Spicy Tofu Tacos with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Crema

with a side of helpful things and a painting

Aug 16, 2024

Hello. I’ve seen a lot of posts about how weird August is and I would have to agree.

Along with feeling really weird about your life, I think that August is for listening to august, trying to recall what you did all summer, taking walks that turn into just wandering around, sleeping in later than you intended, and making tacos to solve all your problems. Spicy tofu tacos with grilled corn salsa and cilantro crema, to be exact.

spicy tofu tacos with grilled corn salsa and cilantro crema

I love August - but I also resonate with it being strange, emotionally. It just has a heavy, nostalgic vibe. To combat any August weirdness, here are some random helpful things. The hope is that you’ll take at least one thing from this list and then make tacos!!

Random (Helpful) Things:

if you want to smell amazing use this Vanilla Musk perfume oil from Whole Foods (neither of us got smell compliments from our bfs until we started using this so take whatever you want from that!)
throughout the day whenever something goes good for you, say “thank you, more please” even if its really small - this vibrationally allows more good to flow into your life because when you focus on the good, the good gets better.
stretch before bed to release all the tension in your body so you don’t store it while you are sleeping. this helps your nervous system tremendously!!!
ice your face in the morning (you can just rub an ice cube on it) because it feels amazing and is good for your skin
hum to stimulate your vagus nerve, calm down your nervous system and annoy everyone around you
buy a harmonica, make it your entire personality for 24 hours and then never touch it again after the first day
the exact moment I hit rock bottom

August Paintings

Since we are talking about August, it’s an appropriate time to let you know that I have many talents - aside from staring at my harmonica, I also like to paint. These paintings are called “august” inspired by folklore, of course. They’re not as big as they appear in that mock up, so don't be fooled. They are acrylic on canvas (18” x 24”). If you are interested in them, DM us!

Spicy Tofu Tacos with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Crema

Every time we make tacos I say that I need to make tacos more. The spicy tofu is perfectly crispy and addicting to nibble directly from the pan. It requires just 5 ingredients.

It’s still corn season and I’m obsessed with grilling it!! If you don’t feel like doing that you could absolutely use raw corn - it would be nice and refreshing with the spicy tofu. The salsa is very simple and seasoned with just lime juice and salt because there is also a cilantro crema involved. Together, it’s an elite combo. Enjoy!!

Spicy Tofu Tacos with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Crema

Makes 6 tacos

For the spicy tofu:

1 block firm or extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons chili crisp, divided
1/2 teaspoon umami seasoning or mushroom powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce

For the grilled corn salsa:

2 ears of corn
2 jalapeños, seeds removed and chopped
1/2 lime, juiced
Salt, to taste

For the cilantro crema:

1/2 cup vegan sour cream
1/2 cup cilantro, packed
Squeeze of lime
Salt, to taste

For the tacos:

6 small flour tortillas

Method:

Press and cut the tofu: Press your tofu for 15 minutes (wrap in paper towels and place something heavy on top). Cut into small rectangles.
Sauté the tofu: In a skillet on medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of chili crisp. Once shimmering, add the tofu and stir to coat it. Add the umami seasoning, garlic powder, tamari or soy sauce, and additional tablespoon of chili crisp (more oil than crisp if possible). Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the tofu is browned and crispy.
Grill the corn: Shuck the corn and brush it with olive oil or avocado oil. Grill on high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently.
Make the salsa: Once the corn has cooled, cut it off the cob. In a small bowl, combine the grilled corn, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt.
Make the crema: To a mason jar (or small blender attachment), add the vegan sour cream, cilantro, and squeeze of lime. Use an immersion blender and blend until smooth, adding more lime juice for a thinner consistency. Taste and season with salt.
Assemble the tacos: Warm your tortillas in a pan, microwave, or toaster oven. To each tortilla add cilantro crema, spicy tofu, and the grilled corn and jalapeño salsa.