Spicy Tofu Scramble Breakfast Tacos are vegan and gluten-free, made with spicy scrambled tofu, nutritional yeast, peppers and onions. They're easy to make and perfect to prep for any meal of the day!
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As I'm writing this post, I just finished prepping these tofu scramble breakfast tacos for the week. I only recently starting eating tofu, or more specifically tofu scramble, and now it's firmly entrenched in my weekly meal prep routine. I've been enjoying these tacos for breakfast, packing them in my work lunches and pulling them together for a quick dinner after a busy day.
And since we could all use a little help in the meal prep department this time of year (because who wants to be in the kitchen when the sun is shining), I thought I would share this easy recipe for tofu tacos with you.
What is tofu scramble?
Tofu scramble is a vegan alternative to scrambled eggs. It's high in protein, just as filling as eggs, and usually comes together with minimal ingredients depending on how you season it. Some recipes call for nutritional yeast or turmeric, or a mix of both, as well as other herbs and spices. For me, the nutritional yeast is a must as it adds a punch of flavour. And, of course, lots of spice is essential for an extra 'taco' kick.
What kind of tofu should you use to make tofu scramble?
This really depends on how you like your tofu scrambled, but I usually go for firm or extra firm as I'm not a fan of soft scramble. If you like it a little softer, try using firm or extra firm tofu without pressing the liquid out of it. You can also try using regular tofu, but I've never cooked with it, so I'm not sure how the texture would hold up.
How do you make basic tofu scramble?
Drain the extra firm tofu and press it for about 30 minutes to remove any excess liquid.
If you don't have a tofu press, no worries! Check out this step-by-step for more details on how to press tofu without a press.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels, and lay the tofu on the paper towels. Layer some more paper towels on top of the tofu, and then place something heavy on top to help press the liquid out. I use a cast iron skillet and a heavy can (see below).
After it's pressed, cut the tofu into slices.
Pre-heat a cast iron skillet with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and add the tofu slices. As it starts to cook, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart and scramble it.
Once it's scrambled, add in the seasonings and stir until the tofu is well coated. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring a few times so it doesn't burn on, but not over stirring. Then add in the onion and peppers and cook until tender, or about 5 minutes.
Fill some corn tortillas with the scramble and load them up with desired toppings.
(This method of scrambling tofu is adapted from Pinch of Yum).
How long will tofu scramble keep in the fridge? Can you re-heat tofu scramble?
Tofu scramble will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just store it in a glass container with a lid.
The scramble re-heats well and is great for meal prep. Just warm it in the microwave for a minute or so until it is your desired temperature.
If you're prepping the tofu scramble for individual meals, just divide it into glass dishes and re-heat when ready to eat. Store the tortillas and your desired toppings separately.
Recipe tips
- If you like your scramble a little softer, you can use firm or extra firm tofu that hasn't been pressed. You can also add a splash of liquid or your favourite sauce to the scramble as it's cooking.
- To keep these tofu tacos gluten-free, make sure the tortillas and spices you use are gluten-free.
- If you prefer flour tortillas, they work too. Just keep in mind that they are usually not gluten-free.
- This tofu scramble is medium spicy. If you like things spicier, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño peppers. If you're not a fan of spice, just use a little less than the recipe calls for.
- You can prepare your tortillas however you like. I like to heat mine in a cast iron skillet with a drizzle of oil. I cook them on each side until they blister, and then keep them wrapped in a towel until ready to serve.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Spicy Tofu Scramble Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 package, 350 grams extra firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ large red pepper, seeded and chopped
- ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- ½ medium-sized red onion, peeled and chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
Topping options:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Lime juice
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Queso
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels. Drain the package of tofu and lay the tofu on the paper towels. Layer some more paper towels on top of the tofu, and then place something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet and/or heavy cans. Press the tofu for 30 minutes and then cut into slices.
- Add the oil to a skillet and pre-heat over medium heat. Add the tofu slices, and as it starts to cook, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart to scramble it.
- In a small bowl, mix together the nutritional yeast, spices and salt. Add to the skillet and stir until the tofu is well coated. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring a few times so it doesn't burn on, but not over stirring.
- Stir in the onion and peppers and cook until tender, or about 5 minutes.
- As the scramble is cooking, warm your corn tortillas in the oven, microwave or on the stove top.
- Fill up the tortillas with the scramble, add desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- If you like your scramble a little softer, you can use firm or extra firm tofu that hasn't been pressed. You can also add a splash of liquid to the scramble as it is cooking.
- To keep these tofu tacos gluten-free, make sure the tortillas and spices you use are gluten-free.
- This tofu scramble is medium spicy. If you like things spicier, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeño peppers. If you're not a fan of spice, just use a little less than the recipe calls for.
- You can warm your tortillas however you like. I like to heat mine in a cast iron skillet with a drizzle of oil. I cook them on each side until they blister, and then keep them wrapped in a towel until ready to serve.
- The nutritional information below is based on the ingredients for the tofu scramble and tortillas. The nutritional content will change depending on the additional toppings you choose.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Danielle says
So easy to make, these tacos are a fabulous option to have on hand for when you need something quick and delicious! Great start of the day for sure!
Leanne says
Definitely! Thanks Danielle!
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says
I can't think of a better way to start the day than with this delicious breakfast!
Leanne says
Thanks Alexandra!
Sabrina says
Yum! This is the ideal recipe for hosting my summer guests. Hearty and healthy and so fun, a really nourishing breakfast to fuel a summer day, thanks!
Leanne says
Thanks Sabrina! Tacos for breakfast would definitely be a nice treat for house guests!
Aryane @ Valises & Gourmandises says
I love scrambled tofu so much I add it to everything. Breakfast tacos is definitely a genius use for it!
I like that you can just put everything on the table and let everything create their own.
Leanne says
Thanks Aryane! That is the great thing about tacos - everyone can just help themselves!
Marieke says
I make a tofu scramble every weekend for brunch, putting it in a taco is such a great idea! Delicious!
Leanne says
Thanks Marieke! Tacos are never a bad idea! 😉
Micki says
I absolutely love tacos any time of the day, and these are absolutely perfect for breakfast, and so tasty!
Leanne says
They are a nice change for breakfast! Thanks Micki!
Sharon says
These were awesome tips on cooking tofu! Thanks for sharing. We really enjoyed our breakfast. 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Sharon! Happy to share those tips. Glad you found them useful!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
What delicious looking tacos Leanne! Breakfast nevr looked better or healthier!
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
This is such a great vegan breakfast (or lunch or breakfast for dinner 🙂 Will be sending this along to my vegetarian daughter, too 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Jennifer! I hope your daughter gets a chance to make them!
terry says
I've never actually tried tofu before, but this makes me want to try it!
Cant go wrong with tacos for breakfast! haha
Leanne says
Thanks Terry! I'm with you. Tacos for breakfast is always a winner!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
yum! finally got my hands on some nutritional yeast, so you know i'm going to use it in a batch of these (:
Leanne says
Thanks Heather! Hope you like them, and nutritional yeast is so great in so many recipes. Enjoy!
Marissa says
So with you on meal prep - especially this time of year! I could eat these tacos for any meal of the day and I'm really intrigued by your tofu scramble!
Leanne says
Thanks Marissa! These tacos definitely work for any meal of the day!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Tacos are amazing, why not try them for breakfast!? I have to admit I don't use tofu a whole lot, but I'm willing to give it a try because these look SO darn good. I'm all about a savory breakfast!! Hope you had a great weekend!
Leanne says
Right?! Tacos for any meal of the day works for me! Thanks Katherine!
Jo Thrasher • Jo Eats says
Leanne, my husband keeps begging for a recipe for tofu scramble (he's a used to be vegan). Thank you!
Leanne says
I hope your husband likes them! Thanks Jo!
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says
These look amazing, Leanne! I'm not an avid tofu eater so I really appreciated the step by step photos. It definitely makes me want to change up my breakfast routine and have these enter the picture! YUM!
Leanne says
Thanks Haylie! Glad you liked the step by step! And these tacos are definitely a nice way to change up breakfast!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Tacos are a staple at my house, but usually I only eat them for dinner. I LOVE the breakfast idea! I'll definitely be adding these to my rotation--they're way more fun than my usual yogurt 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Kelsie! Breakfast tacos are definitely nice for a change!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Leanne, I don't know if I've had tofu before, but I would definitely love these breakfast tacos! They look delicious!
Leanne says
Thanks Kelly! If you're new to tofu, this scramble is a good place to start! 😉
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I'm all for tacos and you can't beat tofu! This looks super hearty, delicious and just what I would love to kick my Monday off with! Paired with guac and salsa, heck, I'd even eat this for dinner! Hope you have an awesome week, Leanne 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Dawn! They definitely work for dinner too! And salsa and guac works for me!