
Beer and Lime Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower is kind of a big deal. It can be found on almost any menu these days: fried, roasted, in salads and soups, or as an alternative to carbohydrates as in cauliflower rice. I am not going to lie; I am totally the type of person that jumps on food-trend bandwagons and hangs onto them with all my might. Another trend that started a long time ago is “Meatless Monday’s” and we like to incorporate meatless meals on Monday’s as well as other days throughout the week. We still eat meat. Lots of it. But sometimes a meal packed full of veggies is just what a person needs. Between both of these trends, plus my need to incorporate beer into as much as possible, I created these beer and lime cauliflower tacos. They have a lot of flavour, can be done on the grill or in your oven, and can be a quick weeknight meal that is both satisfying and healthy.
Beer and Lime Cauliflower Tacos
Starting with the beer, I used Goose Island’s Honker’s Ale. I wanted a beer that had the caramel maltiness as well as some fruity hops to roast the cauliflower in. Honker’s ale was perfect for this.
Goose Island’s Honker’s Ale, 4.3% alc/vol
A – pours a copper, brown colour with a decent amount of white, frothy head.
S – smell is of the caramel, toffee, brown sugar; some light breadiness and fruity hops
T – not far from the nose, more caramel, toffee, brown sugar sweetness, light bitter fruity hops, some roasted grains
M – medium carbonation, medium bodied, some stickiness, light linger of bitterness
O – nice malty beer with a good amount of balanced hops; perfect for roasting with or just having on its own.
After you have picked your beer, assemble the rest of your ingredients for the beer and lime cauliflower tacos.
If you are using your grill, get that started; if you are using your oven, get that up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large sauce pan, warm the beer, chicken broth, lime juice, soy sauce, hot sauce and garlic over medium heat. Add in the cauliflower and let simmer for about 3 minutes. Drain, reserving about 3/4 cup of the liquid.
In a large bowl, mix the spices and add in the cauliflower and onion and toss to combine well.
Pour cauliflower mixture into tin dishes (or a tin foil lined baking pan if you are using the oven), with the coconut oil, reserved liquid, and roast until browned, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, make the coleslaw. In a small jar combine the lime juice, vinegar, avocado oil, salt and spices and put the lid on and shake well. In a mixing bowl add the chopped cabbage and carrots, and pour jarred dressing over top. Toss and set aside until the cauliflower is ready.
To assemble the beer and lime cauliflower tacos, use your favourite tortilla shell (I like small, whole wheat ones, but you can use white, hard shells, etc…). Pile the cauliflower onto your taco shell, top with a spoonful of the coleslaw and add more of your favourite toppings. I like avocado slices, homemade tomato salsa, sour cream and hot sauce.
Enjoy these beer and lime cauliflower tacos with your favourite cold brew!
Beer and Lime Cauliflower Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower chopped into small florets
- 1 cup beer*
- 1/4 cup chicken broth**
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1.5 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/5 tsp. hot sauce***
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp. morita chipotle powder ****
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin and coriander
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
Coleslaw
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin and coriander
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 head of green cabbage sliced into thin strips
- 1 carrot shredded or chopped into matchsticks
Accompaniments
- Favourite tortilla/taco shells
- Favourite salsa
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
-
Fire up the grill, if you are using your grill; if you are using your oven, get that up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
In a large sauce pan, warm the beer, chicken broth, lime juice, soy sauce, hot sauce and garlic over medium heat. Add in the cauliflower and let simmer for about 3 minutes. Drain, reserving about 3/4 cup of the liquid.
-
In a large bowl, mix the spices and add in the cauliflower and onion and toss to combine well.
-
Pour cauliflower mixture into tin dishes (or a tin foil lined baking pan if you are using the oven), with the coconut oil and reserved liquid, and roast until browned, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Meanwhile, make the coleslaw. In a small jar combine the lime juice, vinegar, oil, salt and spices and put the lid on and shake well. In a mixing bowl add the chopped cabbage and carrots, and pour jarred dressing over top. Toss and set aside until the cauliflower is ready.
-
To assemble the beer and lime cauliflower tacos, use your favourite tortilla shell (I like small, whole wheat, but you can use white, hard shells, etc...). Pile the cauliflower onto your taco shell, top with a spoonful of the coleslaw and add more of your favourite toppings. I like avocado slices, homemade tomato salsa, sour cream and hot sauce.
Recipe Notes
*Use a malty beer, like Goose Island's Honker's Ale, or Newcastle
** Use vegetable broth if going vegetarian
*** Use your favourite - mine is Valentinos
**** Or any chipotle powder
