Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Kimchi Tofu Scramble features chunks of tender tofu scrambled with kimchi, kale and green onions for a tangy flavor filled, healthy vegan breakfast, lunch or dinner! It’s quick, easy and ready in 15 minutes!

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (1)

Now thatkimchihas been added to the recipe collection, it’s time to experiment with this spicy, tangy mixture.

And what better way to use it than to make a kimchi tofu scramble. Tofu at times can use a little help, and kimchi is a perfect addition to whip your tofu into shape!

This is my vegan version of a recipe I saw for a kimchi scramble using eggs. This tofu interpretation came out amazing and if you’re a kimchi lover and tofu appreciator, then I think you’ll agree!

I first made this kimchi tofu scramble with spinach (which tasted great, of course!) but ultimately decided to use kale here as we try to use the most nutrient dense foods whenever we can. I loved the kale, it cooks down beautifully adding a nice pop of green.

The seasoning is super simple, letting the kimchi shine through. Use your most fermented batch of kimchi, the ripened flavors will work best when cooking with kimchi.

Looking for more great tofu scramble recipes? Be sure to check out this Southwest Tofu Scramble, Veggie Tofu Scramble, or Tofu Scramble Stuffed Poblanos for a nice change!

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2)

Table of Contents show

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this easy recipe, crumbled tofu is cooked with kale, tamari and garlic powder, then kimchi is added at the end and gently cooked until warmed through for tangy, spicy and absolutely delicious tofu scramble.

Here is everything you will need:

  • Sesame oil– or your favorite oil.
  • Organic tofu – use regular firm or extra-firm.
  • Kale – use full-grown or baby kale. I used pre-cut for ease. Sub with spinach or chard.
  • Green onion
  • Tamari– or soy sauce, coconut aminos or nama shoyu.
  • Garlic powder
  • Nutritional yeast – optional, but adds a savory, umami, cheesy flavor.
  • Vegan kimchi – make homemade Vegan Kimchi or use your favorite store bought.
  • Cilantro– for a fresh herby finish.
  • Sesame seeds – toasted, black or white.

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (3)

How To Make Kimchi Tofu Scramble

  • In a large wok or skillet, heat oil on medium-high, add tofu, crumbling it between your fingers, and cook for about 2 -3 minutes (above left).
  • Next, turn heat to medium, add tamari and garlic powder, give a good stir. Add kale and most of the scallions, cook, stirring occasionally until kale becomes soft and wilts, about 5 – 7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to use your fingers to crumble the tofu, you can always use the back of a fork or break it up with your cooking utensil. Feel free to break the tofu down to your desired texture, chunky or smaller bits. I usually break it up on the chunky side, and after stirring and mixing, it tends to break down on its own just right.

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (4)

  • Lastly, add the kimchi with juices, mix and cook just until kimchi has warmed through, about 1 minute. We don’t want to overcook the kimchi or it will destroy some of the health benefits of the probiotics.

Once it’s all cooked and ready to go, you are ready to serve it however you like!

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (5)

Serving Suggestions

This tasty kimchi tofu scramble is great alone, but can also be served in a variety of ways! Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Tacos: Make kimchi tofu scramble tacos using corn or flour tortillas (this is tops!).
  • Hot sauce: Add a little sriracha, sambel olek or garlic paste for extra heat.
  • Cream: Try adding a drizzle of this Garlic Miso Cashew Sauce, or for extra heat try this Dynamite SauceorSriracha Cashew Cream. You can control the heat when adding the spice to each of these condiments.
  • Grain: Serve with white rice, brown rice or black rice.
  • Soup: Serve with a bowl of this Garlic Miso Soupor Simple Miso Noodle Soup.
  • Wash it down: For breakfast serve with green tea or lemon water. If you’re a beer drinker, when making for brunch, lunch or dinner an Asian or Mexican beer would be great (Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo, Corona and Dos Esquis are all vegan friendly).

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (6)

More Easy Breakfast Recipe

  • Easy Vegan Waffles (a fan favorite!)
  • DIY Muesli
  • Everyday Oatmeal

If you try this kimchi tofu scramble recipe, please let me know!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

KIMCHI TOFU SCRAMBLE

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Kimchi tofu scramble is another way to enjoy your kimchi for breakfast, lunch or dinner. So easy and delicious!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Vegansita
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3
  • Category: Breakfast, Entree
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, optional
  • 1 block (14 – 16 oz) organic tofu, firm or extra-firm
  • 12 tablespoons tamari
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 45 large leaves of kale, center stem removed and julienned
  • 3 scallions, sliced (divided)
  • 12 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional
  • 1 cup kimchi

To Serve, optional

  • cilantro sprigs
  • sesame seeds (toasted, black or white)
  • lime wedges
  • 6 corn or flour tortillas

Instructions

Open and drain tofu. No need to press the tofu.

In a large wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu, crumbling between your fingers, cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes.

Turn heat to medium, carefully add tamari and garlic powder, give a good stir. Add kale and 2/3 – 3/4 of the scallions, cook, stirring occasionally until kale becomes soft and wilts, cover partially to help with the process, about 5 – 7 minutes.

Lastly, add the nutritional yeast and kimchi, mix and cook just until kimchi has warmed through, about 1 minute or so. We don’t want to overcook the kimchi or it will destroy some of the health benefits of the probiotics.

If making optional tacos, heat the tortillas. I like to heat mine carefully over a gas burner until lightly charred in spots. Use your preferred method. Layer tortillas with the scramble mixture, add a few sprigs of cilantro, some of the reserved scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime.

Serves 3

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, in a covered container.

Notes

Use spinach in place of kale.

Use ripened kimchi, the flavors will be more pronounced. You may prefer fresher kimchi, in which case use your favorite.You may like to chop your kimchi a bit before adding it to the tofu. I kept it as it was but it’s an option.

Try adding a drizzle of this Garlic Miso Cashew Sauce, or for extra heat try the Dynamite Sauce or Sriracha Cashew Cream. You can control the heat when adding the spice to each of these condiments.

Updated: Kimchi Tofu Scramble was originally published in October 2014. It has been updated with new photos and helpful tips in January 2020.

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,PinterestorRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Kimchi Tofu Scramble (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

FAQs

Is tofu scramble better than eggs? ›

In case you're wondering which is healthier, eggs or tofu, the match-up is surprisingly close. If you compare them per serving (1 egg to a 3.5-ounce serving of tofu), the tofu has a similar amount of calories and slightly more protein. Here's how they stack up: Calories: egg = 78 | tofu = 70.

What is tofu scramble made of? ›

This tofu scramble is fast, flavorful, and a wonderful egg-free savory breakfast. Made with spinach, curry powder, nutritional yeast, garlic, and onions, this is the version we've been making for years!

How do you freeze tofu scramble? ›

Instructions
  1. Crumble the tofu into a medium mixing bowl. ...
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. ...
  3. Stir in the kale and tofu. ...
  4. Divide the tofu mixture onto the tortillas and fold them like a burrito.
  5. To freeze, wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and place the wraps in a freezer bag.
Sep 27, 2021

How long does tofu scramble last? ›

Store leftover tofu scramble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can reheat the tofu scramble in the microwave, heat for 60 to 9o seconds. You can also place the tofu scramble back into the skillet and reheat on the stove.

Is scrambled tofu good for weight loss? ›

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

What does Gordon Ramsay put in his scrambled eggs? ›

Ingredients
  1. 6 cold eggs.
  2. 15g butter.
  3. Salt and pepper.
  4. Crème fraîche.
  5. Chives.

Is frying tofu unhealthy? ›

Frying tofu can give it a crispy texture, but comes at a cost – it can be high in calories, up to three times more than baked or air-fried tofu. This is because frying requires added oil as a heat conductor, which cooks the tofu evenly but also makes it absorb more oil, resulting in more fat and calories.

Why is tofu not frying? ›

You're not pressing out excess moisture.

Before frying, tofu should be pressed to eliminate any excess water. Sometimes, in a hurry to get dinner done, I skip this step. But I always regret it. The still-sort-of-wet tofu never gets as golden brown or as crisp.

How healthy is tofu scramble? ›

Head to head, tofu scramble and scrambled eggs are nutritionally comparable and both healthy choices. They are complete sources of protein, providing all essential amino acids; are low in calories; and relatively low in saturated fat.

Does tofu scramble reheat well? ›

It might dry out a little so add a splash of plant based liquid such as soy milk or coconut milk when reheating it. It will also reheat well in the microwave with no extra liquid needed, but it is best fresh out of the pan. Avoid freezing tofu as it will become watery.

What is the best way to reheat tofu scramble? ›

Leftover tofu scramble can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can sub spinach and tomatoes for any other vegetables you have on hand e.g. bell peppers, mushrooms, kale.

Why does freezing tofu make it better? ›

Freezing tofu is a great way to make your tofu last longer and give it a meatier texture, since the freezing process changes the structure of the product. It's easy to do so with any type of tofu other than silken. Just drain, dry, slice, freeze, and then thaw out when ready to use!

Can you eat eggs and tofu together? ›

Tofu and Eggs is an easy and delicious meal that has been one of my go-to dinners this month, and I promise when you try it, you will love it too! I use dashi powder in this recipe, but if you are vegetarian, you can swap with vegetarian dashi powder that uses seaweed and shiitake mushrooms instead!

Can you eat tofu every day? ›

Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy. "For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said.

Can you eat raw tofu? ›

How to safely eat raw tofu. While tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm, and extra firm — technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. It's also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

Can tofu replace eggs? ›

Yes, tofu can be used as a substitute for eggs in recipes like deviled eggs and egg salad sandwiches. To do this, you should start by pressing the tofu to remove the excess liquid. Then, crumble the tofu and mix it with seasonings, such as nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, and salt and pepper.

What can you scramble instead of eggs? ›

The Best Egg Substitute to Use for Baking, Scrambles and More
  • Flaxseed Meal. Veena Nair/Getty Images. ...
  • Chia Seeds. Karisssa/Getty Images. ...
  • Mashed Banana. Candice Bell/Getty Images. ...
  • Applesauce. Riou, Jean-Christophe/Getty Images. ...
  • Silken Tofu. NatashaBreen/Getty Images. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Vinegar and Baking Powder. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder.
Sep 14, 2021

What are the pros and cons of tofu? ›

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6575

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.