June 8, 2021

(Updated Oct 20, 2021)

Eggy Tofu Scramble

Name: Eggy Tofu Scramble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 14- or 16-ounce (400/454g) block of firm tofu; 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon chipotle chile flakes ((crushed chipotle chilies) ); ½ teaspoon kala namak (AKA Indian black salt), (plus more to finish); Freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 1 generous tablespoon tahini; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; ½ cup (120 mL) plant-based milk of choice, (such as oat, cashew, or almond); 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil of choice; Sea salt or kosher salt to taste

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This eggy tofu scramble tastes uncannily similar to scrambled eggs - rich, creamy, and flavor-packed, and the perfect recipe to try if you're tired of dry, bland tofu scrambles. Best of all, it’s quick and easy and uses just one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

5 from 44 votes

For newbie vegans, one of the hardest things to give up is eggs, and the standard tofu scramble just doesn’t cut it.

Personally, I used to eat scrambled eggs or an omelette for breakfast 3 to 4 days a week. So, my overnight transition to veganism left me a little underwhelmed because all the tofu scramble recipes I tried made me feel, well, I was eating at a hippie commune from the 1970s.

While I don’t crave eggs anymore, I do enjoy a good eggy tofu scramble these days. And if you do too or even miss the taste of eggs, you MUST try this tofu scramble. It looks and tastes remarkably like scrambled eggs, and isn’t dry or bland like many tofu scrambles you’ve probably tried. It’s also hearty and packed with protein, so it’ll keep you satiated for hours.

And for more delicious vegan breakfast ideas, check out my round-up of 40 fantastic vegan breakfast recipes!

Whether you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth like pumpkin pancakes, a hearty dish like breakfast burritos (to use up that tofu scramble), or even some breakfast cookies you can take on the run, this list has something for everyone!

vegan tofu scramble on top of avocado toast on plate

Why you should make this recipe

Quick and easy to prepare

Looking for a hearty and savory breakfast that requires minimal time and effort? Well, of course you are! This tofu scramble is the perfect choice because it requires just 15 minutes of prep (most of that is just pressing the tofu) and 10 minutes of cook time.

Packed with flavor

While this recipe is simple, the flavors are not. Tofu is cooked in a spiced tahini + plant-based milk sauce that’s loaded with flavor. Think garlic and onion powder, turmeric, paprika, chipotle chilies, nutritional yeast, and kala namak.

Remarkably eggy

Unlike many tofu scramble recipes that are dry and bland, you’ll be delighted by just how closely this recipe mimics the eggy taste and creamy, fluffy texture of scrambled eggs. First, the texture of firm tofu enables the scramble to get a little browned on the outside but stay soft and fluffy on the inside. Next, the tofu is coated in a creamy sauce that gives it an unbelievably eggy flavor and consistency.

Hearty and healthy alternative to scrambled eggs

This tofu scramble is chock-full of protein (15 grams per serving; 3 total servings), plus, it has none of the cholesterol found in eggs. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.

PS: If you like this tofu scramble, you’ll also love the Savory Turmeric Breakfast Quinoa in my cookbook, The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook!

eggy tofu scramble in frying pan with spatula

Why this tofu scramble recipe (really) works

Firm Tofu

Firm tofu mimics the texture of scrambled eggs brilliantly. When you pan-fry firm tofu, it becomes lightly golden on the outside, while remaining soft and pillowy on the inside.

Kala namak

Also known as Indian black salt or Himalayan black salt, kala namak brings that distinctive umami-rich, egg-like flavor, similar to the yolk of a hard-boiled egg.

Little FYI for ya: when you first add it to the sauce, it emits a very pungent, sulphurous odor. But, not to worry, the smell dissipates fairly quickly (and I promise your finished dish will taste and smell delicious).

Spiced eggy sauce

Many tofu scramble recipes result in a pile of crumbly, dry tofu (so sad!). This is because the water gets cooked out on the stove and no additional liquid is added. They feel very different than traditional scrambled eggs, which are creamy, soft, and high in fat (and even more so when cooked in butter and milk/cream).

To mimic that high-fat content and rich, creamy consistency of scrambled eggs in a healthier plant-based way, this recipe coats the tofu in a spiced eggy sauce featuring tahini and plant-based milk.

Here’s what readers are saying:

Bretanne says, “GAME CHANGER! I’ve been being tofu scramble for years, trying tons of different recipes, and always thought it was just so-so. I was floored with how good this turned out!”

Trish says, “This recipe is so easy and so super tasty! Far and away the best tofu scramble I’ve tried. Short of a 100% vegan world, my dream is that every restaurant would serve at least one of your dishes.”

Lizzi says, “COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY. Kicking my standby tofu scramble recipe to the curb and I plan to exclusively use this one going forward.”

James says, “I have tried four or five tofu scramble recipes, and this has been the best by far. The spices work really well with the tofu, and the whole thing comes together so quick…. A+++!”

a closeup photo of a stack of vegan breakfast burritos on a blue backdrop — *use the tofu scramble to make breakfast burritos!*

Step-by-step instructions

Drain the tofu, then press for 15 minutes. Crumble the tofu with your hands into chunks.

Make the spiced eggy sauce: whisk together the spices, tahini, nutritional yeast, and plant milk.

spices, nutritional yeast, and tahini in a bowl

Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan. Once hot, add the tofu. Let cook undisturbed for 1 or 2 minutes, then toss occasionally, and cook for a total of 5 to 7 minutes until the outside is lightly golden.

lightly golden tofu scramble in saute pan

Pour the sauce over the tofu and use a silicone spatula to make sure that it fully covers the tofu and gets into every little crevice. Cook down for a few minutes until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips for making this tofu scramble

Press the tofu

Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s really worth it. Tofu is very watery, and water-logged tofu doesn’t absorb other flavors well. Hi, bland scramble. If you want to make this recipe more quickly in the morning, press your tofu the night before and store in the fridge.

Don’t overcrowd your pan

To ensure that nice golden coating on the tofu, use a large non-stick pan (12-inch). That way, you can spread the tofu out into a single layer. Crowding the pan results in steamed tofu. If you don’t own a 12-inch pan, divide the tofu in half and cook it in two batches.

Another strategy to help brown the tofu: don’t stir it constantly. First, allow the tofu to cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a beautiful, light golden-brown color. Then, begin stirring lightly for the remainder of the cooking time.

Add a final dash of kala namak

Although there is ½ teaspoon already in the sauce, kala namak loses its potency as it cooks. I like to add a couple of dashes of it on top, right before serving.

You can find kala namak in South Asian grocery stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon (affiliate link). It’s a great addition to your spice rack because it lends that classic eggy taste to vegan egg recipes. AND it’s also used in several Indian dishes like chutneys and spicy pickles. More ideas for black salt here.

If you don’t have kala namak (Indian black salt), use kosher salt or sea salt instead. Your tofu scramble will lack that characteristic eggy flavor though.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve tofu scramble with?

If it’s the weekend, PLEASE make these Vegan Breakfast Burritos. These burritos combine the eggy tofu scramble with vegan queso sauce, pico de gallo, crispy roasted potatoes, and creamy avocado to yield a legit fire brunch that will please everyone.

For another very hearty option that comes together more quickly, serve the tofu scramble on top of toasted bread with avocado smashed with lemon juice + sea salt + chili flakes (as see in some of the photos).

This tofu scramble would also work wonderfully as part of a larger brunch spread that includes my Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes or my Simple Vegan French Toast. Round out this decadent breakfast feast by whipping up either my Creamy Vegan Protein Mocha Latte or my Sweet and Spicy Almond Butter Date Latte.

Can I add vegetables to this tofu scramble?

Sure, why not! Before pan frying the tofu, sauté a handful of your favorite veggies and then set them aside. If you cook the tofu and veggies simultaneously in the pan, it will be too crowded and the tofu will steam instead of fry.

Some great veggie options to sauté include sliced mushrooms, finely chopped kale or baby spinach, thin strips of bell pepper, diced tomatoes, sliced or diced onions/shallots, and sliced scallions. And a little garlic tossed into the mix never hurt anyone ;)

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

The scrambled tofu should be stored in an air-tight container and can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Leftovers reheat well in the microwave. If you want to add back the slight crispiness the outside of the tofu had when freshly prepared, reheat the scramble for a couple of minutes in a non-stick pan with a touch of oil, with minimal stirring.

Can I use extra-firm instead of firm tofu?

I prefer firm tofu because it has a softer texture that better mimics that of scrambled eggs. But if all you have is extra-firm tofu, it works well too. Since it has lower water content, you can press it for just 5 to 10 minutes.

vegan tofu scramble on top of avocado toast on plate with side of tofu scramble on the side

That’s all you need to make this eggy tofu scramble! Hope it becomes a go-to in your breakfast routine and if you love it, please rate and review the recipe below!