Tempeh Tacos with Purple Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Tempeh (What wine goes well with tempeh?) tacos with purple cabbage slaw is a delicious and nutritious vegan meal option that's packed with flavor and plant-based protein. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients like tempeh, purple cabbage, and a medley of spices to create a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
To prepare the tempeh taco filling, crumble a package of plain tempeh and cook it in a medium skillet over medium-high heat with a blend of spices, including cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Then, mix in tamari (how long does tamari last?) or low-sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add depth of flavor and a touch of brightness to the dish. Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, combine thinly sliced purple cabbage with grated carrots (how long do carrots last?), a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to create a vibrant and tangy slaw that pairs perfectly with the spiced tempeh.
To assemble the tempeh tacos, spread a generous helping of the tempeh cook mixture onto warm corn tortillas and top with the purple cabbage slaw. Feel free to customize your tacos with your choice of additional toppings like avocado (how long does avocado last?) slices, fresh cilantro (how long does cilantro last?), or a kick of heat from your favorite hot sauce. With a simple prep time of just 25 minutes, these flavor-packed vegan tacos make for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Essentials of Tempeh Tacos
Choosing Quality Tempeh
When preparing Tempeh Tacos, it's vital to select high-quality tempeh as a primary ingredient. Tempeh is a plant-based protein made from fermented soybeans and comes in a firm, cake-like block. Opt for plain tempeh without additional flavors to ensure the best taste and texture for your tacos.
Must-Have Spices and Seasonings
For a flavorful tempeh taco mixture, include essential spices and seasonings like:
Cumin: Use 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for its earthy, warm flavor.
Chili Powder: Add 2 teaspoons chili powder for a mild heat kick.
Garlic Powder: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory touch.
Onion Powder: (how long does onion powder last?) Mix in 1 teaspoon of onion powder for a subtle, aromatic note.
Tamari Sauce or Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons, either of these sauces will enhance the umami taste.
To marinate the tempeh, combine the spices, seasonings, and a squeeze of lime in a medium bowl. Toss the tempeh cubes in the mixture, ensuring even coverage, and set aside while preparing other ingredients.
Vegan Tortilla Selection
Selecting the right tortilla is crucial for a satisfying vegan taco experience. Corn tortillas are a popular choice due to their natural gluten-free properties, while flour tortillas provide a softer and pliable alternative. Opt for a high-quality brand, such as Silver Hills Bakery tortillas, for the best results.
Cooking the Tempeh
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tempeh and cook until browned, turning occasionally for even cooking. The tempeh should be slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Preparing the Purple Cabbage Slaw
In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients:
4 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
A pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
Combine well, cover, and allow the slaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on a flat surface over medium heat, heating both sides until pliable. Fill each tortilla with tempeh taco meat, a generous portion of purple cabbage slaw, and top it off with avocado slices, cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce or your favorite vegan ranch. Serve with a wedge of lime for a burst of freshness. Enjoy these delicious, protein-packed Tempeh Tacos with Purple Cabbage Slaw!
Preparing the Purple Cabbage Slaw
Creating the Perfect Slaw Texture
To create a delicious purple cabbage slaw for your tempeh tacos, start by thinly slicing your purple cabbage. Using a food processor or a mandoline can help you achieve an even and consistent texture. Next, grate or shred carrots to combine with the cabbage. This addition provides a nice contrast and adds valuable fiber to the slaw.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage and carrots. Toss them together, ensuring an even mix of both ingredients. Set aside the bowl while you prepare the dressing.
Balancing Flavors with Dressings
To balance the flavors in your purple cabbage slaw, consider a zesty and tangy dressing as a perfect complement to the smoky tempeh. Prepare a dressing by mixing the following ingredients:
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro
A pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat
Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl, and then pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss the slaw to ensure that the dressing coats each component evenly. For best results, let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly, creating a gorgeous and flavorful slaw.
Make sure to taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime can also add a refreshing touch right before plating.
Assembling and Serving
Layering for Maximum Flavor
To assemble the Tempeh Tacos with Purple Cabbage Slaw, start by heating corn tortillas on a skillet over medium heat. This adds a nice warm and slightly crispy texture to the tortillas. Next, prepare the tempeh by crumbling a package of plain tempeh into a medium bowl. Cook the tempeh in a medium skillet over medium-high heat with a mix of spices, including cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Add a splash of tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick of flavor. Cook the tempeh until well browned and slightly crispy.
In a food processor or by hand, finely shred the purple cabbage and mix it with grated carrots, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create a gorgeous slaw. This not only adds a pop of color but also provides a complementary crunch to the tempeh filling.
When layering the tacos, start with a warm tortilla, then add a generous scoop of the tempeh taco mixture. Top it off with a layer of the vibrant purple cabbage slaw.
Presentation and Garnishes
To serve your Tempeh Tacos with Purple Cabbage Slaw, emphasize presentation with a variety of garnishes. Opt for creamy avocado slices, a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. You can also offer vegan alternatives to classic taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, vegan cheese, and even a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing.
For a more organized setup, create a DIY taco-making station with each component in a separate serving dish. This allows your guests to customize their tempeh tacos according to their preferences and dietary restrictions.
Pro tip: Prepare the slaw, tempeh filling, and garnishes ahead of time to reduce prep time and ease any last-minute stress when assembling the tacos.
Enjoy these delicious Tempeh Tacos with Purple Cabbage Slaw as a healthy, satisfying, and colorful addition to any meal. With layers of vibrant flavors and diverse textures, this vegan recipe will be a surefire hit with everyone at the table, even non-vegans.
Additional Tips and Variations
Customizing for Dietary Restrictions
When preparing tempeh tacos with purple cabbage slaw, it's important to consider any dietary restrictions of those who will be consuming the dish. For a vegan and gluten-free option, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. If you're looking for a soy-free alternative, consider swapping out tempeh for chickpeas or tofu, and replace soy sauce with tamari sauce or a low sodium soy sauce option.
You can also adjust the spice level of the dish by using less chili powder, or adding more hot sauce for an extra kick of heat. For those with more specific dietary restrictions, you can individually customize the tacos by using separate bowls for various components such as avocado slices, tomato, vegan ranch, or guacamole ingredients, allowing individuals to build their own tacos based on their preferences.
Making Tempeh Tacos Ahead of Time
To save time, consider preparing the tempeh taco mixture and the gorgeous purple cabbage slaw in advance. The slaw and tempeh filling can both be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tempeh Taco Mixture
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Purple Cabbage Slaw
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
For the tempeh, crumble plain tempeh into small pieces and cook in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, adding a spice mix including cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Add tomato paste to the tempeh and stir well, cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the tempeh is warmed through and crispy.
To prepare the slaw, combine thin slices of purple cabbage with shredded carrots in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together lime juice, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of kosher salt, and black pepper to create the slaw dressing. Toss the slaw in the dressing, and add some fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Assembling the tempeh tacos only takes a few minutes when it's time to serve. Warm the corn tortillas on a flat surface until they are pliable, and then add a generous spoonful of the tempeh taco filling, followed by a heaping portion of the colorful slaw. You can top the tacos with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, or your favorite hot sauce, for the perfect plant-based protein-packed meal.
