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    Home » Breakfast/Brunch

    Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble

    Published: June 5, 2020 | 9:48 am, Modified: Aug 27, 2023 by Connie Edwards McGaughy This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble ☀️ Start your day off right with this simply delicious & nutritious plant-based twist on traditional scrambled eggs prepared with only 5 ingredients and in just a few minutes! Breakfast just got even better!

    A plate with tofu scramble, avocado slices, chopped tomato, english muffins, jam, orange slices, and strawberries.

    I think you're going to love this vegan version of scrambled eggs. All the flavor & texture - but even better because it's 100% plant-based.

    When I was a kid, once or twice a month, my mom would prepare a full Sunday morning breakfast for us. Often times, she would serve up a big batch of scrambled eggs accompanied by an assortment of toppings, like tomatoes, avocado, grated cheese, sliced olives, or mushrooms. It was the only way I enjoyed eating eggs, and I loved having the option to choose whatever I felt like adding. Sometimes she would also make browned potatoes or fluffy pancakes. It was such a fun way to start the day!

    A plate with tofu scramble, avocado slices, chopped tomato, and toast.
    Table of Contents
    • ☀️ Ingredient Notes
    • ☀️ Instructions
    • ☀️ Equipment
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    When I became vegan, I wanted to recreate those Sunday breakfasts and found the perfect way to do that by using tofu and a 'secret' key ingredient (keep reading!). If you haven't tried this simple & tasty scramble recipe before, you will be in for a delicious surprise!

    This is the perfect recipe to create a small, simple breakfast for one or two, or, an elaborate brunch for a bunch of people. By making this easy vegan tofu scramble as the centerpiece of your breakfast menu, you can build on it by adding as many extras as you like. If you prep your toppings in advance, you can have your tofu scramble cooked & ready to serve in about 15 minutes!

    Why you should try this recipe

    • Tofu scramble is a delicious main course for breakfast or brunch.
    • Easy, quick plant-based meal.
    • Very versatile - customize spices & ingredients.
    • Add all the toppings and extras you like!
    • Perfect for vegan and non-vegan family and guests.
    • Kids love it.
    • Protein-packed & cholesterol-free.

    What is tofu?

    Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a nutrient-rich food created from soy milk that has been heated and coagulated. The soy milk curds are then pressed and formed into blocks, much like traditional cheesemaking. The word "tofu"comes from the Japanese term for bean + curdled or fermented. Tofu or bean curd is often served as a plant-based meat or egg replacement in many recipes. Mild in flavor, tofu readily absorbs seasonings or flavors of any other ingredients it is cooked with. According to this article, tofu first originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Today, tofu is a staple in many Asian countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea. Learn more about tofu in the FAQ's below.

    A block of firm tofu sliced in half.

    Tofu Fun Fact

    Did you know? The brilliant polymath, inventor, publisher, writer, postmaster, diplomat, and Founding Father – Benjamin Franklin, became an ethical vegetarian at the age of sixteen. He was also the first American known to mention tofu, according to a letter he wrote in 1770, where he referred to it as “cheese from China”.  According to this article, he may be responsible for bringing tofu to America! Thanks Ben!

    ☀️ Ingredient Notes

    Tofu scramble ingredients including medium firm tofu, kala namak slat, turmeric, cumin, and water.

    🥕 See the recipe card below for quantities and details.

    Tofu - medium/firm (See more below)

    Himalayan Black Salt - Kala Namak (Learn more in the FAQ's below)

    Turmeric - powder (Adds flavor and the perfect "eggy" color)

    Cumin - powder (Just a little bit goes a long way)

    Olive oil - or cooking oil of your choice (See tips on oil-free cooking below)

    How to choose which tofu to use?

    Here's how... One of the first things you should know is tofu comes in different firmnesses: silken (for puddings, desserts, and sauces), soft (desserts, dips), medium & firm (scramble, eggless egg salad), and extra firm (braised tofu, strips, sandwiches, barbecue, skewers). The texture and levels of firmness may vary depending on the brands you buy. I suggest trying a few different brands and finding the ones that work best for your particular recipes. For this recipe, you will want to use medium-firm tofu.

    ☀️ Instructions

    Step #1 - Drain the water from the tofu. Tofu is often packaged in water. You will need to drain off all of the water and press out any excess liquid. This step is crucial as it enables the tofu to better absorb marinades and seasonings. One of the simplest and fastest ways is by using a tofu press (see below). However, if you don't have a press, you can also sandwich the tofu between two cutting boards. I suggest first slicing the block of tofu into 1"-2" thick slabs. Press down firmly or place heavy cans or books on top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, positioned on a slight slant so the liquid drains into a bowl or sink.

    A clamp style tofu press.

    Open the package of tofu and drain the water. Place the block of tofu in a tofu press or sandwiched between two cutting boards.

    A simple tofu press.

    Firmly press to squeeze out any excess water from the tofu.

    A bowl of uncooked tofu and a cup of tofu scramble sauce.

    Whisk together a sauce of kala namak, turmeric and cumin in ½ cup water. Place tofu into a bowl and use a fork of knife to break it up into scramble sized pieces.

    Tofu cooking in a skillet.

    Pour 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil into a pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu. Turn tofu a few times with a spatula.

    Tofu with with kala namak salt, turmeric, and cumin cooking in a skillet.
    Pour sauce over tofu and turn with a spatula or spoon for 3-5 minutes.
    Tofu scramble cooking in a skillet.
    Continue turning occasionally until seasonings are absorbed and liquid is completely cooked off.

    Oil-free Version - To prepare this dish oil-free, place tofu and seasoned liquid in a non-stick pan over med-high heat. Turn frequently (so it doesn't burn) until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and serve.

    A plate with tofu scramble, avocado slices, chopped tomato, english muffins, jam, orange slices, and strawberries.

    Serve with salsa, grated vegan cheese, diced avocado, tomatoes or any additional toppings you like, such as:

    • Artichoke hearts
    • Zucchini
    • Spinach
    • Sun-dried tomatoes
    • Fresh herbs - basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, chives
    • Mushrooms
    • Vegan sausage or baco-bits
    • Sliced olives
    • Onions
    • Hot sauces

    Feel free to use other seasonings you prefer, for instance:

    • Chili powder
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Paprika
    • All-purpose seasonings, like Bragg, Spike, or Eggcellent
    • Nutritional yeast

    Learn more tips about this recipe on our video

    ☀️ Equipment

    Here are the few kitchen tools you may need to prepare tofu scramble:

    • A medium size bowl
    • A tofu press or two cutting boards and a few heavy cans or books for weights
    • A knife and fork
    • Measuring spoons
    • Measuring cup
    • Flat metal or wooden spatula
    • A large skillet or frying pan (I prefer cast iron)
    Tofu scramble in a cast iron pan.

    Why cook with cast iron? I prefer to prepare tofu in a skillet. My favorite skillets are cast iron and there are several very good reasons for that. First and foremost, cast iron is chemical-free. I've heard too many heartbreaking stories about pet birds and small animals succumbing to poisonous fumes caused by teflon-coated or non-stick pans left unattended and over-heating on stovetops. Additionally, I've seen what happens to coated non-stick cookware when the surface gets scratched or abraded. Teflon in my food? No thank you.

    Looking for more delicious vegan breakfast dishes? Here's our favorites!

    A collage of vegan breakfast and brunch dishes including tofu scramble, waffles, spinach mushroom quiche, and lemon blueberry bread.

    Tofu FAQ's

    Is tofu good for you?

    Yes! There is good reason why tofu is so popular with vegans and vegetarians. Not only is it perfect for preparing delicious dishes, it is also super nutritious! Low in calories, high in protein and iron, tofu contains all 9 essential amino acids, as well as calcium and magnesium.

    Is tofu gluten-free?

    Plain tofu is usually gluten-free, but some seasoned tofu products may contain gluten or have been processed with shared equipment. If you have gluten allergies, be sure to purchase only certified gluten-free tofu.

    Is it hard to cook with tofu?

    It's easy! Sometimes people are a bit intimidated by tofu because they don't know what to do with it or are worried they'll prepare it incorrectly. Here's a little tip: Tofu is very forgiving. You can add almost anything you want and it will turn out tasty! It's hard to undercook or overcook. In fact, you don't have to cook it all in some recipes. Tofu is very subtle in flavor and is perfectly suited for using with marinades and seasonings. It absorbs and takes on the flavors of whatever you prepare it with. Once you learn the basics about preparing tofu, it will quickly become one of your favorite ingredients to use.

    What is Kala Namak?

    The secret to making vegan "egg flavored" dishes is Himalayan Black Salt, also known as Kala Namak. This kiln-fired rock salt imparts an "eggy" flavor in recipes, due to its sulfur content. Kala Namak is not actually black in color, instead it ranges from a mauve-grey to a muted pinkish hue. Don't confuse it with Himalayan Pink salt, which is a pale pastel pink. I use Kala Namak in tofu scramble & my very popular eggless egg salad recipe.

    If you love this recipe ★★★★★ please be sure to rate it below! Sharing your experience lets me know that you enjoyed it and will help other readers decide if they should give the recipe a try too. Thanks a bunch!🥕

    Recipe

    easy vegan tofu scramble

    Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble

    by Connie🥕
    You are going to love this vegan version of scrambled eggs - all the flavor & texture - but without causing harm to animals. Plus, it's packed with protein and is super quick & easy to prepare. What a great way to start the day!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Plant Based, Vegan
    Servings 3
    Calories 195 kcal

    Equipment

    • A medium size bowl
    • A tofu press or two cutting boards and a few heavy cans or books for weights
    • A knife and fork
    • Measuring spoons
    • Measuring cup
    • Flat metal or wooden spatula
    • A large skillet or frying pan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 14 oz tofu medium - firm, one package, drained
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin 🥕Oil-free version - See notes below
    • ½ C water
    • ½ teaspoon Himalayan Black Salt (Kala Namak)
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric adds the 'yellow' color to the dish
    • ⅛ teaspoon cumin ground (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Place the drained tofu in a bowl and break it up with a fork.
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat.
    • Add tofu to pan and turn with a flat spatula.
    • In a measuring cup, combine water, Kala Namak, turmeric and cumin.
    • Pour over tofu while cooking, lower heat to medium.
    • Continue occasionally turning the tofu while liquid cooks.
    • Once all the liquid is fully absorbed, the tofu is ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    🥕My favorite add-ons for easy vegan tofu scramble
    • Diced tomato
    • Avocado
    • Artichoke hearts
    • Zucchini, spinach, mushrooms (fresh or sauteed)
    • Vegan cheese
    • Sliced olives
    • Onions
    • Cilantro
    • Chives
    • Salsas & hot sauces

     

    🥕Make it a brunch! Serve tofu scramble with:
    • Home-fried rosemary potatoes
    • Fresh fruit
    • Muffins
    • Bagels
    • Toast
    • Oatmeal
    • Yogurt
    • Granola, dried fruit, nuts, seeds
    🥕Oil-free Version - To prepare this dish oil-free, place tofu and seasoned liquid in a non-stick pan over med-high heat. Turn frequently until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 8mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 165mgIron: 2mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Susie Edwards

      April 28, 2020 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorites.

      Reply
      • Connie Edwards McGaughy

        April 28, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        Me too. Sometimes I make tofu scramble for dinner. Why not?🥕

        Reply

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