Pull this breakfast, brunch or dinner together in no time flat! Rancheros Tofu Scramble has all the flavor and texture as huevos rancheros, but is egg-free. Even egg lovers get excited about this recipe! vegan + gluten free option
Late last year I finally tried scrambled tofu. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love eggs. But I love tofu too and cook with it several times a month. But tofu sans eggs for breakfast was completely new to me.
I started playing with scrambled tofu for two reasons: 1. several Vanilla And Bean followers requested it and 2. because Rob decided he was going to try an elimination diet to see if specific foods were giving him trouble. Being the cook of the house, and of course a food blogger, this gave me an opportunity to try a few new recipes and temporarily eliminate some ingredients from my diet as well.
I’d read about tofu scrambles in one of my favorite cook books by Cafe Flora and my cousin and I recently had a conversation about it since she follows a plant based diet and makes tofu scrambles. She provided a no-oil tip which works beautifully!
What emerged was a crave-worthy, mouthwatering and easy to prepare tofu scramble that I’ve been incorporating into our weekend breakfast routine. Rob loves the leftovers for weekday lunches and I love how easy it is to pull together! Hello fancy breakfast in 30 minutes!
It has all the spices and flavors of traditional huevos rancheros yet is plant based. Rob and I love this option, especially when the hens at the farm aren’t laying, which is most of winter.
A Few Recipe Notes:
- Opt for firm tofu rather than extra firm. Extra firm seems a bit rubbery for this application, while firm has a similar texture to the real deal.
- You’ll have rancheros sauce leftover. Use it to serve on the side or freeze it for next time you make Rancheros Tofu Scramble.
- A non-stick pan is essential if preparing this recipe sans oil (as written).
- For gluten free rancheros, opt for gluten free tortillas and chipotle chilis in adobo (there’s hidden flour in there!).
- Turmeric magically makes the tofu a beautiful golden/yellow hue. It’s optional, but a good fake out!
- Rancheros Tofu Scramble is a fabulous option for meal prep. It holds in the fridge for up to four days without the toppings.
Rancheros Tofu Scramble
Pull this easy breakfast together in no time flat! Rancheros Tofu Scramble has all the flavor and texture as huavos rancheros, but without eggs. Even egg lovers get excited about this recipe! Meal prep ready! vegan + gluten free option
Ingredients
For the Scramble:
- 1 block 14 oz (400g) Firm Tofu* (see notes) drained and pressed
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric ground, for color (optional)
- 15 oz (425g) Prepared Pinto Beans - one can, drained
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
For the Rancheros Sauce (yields 2 C (545g)):
- 14 1/2 oz (411g) Fire Roasted Tomatoes 1 can
- 1 C (115g) Green Bell Pepper diced, about 1 small
- 1 C (100g) Purple Onion diced, about 1 small
- 1 Large Clove of Garlic
- 1 Chipotle Chili Pepper in Adobo Sauce gluten free is needed
- 2 tsp Adobo Sauce from can of chipotle chili peppers
- 4-6 Pickled Jalapeno Pepper Rings take this up if you like the spicy!
- 1 tsp Cumin ground
- 3/4 tsp Sea Salt
Serve With (optional):
- Warm Soft Tortillas** (see note) gluten free if needed, I like La Tortilla Factory
- Sliced Avocados
- Additional Rancheros Sauce
- Cilantro
Instructions
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Cook the Tofu: In a non-stick 10" (25 cm) skillet, heat to medium-low and crumble the tofu into the pan. They should be in bite size pieces. Sprinkle in the turmeric, and cook on medium low for about 8-10 minutes, drying the tofu out even further, tossing and turning occasionally with a spatula to evenly distribute the turmeric. Some bits may brown a little - this is fine.
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Add the beans to the tofu, salt and 1 C (290g) rancheros sauce (see below for instructions) to the pan. Stir gently to incorporate. Add more rancheros sauce if desired. Warm through on medium-low - about 5 minutes, stirring as needed. Taste for salt adjustment.
For the Rancheros Sauce:
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In a blender, (I use VitaMix) add the fire roasted tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili pepper, adobo sauce, jalapeños, cumin and sea salt. Pulse ingredients until chunky, about 5-6 times. It's now ready to use in the recipe.
To Assemble:
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Spoon the tofu mixture into warmed tortillas**, place a few slices of avocado along side the tofu mixture and top with more rancheros sauce and cilantro to taste.
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Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Leftover Rancheros Tofu Scramble can be stored in a lidded container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Recipe Notes
*Dry out the Tofu: Use a tea towel and place it under and on top of the tofu. Set it on a plate. Place something heavy on top, like a cutting board, another plate or a not-so-full box of wine to press the water out. We don't want it too heavy or it will squash the tofu. Move the tea towel a few times to a dryer area of the towel so it can absorb more water. Press for about 20 or up to an hour if you have time.
**I like to warm my tortillas on a low open flame on the stove top turning with tongs a few times to lightly char the tortillas. To hold them warm, place the tortillas in foil and into a warmed toaster oven on low heat. This will work with a flour based tortilla or a flour and corn blend. If heating corn tortillas, heat according to package directions.
I loved this! I have other tofu scramble recipes, but the sauce on this really makes it special. Tofu and pinto beans—great combination. I forget how I stumbled on your site—think it was a link from Greatist. I’ll be back for sure!
Thank you for coming back and leaving a note Ellen! I love that sauce too :D I find tofu sometimes requires aggressive seasoning and this is one of those recipes! I hope you enjoy the blog. Thank you for giving this one a go!
I have not tofu scrambled in so long …. why I don’t know … you inspired me … can not wait to make!!
I specialize in bean based options and I must say your recipes are all that. I love all your creative ideas and your food is Beaniliscious.
If you put these in front of me I could not resist! You’ve packed a lot of flavor in this meal! Love it, Traci! xo
I am so excited about this! I have had issues again with my thyroid this past year and my osteopath has me off eggs for the time being. The tips you’ve listed are so helpful – cannot wait to mak this!!
I could eat these for any meal, they look so good! I have to say that tofu scramble is probably one of my favorite ways to eat tofu because the texture is very similar to eggs. I love that you snuck beans in there too for extra protein. Such a satisfying and flavorful meal!
Your photos are KILLER!
Traci! I have never tried a tofu scramble and now I want to!! I think we eat way too many eggs, but my sweet girl just likes them so much. Love how you added that pinch of turmeric to give it that golden color! Hope Rob is feeling well and that this is helping figure out his diet. xo
For anyo9ne who doesn’t like the taste of turmeric, curry can be used as a good substitute (I love both). When I make my mock chicken soup, I use a touch of curry for the color and “almost chicken ” flavor.
I would also eat this any time of day because it looks so good!
Thank you for your tips, Atia! I hope you enjoy it!
This is my kind of breakfast, Traci! Give me a big savory breakfast and I am happy. I always order tofu scramble when I see it at a restaurant – but I’ve never tried to make it at home. Love that you serve it taco style. Perfect for a lazy Sunday with maybe a spicy bloody mary as well! Pinning!
Nothing sounds better than a good breakfast taco. Such a great scramble!
What a great alternative for a breakfast taco, though I’d definitely eat this anytime. The rancheros sauce sounds really good and easy to whip up as well. I dot think I could ever have too many taco recipes!
I seriously don’t know how I haven’t tried tofu scramble yet, because I love tofu and I hate eggs! Seems like this is meant for me! This looks so hearty and perfect for anytime of day!
All of a sudden I am starving for breakfast. I never cook with tofu bc I’m a little intimidated by it but you make it look easy. I love all the spices you’ve added to this feast! Happy weekend!
There are so many ways to prepare it, Karen, but once you know the basics, it’s quite simple to work with. I hope you enjoy some scrambled tofu!
You’re making tofu sound like something I might actually try again Traci! I have to say, I’ve only tried it once. And it was a small bite. This is where I turn into Tom…I never thought I’d say that when it comes to trying different things. But this scramble truly sounds delicious, and looks fabulous! Love that rancheros sauce too!
I lol “turn into Tom!” I get it, Mary Ann… for me, the more I get into food, the more open I am to trying new things. I’ve been pleasantly surprised so many times! IF you give this a go, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Maybe wait to share it with Tom before it passes your seal of approval! :D xo