Crispy Zucchini Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw & Lime Crema
These Crispy Zucchini Tacos will impress you and your family or guests! Loaded with layers of flavor, so easy to make and topped with a dreamy lime crema!
These Crispy Zucchini Tacos will impress you and your family or guests! Loaded with layers of flavor, so easy to make and topped with a dreamy lime crema!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- tacos:
- 1/2 ripe avocado sliced
- sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
- crispy zucchini:
- 1 lb zucchini
- 3/4 cup ap gluten free flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs (seasoned with salt and pepper)
- kale cabbage slaw:
- 2 cups shredded kale
- 2 cups shredded purple/red cabbage
- 1 tablespoon raw cane sugar
- sea salt and ground black pepper to season
- lime crema:
- 1/4 cup thick vegan greek yogurt or mayo
- 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo finely minced (optional, adds lots of spice and flavour)
- 3/4 small jalapeã±o sliced (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) (optional)
- pickled onions (optional)
- 2 limes sliced into wedges for garnish and fresh squeeze over tacos
- Carbohydrate 20.0660647954064 g
- Cholesterol 0.796249999948222 mg
- Fat 6.36489864901661 g
- Fiber 6.40777647741314 g
- Protein 3.24744766033574 g
- Saturated Fat 1.0111618832879 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -7 (272g)
- Sodium 49.4503953167763 mg
- Sugar 13.6582883179933 g
- Trans Fat 0.464842074551457 g
- Calories 129 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper, NOT foil.
- Cut the zucchini into spears about 3 inches long and an inch wide roughly. You can do this by cutting it like you would a potato into wedges.
- In a separate bowl, whisk all the batter ingredients together EXCEPT the bread crumbs. Place the bread crumbs in a bowl. Line it up beside the batter bowl.
- Toss the zucchini in the mixture one at a time, shaking off excess batter. Then, dip the zucchini into the breadcrumbs to coat, then place onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all of the zucchini spears are coated.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Set aside.
- Mix all the ingredients for the slaw together while zucchini is baking. Let sit on the counter or in fridge if not using immediately while everything else is being made so all the flavours can marry together.
- While zucchini is baking, in a small food processor or with an immersion blender, blend all the ingredients together. Add a tablespoon or water to thin out the lime crema for drizzling if you so desire. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a squeeze bottle and in the fridge until ready, or in a small bowl to spoon over tacos.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (if possible, brush with a pastry brush).
- Place a taco shell in the heat until golden brown spots appear and they are slightly puffy for a few seconds, then flip and cook the same. Set on a plate to assemble.
- Layer with slaw, crispy zucchini and avocados over the soft taco shells. Add other toppings here if so desired.
- Drizzle the tacos with the lime crema.
- Serve with limes to squeeze over for a fresh burst of flavor. Enjoy!
My Unexpected Birthday Taco Fiesta
It's funny how life works. I planned to spend my 26th birthday quietly, maybe a cozy dinner with my family. Instead, I found myself unexpectedly hosting a small get-together, and the star of the show? These incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy crispy zucchini tacos. Honestly, I never thought zucchini could be so versatile, so flavorful, and so darn satisfying in a taco.
The inspiration struck me during a grocery shopping trip. I saw a pile of vibrant, fresh zucchini, and something clicked. I've always been a fan of healthy twists on classic dishes, and the idea of using zucchini as the base for tacos felt like a fun culinary adventure. The result? A party of flavor in every bite! The crispy zucchini, coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture, offered a delightful crunch that contrasted beautifully with the creamy lime crema and the refreshing crunch of the kale and cabbage slaw.
The best part? The simplicity of the recipe. I’m not exactly a culinary whiz; my kitchen skills are more "enthusiastic amateur" than "professional chef." Even I could whip up this masterpiece without breaking a sweat, or setting off the smoke alarm (a personal achievement I'm particularly proud of!). The recipe itself is fairly straightforward, with easily accessible ingredients. I love how adaptable it is, too. Feel free to add your personal touch – extra spices, different types of cabbage, even a sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
But the real magic happened during the assembly. I had everything laid out beautifully; my perfectly baked zucchini spears, the vibrant slaw glistening with a light vinaigrette, the cooling lime crema. The simple act of creating these tacos felt almost meditative. It was a creative outlet that eased the daily stresses, even as I juggled work, family, and a million other small tasks.
This recipe became more than just a meal; it was a celebration of simplicity and flavor, a perfect way to mark my birthday. It showcased my ability to transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, a skill I'm slowly but surely mastering. I received compliments from every guest, ranging from "This is amazing!" to "I need the recipe NOW!" It was truly heartwarming to watch my friends and family enjoy something I created with my own hands, something that represented my creativity, passion, and appreciation for good food and good company.
Beyond the deliciousness, this experience reminded me of the joy of simple pleasures: the satisfaction of cooking a delightful meal, the happiness of sharing it with loved ones, and the unexpectedly delicious outcome of a little culinary experimentation. And even though my birthday has passed, the memory of that perfectly crispy, flavorful zucchini taco, and the smiles it brought to my loved ones, remain a treasured part of my 26th year. So, if you're looking for a unique, easy, and overwhelmingly delicious recipe, give these zucchini tacos a try. You might be surprised at how much they enhance a simple gathering, or a quiet night in.
Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings! A sprinkle of cotija cheese, some diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the tacos to the next level. And the lime crema? It's pure perfection. Make extra, because you’ll want to use it on everything.
