The Best Vegetarian Tofu Scramble Recipe

Tofu scramble is a versatile and nutritious dish that serves as a fantastic alternative to scrambled eggs. This recipe combines various techniques and ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Tofu: 1 (14 oz) block of firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (or vegan butter)
• Onion: 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Bell Pepper: 1 small red or green bell pepper, diced
• Mushrooms: 1 cup shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms, chopped (optional)
• Spinach: 1-2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Nutritional Yeast: 2-3 tablespoons (for a cheesy flavor)
• Turmeric: 1/4 teaspoon (for color and flavor)
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): 1/2 teaspoon (for an eggy flavor)
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: optional, for heat
• Salt and Pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu:

• Crumble the tofu into small pieces using your hands or a fork. Avoid pressing it too much; you want some texture.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
• If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.

Add Garlic and Spinach:

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

Cook the Tofu:

• Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet. Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, turmeric, black salt, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and slightly golden.

Season and Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm on toast, in a breakfast burrito, or alongside your favorite breakfast items.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your tofu scramble; cooking it for too long can make it dry.
• Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, kale, or tomatoes based on your preferences.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

Tips to Prevent Tofu Scramble from Becoming Dry

1. Use Firm Tofu: Choose firm or extra-firm tofu, as these varieties hold their shape better and retain moisture without becoming mushy.
2. Avoid Overcooking: Remove the scramble from heat as soon as it’s heated through and lightly browned. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture.
3. Add Liquid: If the scramble looks dry while cooking, add a splash of plant-based milk or coconut milk to maintain moisture and create a fluffier texture.
4. Don’t Skimp on Oil: Using enough oil or vegan butter helps prevent sticking and adds moisture during cooking.

Making Tofu Scramble More Cheesy

1. Nutritional Yeast: Add 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and added nutrients.
2. Vegan Cheese: Incorporate shredded vegan cheese towards the end of cooking for a melty, cheesy effect.
3. Creamy Additions: Stir in a small amount of cashew cream or vegan sour cream for richness and creaminess.

Vegan Sausage Options for Tofu Scramble

1. Store-Bought Vegan Sausages: Brands like Beyond Meat, Field Roast, or Tofurky offer delicious sausage options that can be crumbled and mixed into your scramble.
2. Homemade Vegan Sausage Crumbles: Combine cooked lentils with spices like sage, thyme, and fennel to mimic sausage flavor.
3. Chickpea Flour Scramble: Mix chickpea flour with spices and water to create a batter that can be cooked in a similar way to sausage.

Using Different Types of Tofu for Scramble

• Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: Ideal for scrambles due to their texture.
• Silken Tofu: Not recommended, as it tends to fall apart too quickly and does not provide the desired texture for scrambles.

Quick and Easy Tofu Scramble Variations

1. Mediterranean Style: Add diced tomatoes, olives, spinach, and feta-style vegan cheese.
2. Spicy Southwest: Incorporate black beans, corn, jalapeños, and top with avocado.
3. Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté mushrooms and spinach together with garlic for a savory twist.
4. Curried Tofu Scramble: Add curry powder and peas for an Indian-inspired flavor.
5. Breakfast Burrito: Wrap the scramble in a tortilla with salsa, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

These tips and variations will help you create a delicious tofu scramble that suits your taste preferences!

This vegetarian tofu scramble is not only quick to prepare but also nutritious and satisfying—perfect for breakfast or brunch! Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to make it your own!