Vegan Tofu Scramble Recipe: 5 Tips for Making Tofu Scramble

Tofu scramble is a dish similar to scrambled eggs but features tofu instead of eggs. Tofu scramble is an option for those who avoid eating eggs, who follow a vegan diet, or who just enjoy the taste of tofu.

Tofu itself is a vegan food made of compressed bean curds, usually appearing as white, square or rectangular-shaped, semi-solid blocks that you can cook in a variety of ways depending on the tofu’s exact firmness. Some people consider a tofu scramble to be a healthy breakfast option since tofu is a good source of calcium and potassium and is low in calories; however, experts have mixed opinions as to whether consuming tofu frequently is good for your health or significantly lowers your cholesterol.

Set yourself up for success by selecting the right tofu for a tofu scramble, plus consider accoutrements that will enhance the flavor of your tofu scramble, as well as other brunch or vegan breakfast recipes.

1. 1. Use firm tofu. There are different levels of firmness when it comes to tofu, but for the best tofu scramble, use firm tofu or extra-firm tofu. Avoid silken tofu because it will not crumble in the same way that a firmer tofu will. Understanding the difference between the various firmness levels will also help you learn how to make a vegan tofu scramble to your liking.
2. 2. Incorporate a carb. For a filling and tasty tofu scramble, incorporate a carbohydrate, such as diced or mashed sweet potatoes, which can also make the flavor profile more complex and satisfying. Of course, you can also add your carbohydrate on the side, such as a slice of sourdough bread or tortillas. If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply skip the bread.
3. 3. Combine vegetables. Try mixing different combinations of veggies into your tofu scramble for additional flavor. Classic pairings are bell pepper; zucchini; sliced avocado; white, yellow, or green onion; and dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale. You can cook your vegetables in the same pan as your tofu, or you can serve your veggies on the side.
4. 4. Top the dish with herbs. Finishing your tofu scramble with freshly chopped chives or cilantro can give your food a boost.
5. 5. Add a sauce. A good soy sauce, sriracha sauce, or basic all-purpose hot sauce will complement scrambled tofu well and can even add some heat, depending on the sauce you choose, if you like your food on the spicy side.

Tofu takes on other flavors easily, which means it takes little effort for you to change the flavor profile of your tofu scramble. Here are spices and other seasoning options you can try in your dish:

1. 1. Black pepper: It might seem basic, but black pepper is a key seasoning in many savory foods. It can help bring out the spiciness of other seasonings but can also stand on its own.
2. 2. Cumin: If you’re planning on turning your tofu scramble into vegan breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito, seasoning it with cumin will give you that traditional taco seasoning taste, especially if you pair it with a little chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. 3. Nutritional yeast: If you want your tofu scramble to have an eggy taste, nutritional yeast lends an orange color and cheesy flavor to foods (hence its frequent use in vegan mac and cheese dishes) that make it a perfect addition to eggless dishes.
4. 4. Paprika: While paprika doesn’t contribute a ton of flavor—unless you’re using smoked paprika—it adds a vibrant red-orange color to food, which can give a dish added appeal.
5. 5. Red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat in your food, you can add red pepper flakes while you’re cooking the tofu scramble. Start with just a pinch, then taste-test a bite, and then repeat the process to ensure you add just the right amount.
6. 6. Salt: Black salt, Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, or kala namak (also known as black Himalayan salt) are salty options to add to your scrambled tofu.
7. 7. Turmeric: Not only does turmeric give tofu a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, it also changes the color of the tofu to more closely resemble real eggs.