Spicy Cauliflower Black Bean

Featured in: One-Pot Warm Meals

This dish features crispy roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili, combined with warmed black beans and fresh vegetables like red cabbage and avocado. Served on warm corn tortillas and drizzled with a tangy lime sauce, it offers a satisfying, vibrant meal. Preparation involves roasting, warming, and simple assembly, delivering layered smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors perfect for an easy plant-based main.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:39:00 GMT
Crispy Spicy Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos topped with avocado and fresh cilantro. Save to Pinterest
Crispy Spicy Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos topped with avocado and fresh cilantro. | frostkettle.com

Crispy roasted cauliflower and hearty black beans are tossed in a smoky, spicy blend, then piled into warm tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes for a vibrant, satisfying plant-based taco night.

These tacos quickly became a family favorite because they are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into bite-sized florets
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Shredded red cabbage: 1 cup
  • Fresh cilantro leaves: 1/2 cup
  • Lime: 1, cut into wedges
  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • Corn tortillas: 8 small
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Vegan sour cream or plain unsweetened yogurt: 1/2 cup
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp
  • Hot sauce: 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Roast cauliflower:
Spread cauliflower on baking sheet and roast for 20 25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
Warm beans:
Combine black beans and half the sliced red onion in a small pan over medium heat. Warm for 3 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Make sauce:
Mix vegan sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and a pinch of salt.
Warm tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Assemble tacos:
Fill each tortilla with roasted cauliflower, black beans, red cabbage, avocado slices, remaining red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
Save to Pinterest
| frostkettle.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these flavorful tacos, often making extra for next-day lunches.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pickled jalapeños, toasted pepitas, or a crisp Mexican lager to enhance the meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftover roasted cauliflower and black beans in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 290 calories, 10 g total fat, 42 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.

Warm tortillas filled with smoky Spicy Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos for taco night. Save to Pinterest
Warm tortillas filled with smoky Spicy Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos for taco night. | frostkettle.com

These tacos bring a perfect combination of smoky spice and fresh toppings that satisfy every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I get the cauliflower crispy?

Coat the cauliflower evenly with oil and spices before roasting at a high temperature (425°F) and stir halfway for even crispiness and tender edges.

Can I use canned or dried black beans?

Canned black beans drained and rinsed are quick and convenient, while dried black beans need to be soaked and cooked beforehand.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Toasted pepitas or pickled jalapeños add a delightful crunch and a touch of heat that complements the smoky flavors.

How is the sauce made?

The sauce blends vegan sour cream with lime juice, optional hot sauce, and salt, creating a cool, tangy topping that balances spices.

Are these suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and dairy-free, making this a vegan-friendly option.

Spicy Cauliflower Black Bean

Crispy roasted cauliflower and black beans tossed in smoky spices, served with fresh garnishes on warm tortillas.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Information Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 1 avocado, sliced
04 1 cup shredded red cabbage
05 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
06 1 lime, cut into wedges

Beans & Tortillas

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 8 small corn tortillas

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
05 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

01 1/2 cup vegan sour cream or plain unsweetened yogurt
02 1 tablespoon lime juice
03 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
04 Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.

Step 03

Roast cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower evenly on the lined baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

Step 04

Warm beans and onion: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the black beans and half of the sliced red onion in a small pan over medium heat and warm for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Make lime sauce: In a small bowl, stir together vegan sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and a pinch of salt to form the sauce.

Step 06

Warm tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

Step 07

Assemble tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with roasted cauliflower, warmed black beans, shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, remaining red onion, and cilantro leaves. Drizzle with prepared lime sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify store-bought tortillas and vegan sour cream for gluten, soy, or nuts.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 290
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 9 g