, need something quick, easy, new and exciting for dinner… grab some Spicemode seasonings from your local Whole Foods or buy them online, and try making these vegan tacos! I’ve had these tacos 4 days straight. They’re definitely going in our weekly meal rotations, and these seasonings have become a kitchen pantry staple for us.
If you order these seasonings online prior to December 13th, you can use the discount code ‘VG15’ and get 15% off your order! They’re seasoning and sauce collections can make the perfect holiday gift! I’m also hosting a giveaway on Instagram this week for a chance to win both the Tikka and Chilifire Seasonings to make these tacos, so don’t forget to head on over and enter today! As always, I love seeing and sharing your creations, so tag me on Facebook or Instagram if you try out this crispy tofu tikka masala taco recipe!
Crispy Tofu Tikka Masala Tacos with Peppers, Onions, & Chilifire Crema
INGREDIENTS
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 1/2 cup bell peppers , thinly sliced and halved (combination of green, red, yellow, & orange peppers)
- 1 1/2 cup red onions , thinly sliced and quartered
- 2 1/2 teasp Spicemode Tikka Seasoning
- 1/4 teasp salt
- 2 teasp cooking oil
- fresh cilantro , finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Tofu:
- 7 oz. Firm Tofu , half of a 14-oz block
- 1 tbsp Spicemode Tikka Seasoning
- 1 tbsp corn starch
For the Chilifire Crema:
- 1 cup raw cashews , soaked for 3-4 hours if not using powerful blender
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp water
- 2 teasp Spicemode Chilifire Seasoning
- 5 teasp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teasp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teasp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
To Prepare the Tofu:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the block of tofu into 1/2-3/4" cubes.
- Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tbsp Spicemode Tikka Seasoning. Next toss the seasoned tofu cubes with 1 tbsp corn starch (this step works best if you use your hands).
- Arrange the seasoned tofu cubes in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Continue onto prepping the rest of the recipe while tofu bakes to save time.
- Remove from oven and set aside.
To Prepare the Chilifire Crema:
- Place all the ingredients listed above for 'Chilifire Crema' in a high power blender (such as a vitamix) If you're using a non-high power blender, it'll still work well but just be sure that the cashews have been soaking for 3-4 hours to ensure a creamy sauce.
- Blend until completely smooth. Adjust the amount of salt, lemon juice, or Spicemode Chilifire Seasoning if needed. Place in the fridge to cool completely until you're ready to serve the tacos.
To Prepare the Tacos:
- Heat 2 teasp cooking oil in large non-stick pan on medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced red onions and bell peppers and saute on medium-high heat, mixing frequently, until cooked and slightly charred.
- At this point, the tofu should be done (if not, turn heat off the pan and wait).
- Once the tofu is baked and crispy, remove from the oven and add it to the sauteed onion and pepper mixture.
- Combine and saute together on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Adjust the amount of salt if needed.
- Grill corn tortilla on both sides. Add a generous layer of the tofu-onion-pepper mixture in the center, followed by the cooled creamy Chilifire Crema. Garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro and serve!
NOTES
NUTRITION
This post was sponsored by Spicemode, but the opinions and text are fully my own.
Strength and Sunshine
Love tikki masalas! What a great twist for the taco!
anjali
Thank you!! You’d LOVE these spices…they make tikka masala recipes so easy! Not to mention these tacos…this combination is delicious!
Rashmi
I cant tell you how much I LOVE this recipe for tikka masala taco.
This looks and sounds absolutely fantastic.
I have to say and I might seem bias but INDIAN FLAVOURS are just AMAZING.
Those spices are everything 😀 and the deliciousness of the tacos showcases in your photos
anjali
Thanks Rashmi!! These tacos are to-die-for!! Quite possibly my favorite taco combination yet…and those SPICES! They’re amazing!
Reshana
WOW!! Thats all I can say, this recipe has left me speechless…….for days!
The title of the recipe already sounded sooo delicious but when I read the post and looked at those pictures… I was BLOWN AWAY! This is such a lovely recipe.
Indian flavors are the best and your photography skills here are ON POINT!! 🙂
I want to win this 🙁
anjali
Thanks Reshana! I know…everytime i see pictures i want to make them again! I had them literally 4 days straight over last week! They’re SO good!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
This is a fusion idea I hadn’t thought of.. but it looks fab! I’ll look for those spices too- I think Indian food tastes BEST when you use whole spices and roast or fry them first… but seriously– that’s not always possible!!!! I keep a handful of pre-done spices but I’m always looking for new ones!
anjali
Thanks Sarah! I cook a LOT of indian food, and agreed, I typically fry them and start with the basic ground spices, but you will LOVE Spicemode seasonings!!! They are seriously delicious and so flavorful, not to mention they don’t contain any fake flavors and only whole ingredients! I’m picky when it comes to my Indian food and spice blends, and Spicemode has now become a pantry staple! These tacos are my favorite…especially the crema and baked tofu! Let me know if you try!
swathi
This tikka masala tacos is delicious love the addition of tofu instead of paneer.
anjali
Thanks Swathi! You’ll LOVE the crispy tofu! I couldn’t stop eating them…not to mention have you tried baking tofu ever? The texture is delicious! Much healthier option to paneer!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
These tacos look delicious! I love the products I’ve tried so far from Spicemode.
anjali
Thanks Amy!! Oh you’ve tried them…aren’t they amazing?! Which is your favorite? Hopefully you have the two I use in this recipe to make these tacos…they’re delicious!
Jill
I cook all the time and have a well-stocked spice cabinet but I am still intimidated sometimes by a long spice list in a recipe, LOL I’ll have to try these blends. I love that you took the Indian flavors and put them in a taco. Great photos!
anjali
Thanks Jill! These tacos are delicious…and topped with that crema!! I’m craving them again. I cook indian all the time, yet still love these blends because they’re so unique in flavor and made with clean whole ingredients! These seasonings are part of my well stocked spice cabinet now =)
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I love Indian food, but very rarely make it myself — that changes now! Thanks for clueing me into these spice blends.
anjali
Oh these spice blends will definitely change everything! They’re so delicious and each one is unique. The best part is that they are great for a variety of different dishes, Indian and non-Indian! Definitely check them out online or when you’re at whole foods!
Donna
Oh I will have to try these spice blends out. We tend to stay away from spice blends for the same reason – usually full of things we don’t want to put in our bodies, but these sound great!!
anjali
Yes exactly!! I have been shying away for years because of that reason, especially indian spices from indian stores. Which is why I LOVE this brand and how fresh and clean their ingredients are! Not to mention the flavor of their seasonings all taste delicious! You need to try them next time you’re at whole foods or check them out online!
Sara
I will be looking for Spicemode brand for sure! I think I could use that chilifire in a million ways!
anjali
Awesome! You will love them! The seasonings are all delicious, and the chilifire went perfectly in the crema! Let me know if you pick some up and what you think!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I have not heard of Spicemode – I need to look for them next time – by the way, your tofu sounds so flavorful and I love how your served this tikka masala in a taco!
anjali
Yes…you will LOVE Spicemode! They’re at whole foods or you can check them out online! All of their flavors are so bold and unique and fresh! Goes so well with the baked tofu and crema!
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery
This looks so good! I’d never think of combining tikka masala with tacos, but it must be so tasty.
anjali
Oh it’s delicious!! Those peppery indian flavors, and that cool crema…taco perfection! Not to mention it’s super easy to make you need to try them!
Sandi Gaertner
This looks amazing! I am loving how you cooked the tofu with all those flavors.
anjali
Thanks Sandi! I love the texture of baked tofu…it’s delicious with all the spices!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
I’m always looking for new taco recipes to try and this one is definitely next on the list. Such delicious flavors and ingredients. Can’t wait to try it! Pinning 😉
anjali
Thanks Vanessa!! You’ll love the flavor of the crispy tofu! Even on it’s own is delicious, but much better in taco form especially paired with the crema! Let me know if you try and thanks for pinning!
Uma
Anjali after looking at your pictures my mouth is drooling! Never tried tikka in tacos! This is such great Idea!
anjali
Thanks Uma! Well they’re super easy to make so you definitely need to pick up some spicemode and try them out!
Linda @ Veganosity
This looks so good, and I love the spice blends!
anjali
Thanks Linda! Definitely try them out if you haven’t…they’re delicious!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
I love this recipe! That tofu sounds delicious with the wonderful tikka masala spices and the crema just finishes it all off! So tasty :O)
anjali
Thanks Mel!!
Tazim
Thanks for introducing me to these spices – your recipe looks delicious!
anjali
Thanks Tazim! Hopefully you get a chance to try out the spices, you’ll love them!
Gin
I love the idea of tikka masala in tacos. This is my idea of super fun cuisine! Wish my boyfriend was on the same page, but oh well, more for me. I love cooking Indian and always rely on pre-made blends, but I’m so unhappy with the last garam masala I ordered. I’ll check out Spicemode for sure. I love the flavors, and they even look delicious!
anjali
Thanks Gin! I totally get you on being unhappy with store-bought indian spices…and garam masala especially can vary so much depending on where you get it from. Spice mode seasonings are awesome!! They taste good, are fresh, and have tons of flavor. Plus, I like that i know exactly what all the ingredients are in the mixes! And yes haha! More for you…you’ll love these tacos and the seasonings. I’d love to know if you give them a try!
gl
Love this recipe! Any type of baked tofu is a favorite.
Hanifia
Spot on phenomenal! I will definitely prepare this recipe again! Hanifia
anjali
Awesome! So glad you loved it! Were you able to get your hands on the spicemode seasoning?