You know when summer is coming to a close, and the panic that SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER YOU GUYS sets in?
You get flashes of #allthethings you were supposed to accomplish this season (like that epic summer vacation). And for a moment, you think you can successfully cram them all into one afternoon, despite having three children and no cash.
Ok then, we’ll improvise: Double chocolate dairy-free ice cream…check. Sunbathing with good tunes…check. Hot day lounging in next to the kiddie pool…close enough.
Because SUMMER CAN’T END. *whimpers*
Enter this Spicy Jerk Cauliflower, a new favorite of mine and one that will definitely have you feeling ALIVE and ready to close your summer with a bang.
Who needs epic summer vacations anyway? Let’s just eat good food and pretend like we’re at the beach.
Maybe it’s all those spicy jerk seasonings, but when I eat these delicious roasted cauli’s and fresh mango stuffed tortillas, I feel like I’ve been whisked away to the Caribbean, even if it’s only in my mind. Cue Bob Marley and the Wailers.
A girl’s gotta dream, right?
So when you want to have something that is both tropical AND healthy, this is the perfect dinner to end your day. Cauliflower is so beautifully versatile and this recipe certainly delivers both heat and flavor with a delicious combo of spices.
Top with tropical mango salsa and you have that fresh play between spicy and sweet. It’s not complicated and it can be ready in about 30 minutes.
If, however, you love the flavor of “jerk”, but don’t want to worry about putting out the fire, simply cut back on the amount of spice mixture you sprinkle onto the cauliflower prior to baking.
As for me, I’m going to be jammin’ with these tacos for the remainder of the summer…right next to the kiddie pool.
Hope you like jammin’ too.
Allergy Info & Substitutions:
- This recipe is 100% vegan, which means it is meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free! It is also naturally nut-free and soy-free.
- For a gluten-free version, please make sure to use gluten-free tortillas.
- If you also want to avoid nightshades, you can omit the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, but keep in mind that this will change the taste.
Enjoy!
DELICIOUS + SPICY tropical vegan cauliflower tacos! These tacos are easy to pull together and are completely meat-free, soy-free, nut-free, and can be made gluten-free by using GF tortillas. Serve with kidney or black beans for an extra topping!
Spicy Vegan Jamaican Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower-
- 1 large cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne less if you're sensitive to spicy foods
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Mango Salsa-
- 1 ½ C chopped red cabbage
- ½ C sliced green onions
- 1 mango diced small
- ½ lime juiced
- Handful cilantro chopped
- Light Himalayan pink salt and pepper
Additional Ingredients-
- Warm tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400º.
- Place cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet covered in parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- In a separate small bowl, mix spices together. Sprinkle spice mixture over cauliflower*, and pop in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork tender and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together salsa ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
- To assemble, stuff warmed tortillas with roasted cauliflower and mango salsa. Serve.
Notes
Pin It!
Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!
Esther
These were amazing. I joined the veganuary challenge this year (I’ve made the decision to stay vegan after January) and I honestly prefer these over the regular fried ground beef tacos. There is just so much more flavour. My boyfriend that frequents a Jamaican restaurant every week said this meal is restaurant worthy.
I did change it up a bit as I had loads of time to do the changes. I kept the main thing (most important) which was the cauliflower with all its seasonings. I used a fresh mango salsa recipe I’ve made before and know that I absolutely love it. I made pickled red cabbage instead of having it in the salsa. And I also made a vegan lime cilantro crema sauce out of cashews.
This is a meal I would make for friends. Thanks so much for sharing this delicious recipe!!! I will be making it again.
Randi Tisdall
Woo hoo! That is wonderful Esther, I’m so glad you enjoyed them. Having pickled red cabbage sounds like a yummy addition:)
Jenny
Can’t wait to try this! Could I use frozen or thawed mangos?
Randi Tisdall
Hi Jenny! I’m sure you could use frozen mangos as long as they were completely thawed. I hope you do get a chance to try this and I’d love to hear how it goes!
KC
These turned out great! I’m a carnivore, but went vegan for Lent. The spice was perfect (I like spicy) and made very well coated cauliflower.
Randi Tisdall
Awesome!!! I’m SO glad you enjoyed them- thanks for sharing your feedback!
Felicia
I made the Jerk Cal with mango salsa and it was delicious!!!
Randi Tisdall
Wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing Felicia!
Cheryl Davis
Made this for dinner last night – my partner requested it went straight on the ‘to-do again’ list. Loved it – great combination of flavours 🙂
Randi Tisdall
That is awesome Cheryl!!! This is one of my favorites:) So glad it’s become one of your favs too!!
Cris
I’ve had this prepared by the master and it was awesome! Filling out my shopping list to include items to make this and the “sloppy joes” (also just fabulous!) myself! Wish me luck! xoxoxox!
Randi Tisdall
Thanks Cris!! I’m so glad you enjoyed them while you were here and I hope all goes well at home too!
Lindsey
How many servings does this make? Thanks!
Randi Tisdall
Hi Lindsey! This will comfortably serve 4. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Deborah Davis
I am a big fan of tacos. These look so delectable. It’s amazing how versatile cauliflower can be. Thank you for sharing your Spicy Vegan Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower Tacos at the Plantbased Potluck Party. I’m sharing this!
Randi Tisdall
Thanks so much Deborah! I don’t know if I’ve ever met a person that DIDN’T like tacos lol.
Amber Harrop
These look incredible Randi and I love cauliflower in dishes – I am going to add these to my Meal plan 🙂
Randi Tisdall
Awesome! I’d love to hear how they turn out:)
leanna
What an incredible looking meal. It looks both delicious and healthy. I hear you about summer as well, I am making fall stuff for the blog, but not putting any of it up yet. Our spring didn’t come until the start of June so no way am I ready to say good bye to summer yet.
I will try this with hubs. He will be happy that I cooked and loves anything spicy. Thanks for the share. Pinning.
Randi Tisdall
Thanks Leanna! I’d love to hear how it turns out. I’m not ready for summer to be over, although when you mentioned making fall goodies that got me excited lol- can’t wait to see what you post this season!