Once you tackle a vegan omelet head on, it seems the only logical thing to do is master the art of the tofu scramble. Not to sound cocky or whatnot, but I believe I may have done it. Let’s do this!
As you may know, I kinda have a thing for tofu. Since figuring out how to make it taste good, I’ve been stir frying it, eating it in salads, putting it in Vietnamese Spring Rolls, and baking it to crispy peanut perfection. I can’t get enough of the stuff.
Recently, I’ve been loving tofu for breakfast. It makes such a healthy, satisfying meal to have first thing in the morning as 8 ounces has nearly 20 grams of protein!
Tofu scrambles used to intimidate me. What goes in it? How do I cook it? Is there sauce involved? What if I’m afraid of turmeric? (Kidding but not kidding on the last one.)
Not so with this tofu scramble. It’s as simple as they come.
10 ingredients
30 minutes
1 skillet
& NO fancy methods
Seasoning tofu scrambles was always a little daunting to me. But after taking a tip from Beth at Eat Within Your Means, I realized how ridiculously simple it was.
Just mix the dry seasonings of your choice with a little water and huzzah! You have a simple, pourable sauce – a tasty, zingy, spicy sauce, no less.
You guys are going to LOVE this scramble. It’s
Savory
Healthy
Satisfying
Perfectly spiced
Mega flavorful
Loaded with veggies
Packed with protein
& Seriously simple
This is the perfect breakfast or brunch even if you only have 20 minutes to spend on food in the morning. Simply press your tofu the night before so it’s ready to add to your veggies and sauce! It doesn’t get much easier than that.
If you make this easy, savory Southwest Tofu Scramble, let me know! Leave a comment below or take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram or Twitter. I love seeing what you guys cook up. Cheers!
Southwest Tofu Scramble
Ingredients
SCRAMBLE
- 8 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups kale (loosely chopped)
SAUCE
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (reduce amount for less salty sauce)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Water (to thin)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional)
FOR SERVING (optional)
- Salsa
- Cilantro
- Hot Sauce
- Breakfast potatoes, toast, and/or fruit
Instructions
- Pat tofu dry and roll in a clean, absorbent towel with something heavy on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, for 15 minutes.
- While tofu is draining, prepare sauce by adding dry spices to a small bowl and adding enough water to make a pourable sauce. Set aside.
- Prep veggies and warm a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and the onion and red pepper. Season with a pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Cook until softened – about 5 minutes.
- Add kale, season with a bit more salt and pepper, and cover to steam for 2 minutes.
- In the meantime, unwrap tofu and use a fork to crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Use a spatula to move the veggies to one side of the pan and add tofu. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add sauce, pouring it mostly over the tofu and a little over the veggies. Stir immediately, evenly distributing the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until tofu is slightly browned.
- Serve immediately with the breakfast potatoes, toast, or fruit. I like to add more flavor with salsa, hot sauce, and/or fresh cilantro. Alternatively, freeze for up to 1 month and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Video
Notes
*Inspired by/adapted from Eat Within Your Means.
*Southwest inspiration comes from chili powder.
Justine says
This has been my go to recipe for years now. My kids love the scrambled tofu with melted vegan cheese and salsa for a brakefast-style burrito.
I’ve recently started adding black salt, which make it taste more like eggs.
Amazing! We’re so glad you and your kids enjoy it. Thank you for sharing, Justine! xo
Camz says
I thought I made this a while ago and I thought the recipe was a little different. There were 5 things for the sauce and I think one of them was paprika? Anyway, I don’t remember but I remade this again and it was delicious!. Didnt have firm tofu but the soft tofu was aight. Became even more watery but it’s all good 😊
Hmm, it might have been a different recipe! We’re so glad you enjoyed it though!
Cassandra says
Minimalist Baker is the only website I trust to ACTUALLY get me a delicious and healthy meal in 30 minutes. Came back from the gym and wanted to use my tofu for a brunch (first time cooking it too!), and I am so impressed with how little effort this was compared to how much I enjoyed it. And the tip about adding water to spices is helpful!
I had no turmeric unfortunately, but I added hot sauce and a bit of feta and wrapped the whole thing in a pita. SO scrumptious and hot! Thank you Minimalist Baker team for your recipes and dedication!
P.S. I have the Everyday Cooking book and I can’t wait to try more from there!
Aw, thank you so much for your sweet words and trust in us, Cassandra! We’re so glad you enjoy our recipes! xoxo
Dr. J says
Absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe as written and it turned out amazing. I had my doubts about the kale, but it turned out to be the perfect addition. I’ve been making tofu scrambles for years; this is going to be our new go-to Saturday breakfast treat.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for the lovely review!
C.A.S. says
Hi,
In your eBook, for the sauce, you don’t have the phrase about using water to thin the spices for the sauce. Only spices are listed.
Thanks for letting us know! We’ll look into it.
Vysturbed says
I love tofu scramble and this was great and simple to make in a big batch for meal prep. I sauteed kale and potatoes to go with it, also some vegan sausage 😋
Yum, that sounds like a delicious meal! Thank you for sharing! xo
Jocelyn says
Thank you so much for this awesome recipe! It was so yummy…. I am getting older so I am going on a high protein lifestyle change. This was so quick and easy peasy! I took a photo– I wish I could post it, but it was so yummy omg. Never a big fan of Tofu, but this changed the game.
We’re so glad this recipe is a game-changer for you, Jocelyn! Thank you for the lovely review! You can tag us in a photo on Instagram or Facebook if you have either of those. xo
Karen says
I just made this and it was delicious! Great recipe! Thank you.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Karen. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Kathy Moorse says
I’ve made this multiple times now and love the versatility and deliciousness! The sauce is so good – I always add the optional tumeric and a tad less salt. Thank you – it’s a winner!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Kathy! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Roshan says
Can I make this the night before, refrigerate overnight and then reheat in the oven?
Yes! It’s best when fresh, but still delicious reheated.
Amber says
YOU are my favorite go to for recipes!
The tofu scramble will be made over and over, soooooo good!!!! So satisfying and so healthy! I love all your added suggestions too. You’re the best!
I didn’t have kale so I used bokchoy.
Served it over potatoes and topped with cilantro.
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words and lovely review, Amber! We appreciate your support and are so happy you enjoy our recipes! xoxo
Raquel Wilson says
Simple and excellent.
xoxo!
Patti T. says
One of my go-to recipes. It also makes an excellent taco filling for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
We’re so glad you enjoy the recipe, Patti! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Annie says
Great recipe! I added spicy plant based breakfast sausage, adobe seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Yum! Thanks!
Yum, sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing, Annie! xo
JD says
Outstanding! I recently learned I am allergic to eggs and was devastated. This recipe has truly saved the day. I make a big batch and have it on hand all week for breakfast or lunch. I’ll add in black beans, wrap in a pita, or toss with tomatoes and avocado.
Aw, we’re so glad this recipe has been helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Margot says
So good! Was one of the first scramble recipes I tried when going vegan 7 years ago. I still come back to it time and time again.
We’re so glad you enjoy the recipe, Margot! Thank you for the lovely review!
Diane says
Made this tonight for dinner. Very easy!! Based on other’s comments, I upped the spices in the sauce. I used red onion, green pepper, mushrooms, spinach and shredded carrots for the veggies. Made it into a burrito with quinoa, black beans, and salsa with guac on the side. Delish and very filling! Will definitely make again. Next time will make a larger batch and freeze them.
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the great review, Diane. So glad you enjoyed!
Misty says
I ran out of cumin, so I substituted it with Garam Marsala. So so yummy!!
Yum! Thanks, Misty!
Raelynn says
Amazingly delicious! My husband said, “Oh my gosh” over and over. It’s a whole new go-to easy meal. Yay!! Just wish I could give it more than 5 stars. ;D
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Raelynn. Thanks so much for the lovely review! xo
Erica DAGOSTINO says
So delicious 😋
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Erica! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Jen S says
This was great,my husband and I loved it and my kids ate it without a lot of fussing. I served it on corn tortillas with black beans and salsa and it was the perfect lunch. I liked how the tofu had flavor but not an overwhelming amount of flavor to it, very well balanced.
Sounds delicious! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Jen. Thanks so much for the lovely review! xo
Mallory says
This is my absolute favorite tofu scramble recipe! I mix it all together and wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla with a little salsa and hot sauce. Then I save half of it and have that for dinner or breakfast the next day. So delicious! Thank you for this quick and tasty recipe.
Ooo yum! Thanks so much for the great review, Mallory!
Susan Flewelling says
I make this quite often – it’s easy and delicious! Also very versatile as you can swap out or add veggies you have on hand.
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Susan. We are so glad you enjoy it! Next time, would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
tp says
This was delicious – very flavorful and did not suffer from an added drizzle of your jalepeno cream sauce!
Sounds like a great combo! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jonathan m says
I made this delicious dish with zucchini mushrooms spinach substitute and it came out really good. It had a meaty texture
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Jonathan. Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Judith Stensland says
I made this for lunch in about 15 minutes!! Added black salt to give it an eggy flavor. I cut up little tomatoes and a couple green onion for toppings and could only eat half of it! We will see how it is the next day reheated but definitely a go-to quick meal.
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the great review, Judith!
Toccara says
Sooooooooo goodddd
However, not enough veg for me personally!!
-I used a whole red pepper
-I used spinach instead of kale
-added 5-6 mushrooms sliced
-whole tomato chopped
-4-6 asparagus spears chopped
I did the sauce recipe 3x for additional veg and didn’t use the salt for the additional 2.
Honestly it’s my absolute favourite thing to eat!!! I serve it on air fried potatoes like the picture and hot sauce Valentina 🤩 thanks for the recipe I love ❤️ it
Amazing! Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications, Toccara!
Ann G says
Wow! Is this tasty! I make a veggie omelet for myself almost every day. My usual veggies might seem kind of weird, but I enjoy the flavors–onion, asparagus, sliced brussel sprouts, mushrooms and spinach. I was using one egg and a few tablespoons of egg beaters, with a little shredded cheese. However, I wanted to replace the eggs and cheese and your recipe was just what I needed. The sauce was the perfect amount! Even my husband who usually doesn’t partake of my veggie omelet said he liked it! And as a bonus, I have half the scramble for tomorrow’s lunch. I wonder if you have tried the sauce with the addition of some nutritional yeast? I might give that a try next time. Thanks for the recipe! It will be a staple in my daily routine. PS. I topped it with some Truff hot sauce. It was amazing.
Ooo sounds delish! Nutritional yeast would probably be a tasty addition too. Thanks for the wonderful review, Ann!
Ann G says
Here it is, two years later, and I am still making this tofu scramble for my lunch on most days. I’m still adding the same veggie combo, but I’ve added in some pickled red onions on top after everything is cooked. They provide a nice little vinegar-y crunch. The spice combo in the recipe is absolutely perfect. I never get tired of it and look forward to lunch every day.
That addition sounds delicious! We’re so glad you’re still enjoying this recipe, Ann! xoxo
Amanda L says
This is probably my favorite breakfast. Even for non vegans this dish is amazing and it just so happens to be so so good for you. I usually replace the kale with spinach and I too with avocado, cilantro, and cottage cheese (not vegan). Thank you!!!
Amazing! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Amanda! Thank you for sharing! xo
Jenny says
I have been making this recipe for years. It’s very easy to substitute what you have/like and to double. We do kale, onion, and diced potatoes often, topped with chopped grape tomatoes and cilantro. We eat it straight-up or wrapped in warmed tortillas with cheeze. This recipe weaned my egg-lover off eggs! I’ve never made this for anyone who didn’t end up liking it. Now I’m experimenting with turning it into chilaquiles. Thanks!!!
Amazing! We’re so glad you love the recipe, Jenny! Thank you for sharing! We have a tofu chilaquiles recipe that might be good for inspiration too =)
Marylou says
Made this for Sunday brunch with oven roasted potatoes, tomatoes, salsa and kite hill sour cream. First time I tried a tofu scramble and this is a keeper! Thank you for such a great recipe. The only thing I added to the recipe was black salt.
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the great review, Marylou!
Beth says
This was more delish than I ever expected! Whenever I make tofu dishes I’m usually disappointed but not this one. The seasoning was perfect and all the flavors and textures together were above and beyond my expectations for a yummy breakfast. A+++++
I fried some chopped red potatoes in olive oil, garlic and onion powder and salt in the pan first, then made this recipe and then mixed the potatoes right in. Perfection! My husband loved it too. He was a vegetarian for 15 years so he loves meals like this. I’m staying away from eggs for awhile for health reasons so this was a healthy tasty alternative that I can certainly see myself incorporating into my regular routine :) Thank you so much for sharing your skills!
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications, Beth! So glad you both enjoyed!
Lise says
I’ve made this several times now, and it’s delicious! I’ve used a few different veggies as well, such as mushrooms and zucchini.
Wonderful! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Lise! Thank you for sharing! xo
Coco says
Oh my gosh…I love this scramble and make it almost weekly. So look forward to having it for breakfast, or brunch and even a couple of times for dinner. I double and sometimes triple the veggies because IMHO one package of tofu goes a long way. Also increased the spice (triple all except the salt and turmeric) – love the flavor. Add a little vegan chipotle mayo/dressing or maybe a vegan sausage patty once in a while. GOOD EATS!!!
Yum!! Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Coco, so glad you enjoy this recipe!
jenna says
I’ve made this so often i’m surprised I have reviewed it yet. These are so good and work with so many different vegetables. I’ll swap out with whatever I have on hand. Love using this for breakfast bowls with beans, avocado, herbs, and salsa!
Woohoo! Love to hear it. Thanks so much for the review, Jenna!
Michelle says
I have been making this tofu scramble for a couple of years now and I wanted to let everyone know how great it is! It checks all of the boxes in terms of nutritional value, and tastes fantastic. The only alteration I make is doubling the spices. Yum!!
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the review, Michelle!
Alan says
I made this recipe closely following the instructions but found the spices didn’t really penetrate the tofu, leaving it a bit lacking in flavour.
Is there a trick to getting a better result next time? More water, softer tofu (I used firm)?
Thx
Btw – I do like the mix of veggies and final presentation.
Hi Alan! Sometimes that’s just the nature of tofu… We think that extra firm tofu has the best results texture-wise for this recipe, and softer tofu might just get too mushy. Perhaps you could increasing the sauce amount slightly, for more flavor? Hope this helps!
Tamsen LaPage says
Just made this tofu scramble!!! Soooo good and flavorful. I used it with breakfast potatoes and made it into a burrito. Also added black bean and corn salsa, avocado and cilantro.. Great breakfast!!!
Yumm, sounds delish! Thanks so much for the great review, Tamsen!
Dawn says
Easy to make and very delicious. I really liked the sauce suggestion for adding the spices and flavor. Full of vegetables and very yummy. I made it with a side of breakfast potatoes and it was a perfect dinner.
Sounds delish! Thanks so much for the review, Dawn!
Steven says
Minimalist Baker strikes again with this perfectly balanced tofu scrabble. Very easy to make, and I found the sauce to be the right amount of heat. I had it for dinner tonight and I am already excited to eat the rest for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks for all your amazing recipes that are easy to follow and don’t cost a fortune to make.
Woohoo! Thanks so much, Steven. So glad you enjoy this recipe!