Some days are just bad days. The “I-slept-through-my-alarm” days. The “I-spilled-orange-juice-in-my-lap” days. The “I-stepped-in-old-chewing-gum” days. The “I-put-my-shirt-on-inside-out-and-went-to-the-office-like-that” days. The “I-drove-off-with-my-latte-on-the-car-roof” days.
And on those days, I crave steak tacos.
Don’t ask me how steak tacos became my comfort food of choice. I only ordered my first one within the past year; I grew up with the ground beef variety instead!
But when I sink my teeth into one of those simple soft tacos—just juicy seasoned steak with spicy tomato salsa—the little black raincloud above my head disappears. I smile again. The world will be better tomorrow.
However…
I’m still slightly nervous to cook steak at home (read about my last experience here), so I came up with an alternative that didn’t have to reach 160° on the meat thermometer.
Tofu tacos, with another favorite comfort food: red bell peppers!
These are great for a light lunch! For a non-vegan version, top each taco with a little shredded Mexican cheese too.
- Slice the tofu into 6 thin rectangles. Place on a double-thick layer of paper towels, and put another double-layer on top. Press down until the paper towels are soaked through with liquid. Repeat. Sprinkle each side of the tofu slices with the chili powder, gently rubbing it in.
- Preheat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat (do not use oil!). Lay the tofu slices into the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden. Remove from the heat, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Lightly coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray, and add the bell peppers. Season with the salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Place the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, and heat on HIGH for 6-10 seconds or until warmed. Place ¼ of the tofu down the center of each tortilla, and top with ¼ of the bell peppers. Serve immediately with salsa (if using).
Looks delish 🙂 I love that his can be put together quickly after work for dinner without an obscene amount of leftovers. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! My guy and I try to out-last each other to see who finally has to eat the leftovers… Not exactly a healthy habit, so I’m working on creating meals for just 2 servings. No leftover problems then!
YAHOO I can eat these!! They look amazing! My comfort food of choice is really..anything. Whatever is in my way is going to be eaten haha. Cupcakes usually top that list too.
Thanks! Oooh yes, cupcakes are an amazing comfort food… As are super fudgy chocolaty brownies. And fresh baked bread. (I’m just a carb queen!)
I had a day like that yesterday 🙁 It was an “order as much food as possible from the local Mediterranean joint” kind of day. Next time, I’m trying your steak tacos!
I’m sorry, I mean your TOFU tacos 🙂 See – I guess I’m still having a “day like that”! sheesh.
It’s a new day; time to shake off all of those bad day blues! And Mediterranean flavors (and lots of feta cheese!) sound like a great way to turn around a bad day. I’ll have to remember that!
I have to make these! I always buy tofu at the store and end up making the same thing – plain roasted tofu. Now I have to try these. They look awesome!
Thanks! I need to start branching out with my tofu dishes too. I want to try grilling some outdoors this summer, but first… I need to buy a grill!