Egg-Free Breakfast Bliss: How to Make the Perfect Tofu Scramble

Are you a brand new vegan wondering what to make for breakfast, or a seasoned veghead looking to mix things up? Enter the tofu scramble.

Tofu scramble is a versatile and delicious dish that makes a satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this plant-based alternative to scrambled eggs is perfect for vegans and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

It’s totally customizable, so you can switch up ingredients and use veggies you love.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a flavorful tofu scramble base using simple ingredients. Once you’ve tried our version, shake things up by using your favorite veggie combo.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our base recipe calls for black salt (kala namak). Though it’s optional, we really hope you’ll try it. It has a egg-like smell and flavor that will take your scramble to the next level. It’s easy to find in most Asian/Indian markets, and is available on Amazon.

How to Make a Tofu Scramble: The Basics

A great tofu scramble starts with three components:

1. Pressed Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best. Before cooking, weigh it down or use a tofu press to remove as much water as possible. The more you get out, the better.
2. Vegetables: Choose your favorite vegetables to add texture and flavor to the scramble. Common options are bell peppers, onions, diced potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
3. Seasonings: Customize your tofu scramble with a variety of seasonings and spices. Some popular options include turmeric (for color), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor), salt, and pepper.

Starting with this foundation, you can customize tofu scramble in a thousand ways. Feeling southwestern? Add sauteed potatoes and smoky vegan sausage. Want something a little more southern? Add chopped broccoli, plenty of vegan cheese, and smoked paprika and serve it piping hot with grits. The possibilities are endless.

Our version is packed with fresh veggies that you’ll cook just enough to soften. The black salt adds an eggy quality that will remind you of breakfasts long ago. Dive into the recipe below.

Ayurvega’s Easy Tofu Scramble

Ingredients:

2 tsp of avocado oil
1 16oz block of firm tofu
1/2 of one small onion
1 clove of garlic, diced
1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms
1 cup of spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 of cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp of nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp of sea salt
1/4 tsp of turmeric
1/4 tsp of kala namak (black salt), or to taste
Splash of apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Tofu
   • Drain the tofu. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-30 minutes.
   • Once pressed, crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of avocado oil.
   • Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until translucent.
   • Add chopped vegetables to the skillet (except the spinach) and sauté until they start to soften.
   • Season the veggies lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Remove the veggies from your saute pan and set aside.
3. Add the Tofu
   • Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the crumbled tofu to the skillet.
   • Season the tofu with your sea salt, pepper, and turmeric, adjusting for color and taste.
   • Halfway through the cooking process, add your splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of black salt. Continue to cook.
4. Cook Until Heated Through
   • Add your veggies (including the spinach) back to the pan and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
   • Taste the scramble, and adjust seasonings as needed. Add your nutritional yeast.
   • Continue to cook the tofu scramble, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated.
5. Serve
   • Once the tofu scramble is cooked, remove from the heat and serve hot.
   • Add a pinch more black salt to finish and mix well.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, if desired.
   • Enjoy your scramble as is or serve it with toast, avocado, vegan sausage, and your favorite breakfast sides.

The Wrap Up

We think you’ll find tofu scramble to be a delicious, and hearty, start to your day. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or any meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your plant-based recipe repertoire. So, fire up the skillet and treat yourself to a meal that’ll leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Your Tofu Scramble FAQs

Can I freeze tofu scramble?
You could, but you probably shouldn’t. Tofu scramble is best enjoyed fresh because freezing will affect its texture. If you want to try freezing it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Can I customize the vegetables in tofu scramble?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your tofu scramble with any vegetables you like or have on hand. Experiment with different combinations to create your favorite flavor combinations.