How to Make Tofu Scramble

Tofu scramble, scrambled tofu, tofu scrambled eggs –– whatever you call it, it's time you learn how to make it. Tofu scrambled eggs make for a fantastic savory, high protein vegan breakfast, and it couldn't be an easier recipe to master!

I'm not sure about you, but I definitely struggle when it comes to savory vegan breakfasts. Many of my favorite breakfast foods are traditionally sweet – smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, etc. Plus, most common savory breakfast items (eggs, sausage, bacon) are not vegan.

Even more important, I'm usually too lazy to make anything complicated, so I need something I can make ahead of time and reheat for a quick breakfast. Enter: vegan tofu scramble!

It's incredibly easy to make, and it stores and reheats very well. You can easily serve it alongside toast, potatoes or a vegan breakfast meat substitute. Or, serve as a complement to oatmeal, a smoothie, or whatever else you typically eat for breakfast. Basically, use it however you might use real scrambled eggs.

Scrambled tofu is the perfect addition to your weekly meal prep menu, so let's learn how to make it! We're also sharing a few different tofu scramble recipes so you can keep things interesting and delicious.

Instructions

Step 1: Choose your tofu

The best kind of tofu for a tofu scramble is either firm or extra firm.

Since you'll be crumbling the tofu for the scramble, firm is perfectly fine. If you have extra firm on hand, it will also do the trick. We suggest avoiding softer varieties; especially silken tofu, which will not work at all in this recipe.

Step 2: Drain and pat dry

While many of our recipes call for pressing as much moisture as possible from the tofu, it's not necessary here. That being said, it is helpful to remove any noticeable surface moisture so the tofu scramble isn't watery.

To do so, simply drain all of the liquid out of the packaging container. Then, pat the tofu dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel before using.

Step 3: Crumble the tofu

To achieve a texture similar to scrambled eggs, simply use your hands to crumble the tofu into small pieces. Since there will still be some moisture in the tofu, this should be very easy to do.

You can either crumble the tofu directly into the pan you'll be cooking with, or you can crumble into a mixing bowl. It doesn't matter if the pieces are evenly-sized. It's actually better to have some variation so it's more similar to real scrambled eggs.

Step 4: Add seasonings

Plain scrambled tofu with no seasoning won't taste very good. To mimic the flavor and color of eggs, there are a few things you'll need to add:

• Nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a natural, deactivated yeast that has a nutty, cheesy flavor. We use it often to mimic cheese flavor (like in this vegan mac), but it also helps add an eggy flavor in a tofu scramble.
• Turmeric. Technically, this is an optional ingredient. However, it does turn the tofu a bright, beautiful golden yellow, similar to real scrambled eggs. Plus, it's a very nutritious spice, especially when paired with a pinch of black pepper. Which brings me to...
• Salt and pepper. A pinch of each will do!

With these three simple ingredients (plus a cooking oil), you're all set for a delicious, classic vegan tofu scramble.

Step 5: Cook

The cooking process for a vegan tofu scramble is incredibly easy. Once your crumbled tofu is seasoned and well-coated, simply transfer it to a skillet over medium heat with some vegan butter or oil.

Technically, it doesn't have to be cooked, but it helps better incorporate the seasonings, and it tastes much better warm. Sauté for just a few minutes, stirring well, until it's well-incorporated and warmed through.

There you have it – the easiest tofu scrambled eggs ever!

Add-Ins

Now that you've mastered the most basic of vegan tofu scramble recipes, here flavor combinations to spice things up. The possibilities are endless, but these are a few of our favorite recipes!

NOTE: all of these can be prepared ahead of time and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To reheat, add to a heated skillet and stir until warmed throughout.

Greek Scrambled Tofu

In addition to the base tofu recipe in the recipe card below, add the following ingredients.

Start by sautéing a half cup of diced red onion in the olive oil or butter. Then, add the scrambled tofu, along with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅔ cup chopped spinach, 2 tablespoon pitted and diced kalamata olives, 2 tablespoon diced sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 ½ tablespoon fresh chopped oregano.

Cook, stirring often, for a few minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is well incorporated. Garnish with a few tablespoons of vegan feta cheese.

Cheesy Herbed Scrambled Tofu

In addition to the base tofu recipe in the recipe card below, add the following ingredients.

Start by sautéing a half cup of finely diced shallots or onion in the olive oil or butter. Then, add the scrambled tofu, along with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 ½ tablespoon chopped fresh chives and ¼ cup vegan parmesan or cheddar cheese. Cook for a few minutes, until cheese is melty and herbs are wilted.

Curry-Spiced Tofu Scramble with Potatoes and Chickpeas

In addition to the base tofu recipe in the recipe card below, add the following ingredients.

Start by sautéing a half cup of finely diced yellow onion and ½ cup finely diced yukon gold potatoes in the olive oil or butter. Cook, stirring often, until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).

Then, add the scrambled tofu, along with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder, ¼ cup chickpeas, 2 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoon tomato-based mild chutney and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often.

More savory vegan breakfast ideas

• High-protein Vegan Breakfast Bowls
• Spicy Potato Breakfast Tacos
• Savory Oatmeal with Mushrooms, Kale and Avocado
• Scrambled Tofu and Avocado Breakfast Sandwich
• Vegan Tofu Shakshuka
• Vegan Breakfast Burritos

If you make these tofu scrambled eggs, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below! We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been cooking.

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