Ancho Chile Cauliflower Tacos with Toasted Corn Cream and Crispy Red Onion
Mexican Food
Intermediate

Ancho Chile Cauliflower Tacos with Toasted Corn Cream and Crispy Red Onion

Vegetarian tacos featuring roasted, spiced cauliflower served on corn tortillas with a silky toasted corn cream, lightly crisped red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This is an original Mexican-inspired recipe with smoky, sweet, and bright citrus flavors plus great texture contrast.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
VegetarianGluten-Free

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g cauliflower, cut into small florets (for the relleno)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 8 g ancho chile powder (for sazonar the coliflor)
  • 3 g smoked paprika (optional pero recomendado)
  • 2 g ground cumin (divided)
  • 3 g garlic powder
  • 6 g salt (divided or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (to taste)
  • 200 g corn kernels (fresh or congelados)
  • 120 g sour cream (for the cream)
  • 40 g crumbled Cotija cheese (more extra for decorar if desired)
  • 30 ml lime juice (divided)
  • 45 ml water (for ajustar the cream)
  • 120 g red onion, thinly sliced (for the cobertura)
  • 7 ml honey (for balancear the onion)
  • 12 pieces small corn tortillas
  • 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped (for servir)
  • 4 pieces lime wedges (for servir)

Nutrition facts

per serving

360 kcal
Calories
10 g
Protein
40 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
33 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 °F / 220 °C. On a sheet pan, toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

  2. 2

    2. Roast the cauliflower for 22 to 25 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, turning once halfway through, until tender and browned at the edges.

  3. 3

    3. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels with no oil and toast for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots. Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.

  4. 4

    4. Place the remaining toasted corn, sour cream, Cotija cheese, 1 tablespoon lime juice, water, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Set aside.

  5. 5

    5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion, honey, the remaining 1/2 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the edges become lightly crisp.

  6. 6

    6. Warm the corn tortillas on a comal or skillet over medium heat for 30 to 45 seconds per side, until pliable and hot. Keep them covered with a clean towel.

  7. 7

    7. To assemble, spread a little toasted corn cream over each tortilla. Top with the roasted cauliflower, crispy red onion, chopped cilantro, and the reserved toasted corn kernels.

  8. 8

    8. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges and, if desired, a little extra Cotija cheese on top.

Chef tips

For more contrast, let the cauliflower rest for 2 minutes after roasting so the browned edges stay defined. The toasted corn cream can be made up to 1 day ahead and kept refrigerated.

Substitutions

You can swap Cotija for salty queso fresco. If you do not have sour cream, use thick plain Greek yogurt. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
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  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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