This easy tofu scramble is versatile and can be customized to your taste. You can add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. It can be enjoyed on its own, with toast, or as a filling for breakfast burritos or wraps.
Why you should make this
This recipe rocks for several reasons:
- Easy and quick: This tofu scramble recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you're short on time. It can be whipped up in just a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without much effort.
- Plant-based and vegan-friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan, making it suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is a great alternative to traditional scrambled eggs, providing a similar texture and taste while being completely free of animal products.
- Nutritious and protein-packed: Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making this scramble a nutritious and filling meal. It is also rich in essential amino acids, iron, and calcium. Additionally, the bell peppers and onions add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish, making it a well-rounded and wholesome option.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can experiment with different vegetables, spices, or even add some plant-based sausage or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
- Delicious and satisfying: Despite being a simple recipe, this tofu scramble is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The combination of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and vegan cheese adds a savory and cheesy taste to the scramble, making it a delicious and enjoyable meal.
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Ingredients
- Tofu: Tofu is the main ingredient in this recipe and serves as a plant-based substitute for scrambled eggs. It is a versatile and protein-rich ingredient that absorbs flavors well.
- Bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a vibrant color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor to the tofu scramble. They also provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.
- Onion: Sautéed onions add a savory and aromatic element to the scramble. They complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall flavor.
- Seasoning: Various seasonings can be used to add flavor to the tofu scramble. Turmeric is commonly used to give the tofu a yellow color and a slightly earthy taste. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and umami flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall seasoning.
- Vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is optional but can be sprinkled on top of the tofu scramble to add a melty and cheesy element. There are various types of vegan cheese available, such as shredded vegan cheddar or mozzarella, which can be used based on personal preference.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Sauté aromatics, you may use leeks onions & garlic too. This is just what I had on hand and I’m pretty sure it’ll work.
Add in tofu & turmeric or any seasoning you might wanna use.
Add in vegan cheese, keep stirring till cheese melts.
Serve with salad, in a wrap, with your favorite grain or on top of sourdough.
Hint: Stir everything together in the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Be careful not to overcook the tofu, as it can become dry and rubbery.
Substitutions
- Tofu: If you don't have tofu or prefer a different protein source, you can try using chickpea flour (also known as besan) or crumbled tempeh as alternatives. Chickpea flour can be mixed with water to create a batter-like consistency, which can then be cooked similarly to a scramble. Crumbled tempeh can be sautéed with the vegetables and seasoned to taste.
- Bell pepper and onion: While bell peppers and onions add flavor and texture to the scramble, you can substitute them with other vegetables of your choice. Some options include spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
- Seasoning: The seasoning in a tofu scramble can be customized based on your preferences. In addition to turmeric, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, you can add spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for an eggy flavor. Adjust the seasonings to your liking and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Vegan cheese: If you prefer not to use vegan cheese or don't have it on hand, you can omit it altogether or try using a different topping. For example, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for added freshness. Alternatively, you can add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Remember, the beauty of cooking is that you can always customize and adapt recipes to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make substitutions based on what you have available or what you enjoy.
Variations
- Mexican-inspired scramble: Add some diced jalapenos, black beans, and corn to the scramble for a spicy and flavorful twist. Top it with avocado slices, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast.
- Mediterranean scramble: Sauté some diced tomatoes, spinach, and Kalamata olives with the tofu for a Mediterranean twist. Season it with dried oregano, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of feta-style vegan cheese. Serve it with a side of toasted pita bread or a Mediterranean salad.
- Asian-inspired scramble: Add some diced mushrooms, shredded carrots, and snap peas to the scramble. Season it with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for an Asian-inspired breakfast or brunch.
- Southwest scramble: Sauté some diced bell peppers, onions, and black beans with the tofu. Season it with cumin, chili powder, and a dash of hot sauce for a Southwest flavor. Top it with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of vegan sour cream.
- Cheesy spinach and mushroom scramble: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and spinach with the tofu. Add some vegan cream cheese or shredded vegan cheese to make it extra creamy and cheesy. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of nutmeg for a rich and flavorful scramble.
Feel free to mix and match ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and discovering new flavor combinations!
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides.
Tell your visitors what equipment you use and how to adjust the recipe if they use something different, and link to your affiliate link to purchase the equipment.
Storage
Store the wet ingredients (lettuce, tomato, onion) separately from the dry ingredients (buns) in the fridge, and recombine when ready. Good for 2-3 days.
These ingredients do/don't stand up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Top tip
Before cooking, it's important to press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb flavors better and prevents it from becoming too watery. Place the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes to press out the moisture.
FAQ
Firm tofu is typically recommended for tofu scrambles as it holds its shape better and has a texture similar to scrambled eggs. Silken tofu is softer and may not crumble as well, but you can still use it if you prefer a softer texture in your scramble.
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just ensure that the seasonings and vegan cheese you use are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. Additionally, be mindful of any potential cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.
While tofu scramble is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time to save some prep time. You can chop the bell peppers and onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply sauté the vegetables, add the crumbled tofu, and season as directed.
Tofu scramble can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The tofu may become a bit softer and more crumbly. If you plan to freeze it, allow the scramble to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Absolutely! If you prefer a heartier scramble, you can add meat substitutes like vegan sausage or bacon. Simply cook the meat substitutes separately according to package instructions, then crumble or chop them and add them to the scramble along with the tofu and vegetables.
Yes, you can make this recipe without oil if you prefer. Instead of sautéing the vegetables in oil, you can use a non-stick skillet or a small amount of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking. The tofu scramble may have a slightly different texture and flavor without the oil, but it can still be delicious.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Easy Tofu Scramble
Ingredients
- - 1 block of firm tofu
- - 1 bell pepper diced
- - 1 small onion diced
- - 2 tablespoons of oil such as olive or vegetable oil
- - 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- - 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Vegan cheese shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Place the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and place a heavy object on top to press out the excess moisture. Let it press for about 15-20 minutes.
- Crumble or dice the tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and sauté until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Season the scramble: Sprinkle the turmeric and nutritional yeast over the tofu and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook until heated through: Continue cooking the scramble for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Be careful not to overcook the tofu, as it can become dry.
- Optional: If desired, sprinkle shredded vegan cheese on top of the scramble and let it melt slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the tofu scramble to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy as a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
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Food Safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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