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Easy 15-Minute Cauliflower and Corn Tacos

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Cauliflower, corn, and a roasted tomato red chile sauce come together to make 15-minute tacos that are perfect for Taco Tuesday!

cauliflower tacos 5I am not a fan of Tuesdays.  In fact, I dislike them so much that it is a running joke at work that “Hannah hates Tuesdays.”  Hear me out on this one.  Mondays are rough because I do not want to go back to work after the weekend.  However, Mondays are normally pretty busy because I am catching up on e-mails and voicemails from the weekend.  As a result, they tend to go by rather quickly.  Tuesdays, on the other hand, are generally one of the slower days, AND they are extremely far away from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (my favorite days of the week).  I have explained this reasoning to people before and they simple did not “get it,” but I have run across a few others who are also convinced that Tuesdays are just no bueno.  I think that my fellow Tuesday-haters are pretty smart!

cauliflower tacos 4Despite my severe dislike for Tuesdays, I have come to realize that some Tuesdays are not all that bad.  Tuesdays when I am on vacation are great.  Tuesdays that are holidays are wonderful.  Tuesdays spent with family and friends are even better.  And… Tuesdays that involve tacos are the best!  I have known that “Taco Tuesday” was a thing for a while now, but just recently began fully embracing the goodness of what that day means.  It is almost as if Taco Tuesday was created for people like me who have a hatred for the second day of the work week.  It is as if they knew we needed a little something extra to look forward to at the end of the day.  Whoever invented Taco Tuesday is definitely someone who should be my friend.

cauliflower tacos 3Now the majority of Taco Tuesdays probably revolve around beef, chicken, or fish tacos for much of the world.  However, my Taco Tuesday normally goes a little something like this: vegetarian refried beans, roasted chickpeas, or black beans.  And while I love all three of these taco fillings, I decided to try something a bit different during my last Taco Tuesday celebration.  I have had such fun turning cauliflower into so many buffalo “chicken” creations, that I realized how great of a substitute cauliflower truly is for dishes that normally call for chicken.  My love for buffalo cauliflower dishes has not dissipated, but this time around I wanted to make something Mexican-inspired.  Enter tacos made with cauliflower!

cauliflower tacos fronteraYou know that I could not just throw some cauliflower into a taco shell, though.  I honestly think that would taste horrendous.  Instead, I had to find a quick and easy way to flavor it up.  Originally I thought about roasting the cauliflower with regular taco seasoning.  But when I was standing in the Mexican aisle of Whole Foods, I found something that I thought would be even better: Frontera’s New Mexico Taco Skillet Sauce.  Sure, this was not quite as fancy or elaborate as seasoning the cauliflower myself.  But did I really need to be worried about being fancy when it came to tacos?  I don’t think so.

cauliflower tacosEasy 15-Minute Cauliflower and Corn Tacos
Vegan + Gluten-Free

Serves 2 to 4*
*Two for me, but with leftover filling.  You could easily serve three to four with additional shells and toppings!

Ingredients

water, for cooking
1/8 cup red onion, diced
1 small/medium head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces
2/3 cup roasted corn (I used pre-roasted from Whole Foods, but frozen roasted corn would work too!)
8 oz Frontera New Mexico Taco Skillet Sauce (they have other taco skillet sauces that would work great, as well)
6 corn or flour taco shells
shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
salsa

Directions

1. Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water and heat over medium-high heat.  Once hot, lower the heat to medium and add onion to the pan.  Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened.  Add additional water, as necessary.

2. Add chopped cauliflower to the pan.  Cover with a lid and steam for approximately 5 minutes.

3. Once the cauliflower has been steamed, stir in the corn and the skillet sauce.  Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

4. While the taco filling is simmering, prepare your favorite taco toppings and heat your taco shells in the microwave or oven.

cauliflower tacos 25. Once your filling is prepared, it is time to stuff your tacos!  I compiled mine in the following order: shell, lettuce, taco filling, salsa, and tomatoes.

cauliflower tacos 8These tacos were quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful.  They were truly everything that I had hoped for and more.  When you are trying out new creations, you never quite know how they will turn it.  I am definitely counting these tacos as a BIG TIME success!

cauliflower tacos 6If this is what my table looked like every Tuesday, I would not be mad.  Heck, I wouldn’t be mad if I saw these tacos appear on a Wednesday or Thursday, either.  It is a good thing that I only cook for myself and almost always have leftovers!

Are you a Taco Tuesday fan?  Pin this recipe and share it on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below!

Note: This is not a sponsored post.  I just genuinely love the Frontera products… and tacos (but I still don’t love Tuesdays!).

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{ 59 comments… add one }
  • Jillian December 1, 2014, 10:40 pm
    I'm a sucker for a new taco recipe - I'll have to try this!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:32 pm
      You and me both! Let me know what you think :)
  • Debbie @ Live from La Quinta December 1, 2014, 11:14 pm
    I love fun taco recipes! Pinned! Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted...Be a Gracious Guest with this Hostess Gift GuideMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:33 pm
      Thank you Debbie! You can never go wrong with tacos, right? ;)
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine December 1, 2014, 11:44 pm
    Yea, there's nothing too great about Tuesdays....but I hate Wednesdays and Thursdays the most! At least there is taco Tuesday ;)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:34 pm
      That's so funny that you said that. My co-worker HATES Thursdays and I always tell him he is crazy ;) Now there is another person that I know who dislikes them!!
  • Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies December 2, 2014, 6:55 am
    I used to have piano lessons on Tuesdays. I'd rarely practice (oopsies) so I hated every Tuesday for 9 years.... kind of hard to shake the "Tuesday sucks" feeling off after a decade! Tacos make anything better though, and stuffing some unexpected veggies in there makes even tacos better! Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies recently posted...Thanksgiving Ideas 2014My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:38 pm
      Haha, that is too funny!!! I used to take piano lessons but I don't really remember hating them THAT much ;) As an adult I still love to play the piano, but my skills have GREATLY diminished. Apparently I need to practice up!
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul December 2, 2014, 6:58 am
    Yum! We need to get together for taco Tuesday sometime!!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:41 pm
      Um, we sure do!!! It has been WAY too long since we have eaten tacos together! :(
  • Liz @ I Heart Vegetables December 2, 2014, 7:05 am
    These look delicious! Love the cauliflower taco idea! Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted...Before & After: Living Room and Dining RoomMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:41 pm
      Thank you, Liz! They are random, but they are deeeelicious!
  • Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie December 2, 2014, 8:09 am
    I love Taco Tuesday! This recipe looks like a great meat-free taco alternative. I'm always on the look-out for those! Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie recently posted...December Stitch Fix Review – You Decide!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:42 pm
      Thank you, Stacie! I hope you try these the next time you celebrate Taco Tuesday :)
  • Joanna @Makingmine December 2, 2014, 9:12 am
    We did taco Monday here, so this might have to wait a bit. I like the combo you used here though! I almost never cook with cauliflower, but I've been trying to get Eleanor to eat it. I bet tacos would do the trick :) Joanna @Makingmine recently posted...transforming lives through educationMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:44 pm
      I bet they would! I am not a fan of raw cauliflower at all, but if you cook it and season it up then I love it!!
  • Patricia @ Grab a Plate December 2, 2014, 12:06 pm
    These sound fab! Love that they're so simple to put together & that they're veggies-only :) Patricia @ Grab a Plate recently posted...Tuna and Egg Salad with FennelMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:44 pm
      Sometimes we just need some simplicity in our lives, don't you think?? :)
  • Katie @ running4cupcakes December 2, 2014, 12:32 pm
    I agree - Tuesdays are no fun. .. but taco tuesday makes it better. And this recipe looks delicious!! Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted...Weekend Update: 11/30/14My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:45 pm
      Thank you, Katie! I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who gets the Tuesday Blues. Tacos definitely make them better, though :)
  • Em @ Love A Latte December 2, 2014, 1:18 pm
    You're so creative! I would never think to do this, but it looks absolutely delicious! I always use TVP or just rice & beans and this is a great change up! Em @ Love A Latte recently posted...I Can't Believe it is DecemberMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:46 pm
      Thank you! I happen to think that rice and beans are AMAZING, so I bet they are fantastic in tacos :)
  • Tiara December 2, 2014, 1:50 pm
    I love Tacos! Will have to try these soon. I'm hosting a Whole Foods Market Giveaway on the blog hope you can join the fun. (http://icecreamandfrenchfries.blogspot.com/) Tiara recently posted...Holiday Dinners Made Easy + Whole Foods Market GIVEAWAY!!!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:47 pm
      Thanks Tiara! I will check that out!
  • Cynthia Cover December 2, 2014, 2:12 pm
    My favorite veggies are broc and cauli! Love this recipe and Taco Tuesdays are the best :) Cynthia Cover recently posted...Holiday Crafts and Decor Made Easy – Keep Your Tree Safe!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:49 pm
      If those are your favorite vegetables then it sounds to me like you NEED to make these! ;)
  • Leah December 2, 2014, 2:20 pm
    That looks really good! I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but I want to try it. I bet it is good as a taco salad too! Leah recently posted...Gift Guide: What to Buy the Boys!?!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 4:50 pm
      That is an awesome idea, Leah! This would be SO good in a taco salad. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!
  • Alexis @ Hummusapien December 2, 2014, 4:08 pm
    Frontera sauces are the best! These looks amazing, especially in those adorable little taco holders :)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 5:01 pm
      They are so good, aren't they? And yes... I have been looking for a reason to use those holders. I knew I bought them for a reason ;)
  • Jessica December 2, 2014, 4:26 pm
    These look really yummy! I'm surprised that there's cauliflower in there! =) Jessica recently posted...DIY Holiday Decor: Wine Cork OrnamentsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 5:02 pm
      Not your traditional taco filler, huh? I promise it is unexpected but good!!
  • Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola December 2, 2014, 5:03 pm
    These look great! I used to be a school dietitian and I planned the menus. I started doing Taco Tuesdays at the high school and it became the most popular day of the week! Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola recently posted...Knee Update: New Dr.My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 7:36 pm
      Oh my gosh, I can see why! Who doesn't like tacos??
  • Farrah December 2, 2014, 5:04 pm
    Yum! <3 Definitely pinned! This looks so good! <3 Farrah recently posted...A Practical Gift Guide for the Fitness Enthusiast/FoodieMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 7:38 pm
      Thanks so much, Farrah! Let me know if you try them :)
  • Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition December 2, 2014, 5:55 pm
    Yum! I love cauliflower, although I'm a soft swell girl;) Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition recently posted...Holiday Gift Guide for the Yoga GirlMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 7:45 pm
      Nothing wrong with that! Soft shell tacos are amaaaaazing too!
  • Julie @ Running in a Skirt December 2, 2014, 6:52 pm
    You had me at tacos! And I'm a Tuesday hater too. It is day I'm most likely to feel overwhelmed! Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted...Thanksgiving in Asheville 2014My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 7:46 pm
      Ahh, yes! Another Tuesday hater! I'm glad I am not the only one. At least we have tacos to make them better!
  • Olivia Schwab December 2, 2014, 7:01 pm
    This looks soo good!! I'll have to try this recipe soon!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 2, 2014, 7:47 pm
      Thank you, Olivia! Let me know if you do!
  • Ashley @ A Lady Goes West December 2, 2014, 10:32 pm
    Hi Hannah! I hear you on Tuesdays. Not a huge fan of them either. However, these tacos sound fabulous. My hubby and I make tacos most Sundays, and if I beg and plead, he may consider subbing out the meat for cauliflower. Great work! Thanks for sharing:) Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted...Roadtrip to Southern California and goalsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 3, 2014, 9:21 pm
      I hope he says YES! Even if he doesn't, I say go for it one of these Sundays ;)
  • Katherine G December 4, 2014, 7:57 am
    I would totally try this. This looks like it tastes so good. Katherine G recently posted...NaBloPoMo: 3 Ways I Pick Myself Up When I’m DownMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 6, 2014, 9:59 pm
      They are delicious! I love them so much that I am actually making them again tomorrow night :)
  • Alissa Apel December 4, 2014, 2:21 pm
    Those go look great! It's been awhile since I've had tacos. We love veggies around our house to.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 6, 2014, 9:59 pm
      If you love veggies AND you love tacos, you would adore these! Let me know if you make them :)
  • Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} December 6, 2014, 6:36 pm
    These look awesome! I love trying out creative veggie taco recipes. And cauliflower really is such a good meat substitute - who knew?! Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} recently posted...Our Wedding Part 2 – The CeremonyMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl December 6, 2014, 10:00 pm
      Cauliflower has definitely become one of my favorite substitutes for chicken. It's amazing how versatile it is!
  • Christie March 8, 2015, 11:59 am
    I'm totally with you on the Tuesday thing!!! These look DELICIOUS!!! Christie recently posted...Lemon Pepper Tofu Steaks with Sauteed Spinach and OnionsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 8, 2015, 12:04 pm
      I'm glad I am not the only one who thinks Tuesdays are just plain annoying. Good thing we have tacos to make them better!
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