The Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato Tacos with Bold Citrus Heat
A Vibrant Plant-Based Masterpiece with a Fiery Vinegar-Free Kick
What makes these the best spicy sweet potato tacos? The secret to a world-class vegetarian taco is the caramelization process combined with Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce. Unlike meatless recipes that rely on heavy vinegars or liquid smoke, our method focuses on roasting the sweet potatoes at high heat to lock in their natural sugars. By finishing with our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Hot, you introduce a "Rich, Spicy, and Tangy" intensity that complements the earthy smoked paprika and creamy avocado without any harsh, lingering acidity.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Hot | Hot (8/10) - Rich, Spicy, & Tangy
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 34
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 14g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
2 lbs (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 g) cumin
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup (100 g) shredded red cabbage
1 large avocado, sliced
1/4 cup (10 g) fresh coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup (60 g) crumbled feta or cotija cheese
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Smoked Paprika vs. Plain Paprika
While plain paprika adds color, Smoked Paprika (Pimentón) is vital for this recipe because it provides a deep, wood-fired essence that mimics the flavor of grilled meats. This smokiness is what transforms the sweet potato from a simple side dish into a robust taco filling that stands up to bold garnishes.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce To take these tacos to the next level, we recommend drizzling them with a handcrafted small batch hot sauce. Whisk the Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce into a bit of crema or drizzle it directly over the roasted potatoes to introduce a fiery, fruit-forward complexity. Using this gourmet citrus hot sauce ensures that the heat doesn't just burn, but actually enhances the natural sweetness of the roasted yams.
The Rich Spicy and Tangy Masterpiece
Heat Level: 8/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Rich, Spicy, Tangy
Base: Organic Grapefruit Juice
Calories: 5
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 35mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 0g
Directions: To fully experience the depth of Blazing Citrus Hot, shake the bottle vigorously before each use to incorporate the natural citrus oils and pepper solids. Begin by drizzling a small amount onto hearty proteins like grilled steak or blackened chicken. The rich grapefruit base is designed to cut through fats, so it excels when paired with avocado or creamy sauces. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening to maintain the vibrant color and heat intensity of the Carolina Reaper peppers.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Pro-Tip: Ensure the cubes are uniform in size so they cook at the same rate and reach that perfect level of caramelization simultaneously.
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and the edges are browned and crisp.
While the potatoes roast, prepare your slaw and toppings. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
Assemble the tacos by layering the roasted sweet potatoes onto the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, coriander (cilantro), and crumbled cheese.
For the final touch, drizzle the Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce over the filling. Pro-Tip: Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the sauce immediately after drizzling; the acidity of the lime helps carry the spicy notes of the sauce across the entire palate.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Smokier: If you want an even deeper profile, add a half teaspoon of chipotle powder to the spice mix before roasting. This adds a lingering heat that complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. The combination of smoke and sugar creates a "barbecue" effect that is highly addictive.
Regional Swap (Thai-inspired): For a Southeast Asian twist, swap the cumin and paprika for a teaspoon of red curry paste mixed into the oil. Replace the feta with crushed peanuts and use a mix of mint and coriander (cilantro) for the garnish to create a completely different flavor profile.
Instant Pot: If you are short on time, you can steam the sweet potato cubes in the Instant Pot for 2 minutes on high pressure with a quick release. Afterward, sauté them in a pan with the oil and spices for 5 minutes to get those essential crispy edges.
Tacos and Bowls: This recipe is easily converted into a healthy grain bowl by serving the roasted potatoes over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. Simply double the amount of Eleven Eleven Sauce and whisk it with a little Greek yogurt to create a creamy dressing for the entire bowl.
Perfect Tortilla Prep: Always toast your corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a hot cast iron skillet. The structural integrity of a corn tortilla improves significantly when heated, preventing the taco from splitting open under the weight of the sweet potatoes.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Corn tortillas.
New Measurement: Large flour tortillas or sturdy lettuce cups.
Why: Flour tortillas provide a softer, sturdier wrap for those who prefer a burrito-style fold, while lettuce cups offer a low-carb, crunchy alternative.
Replacing: Feta cheese.
New Measurement: A dollop of cashew cream or vegan almond-based cheese.
Why: This makes the recipe entirely vegan while maintaining the necessary creamy element that balances the spicy citrus sauce.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Keep the roasted sweet potato filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the potatoes in a skillet or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy; avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.
Freeze: You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven to restore crispness.
People Also Ask
How do I make roasted sweet potatoes crispy for tacos? To get those perfectly charred, crispy edges, you must roast your sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) and ensure they are spread in a single layer. If the pan is too crowded, the potatoes will release steam and become soft rather than crisp. Using parchment paper also helps the natural sugars caramelize against the heat of the pan without sticking, giving you that elusive chewy-yet-crisp texture.
Is there a vinegar-free hot sauce that works for vegan tacos? Yes. Most traditional hot sauces use vinegar as a base, which can overwhelm the delicate sweetness of plant-based ingredients like roasted yams. Eleven Eleven Blazing Citrus Hot is 100% vinegar-free, using fresh grapefruit and lemon juice instead. This provides a clean, fruit-forward heat that elevates the taco's flavor profile while keeping the dish entirely natural and vibrant.
What is the difference between smoked paprika and regular paprika in tacos? Regular paprika is mostly used for color, but smoked paprika (Pimentón) is essential for vegetarian tacos. It provides a deep, wood-fired essence that mimics the "char" of grilled meats. This smokiness is what makes the sweet potato filling feel hearty and robust enough to stand up to bold toppings like crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
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