Easy Tofu Scramble Recipe

Name: Easy Tofu Scramble Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 16 oz. firm tofu block; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp plant-based milk; pinch of salt and black pepper

By FoodfaithfitnessNov 20, 2023Jump to Recipe

Learn to make a high-protein vegan alternative with this Tofu Scramble—a nutritious superstar ingredient that can be added to any number of dishes.

Easy Tofu Scramble Recipe featured image above

Table of Contents

At some point during the 1980s, tofu appeared on American soil. No one saw it coming. Once we got over the initial fear we hold for anything new, we realized just how AMAZING it is. Vegetarians in particular rejoiced; finally there was a versatile protein alternative to meat (besides beans and yogurt and cottage cheese, of course)!

Even meat eaters came around. Sure, they didn’t NEED to eat tofu—they wanted to! And why not? While vegans will use tofu as an alternative to scrambled eggs, others will just add the tofu to the egg for a satisfying protein-packed breakfast. Those worried about how tofu tastes need only try it with their favorite spices and sauces to realize that tofu is a blank canvas upon which you can paint your culinary masterpieces.

Tofu can be baked, added to tacos, or grilled, as in this recipe for Easy Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps With Jerk Grilled Tofu. Oh, and they can also be scrambled, which brings us to this recipe…

Is Tofu Scramble Healthy?

Yes, it is. As noted above, tofu is high in protein, which makes it popular among vegetarians and vegans. This recipe is also suitable for low-carb, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and nut-free diets. Nutritional yeast is used by a lot of vegans as an alternative to cheese, and it has a nutty, umami, savory taste, which can liven up many a dish in a diet that doesn’t allow for many alternatives.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
16 oz. firm tofu block
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp plant-based milk
pinch of salt and black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Crumble

Heat the olive oil in a skillet on MEDIUM. Crumble the block of tofu with your hands, or use a fork.

Cook

Add the crumbled tofu to the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until excess water evaporates. Add the nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the seasoned tofu for about 5 minutes, to combine with the spices.

Pour

Pour the plant-based milk into the skillet and stir to combine with the cooked tofu.

Serve

The scrambled tofu is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with sliced avocado and fresh herbs.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making The Perfect Tofu Scramble

Use your hands to break down the tofu, and aim for a consistency that resembles coarse bread crumbs.
If you have time, press the tofu. First, wrap it in paper towel then place it on a plate. Then put something heavy on top of it (a Dutch oven does the trick for me!). Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
Mix the yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, and paprika together separately before adding it all to the tofu. This guarantees an even distribution of flavor.

Easy Tofu Scramble Recipe featured image below

FAQs

do i have to use ‘firm’ tofu?

You don’t have to, though it’s recommended because firm tofu best resembles the consistency of scrambled eggs. If you’re not bothered about that, then it’s up to you whether you want extra-firm or softer tofu. Medium or soft tofu provides a creamier texture, which might even be desirable when adding it to other dishes.

do i need to press the tofu first?

Pressing the tofu isn’t necessary, so if you’re short on time, don’t worry about it. If you have half an hour to spare, check out the Tips & Tricks section for instructions.

can i use a different kind of milk?

Of course! Skim milk, cream, or half ‘n’ half will work just as well.

is the yeast necessary?

The nutritional yeast adds a savory taste to the dish but it’s not strictly necessary, so if you don’t have it or don’t want it, leave it out. The tofu scramble will still taste great.

Serving Suggestions

If you’ve whipped this up for breakfast then serving it alongside a bagel, toast, English muffin, or as part of a burrito would taste delicious. You can include it in a recipe for Vegetable Fried Rice and make a more substantial side. And now that I have Mexican food in my head after mentioning a burrito, how about scattering it as a beef alternative over a big plate of healthy nachos?

how to prep and store tofu scramble

Any leftovers should be left to cool completely then kept in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also keep it around longer by storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

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