If you're looking for an alternative to scrambled eggs, this vegan Pesto Tofu Scramble is for you! Loaded with your favorite vegetables and topped with homemade dairy-free basil pesto, it's easy to make in under 30 minutes. Serve this protein-rich dish with toast, fruit, or roasted potatoes for weekend brunch or "breakfast for dinner" any night of the week.
For a satisfying savory vegan breakfast, you can't beat this Pesto Tofu Scramble. Made with seasoned extra-firm tofu and vegetables like mushrooms and spinach, the mouthwatering pesto sauce gives it extra flavor.
It's delicious served with toast or air fried crispy home fries. Or try it with a stack of vegan banana pancakes for a sweet and savory combination.
However you serve it, this scrambled tofu recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Prefer a softer scramble? Try my Silken Tofu Scramble topped with pesto sauce.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's a flavorful vegan alternative to scrambled eggs.
- You can make it in about half an hour.
- The pesto gives it a Mediterranean flair and makes this dish really special.
Ingredients
While you can use whatever vegetables you like to make pesto tofu scramble, I like to use onion, garlic, mushrooms, and baby spinach. Other options include red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and chopped greens like kale or Swiss chard. You will also need the following:
- Tofu: I prefer to use extra-firm tofu. If using firm, I recommend using use a simple tool called a tofu press to remove the excess liquid. (Only have a box of silken tofu on hand? Try this silken tofu scramble instead.)
- Turmeric: This spice gives the tofu a subtle flavor and a yellow hue reminiscent of scrambled eggs.
- Nutritional yeast: This deactivated yeast is a salt-free seasoning that gives the tofu a savory flavor.
- Kala namak black salt (optional): While not actually black in color, a few pinches of this salt gives the tofu an eggy flavor.
Kala Namak Black Salt
- Non-GMO
- High in sulfur and iron for a natural egg-like taste
- Does not contain anti-caking or anti-clumping agents or other harmful additives
You will also need a few ingredients to make the homemade vegan pesto sauce:
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon juice
- Pine nuts
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
If you would rather make a nut-free pesto, hemp seeds are a great substitute for the pine nuts. Or if pine nuts are unavailable or too expensive, try walnuts in their place.
Prefer to save time and use a store-bought pesto sauce? I recommend Filippo Berio Vegan Basil Pesto.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto in a food processor and set aside.
- In a skillet, saute the onion and garlic.
- Add the spinach and mushrooms, or your choice of vegetables, and continue to saute.
- Once the veggies are soft, break the tofu in chunks and add it to the mixture along with the seasonings.
- Cook everything together, using your spatula to break up the tofu into crumbles, until heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the pesto, and enjoy.
Serving suggestions
While this dish is delicious on its own for breakfast or dinner, you can also try it with sides such as the following:
- Toasted vegan gluten-free sourdough from Bread SRSLY. Use code VEGGIESSAVETHEDAY for $5 off your first order.
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Tomato Onion Salad
- Watermelon Tomato Salad
- Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Storage
Leftover tofu scramble can be covered and refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
While not an exact replacement for scrambled eggs, the seasonings and texture are similar. It's a good choice for vegans and those avoiding eggs.
Kala Namak, also called Himalayan black salt, is made from Himalayan pink salt which is then sealed in a jar with charcoal and fired in a kiln or furnace.
This savory salt-free seasoning has a slightly cheesy or nutty flavor. It's often used in vegan cheese sauces, on popcorn, and in scrambled tofu.
More tofu recipes
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Vegan Pesto Tofu Scramble
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE PESTO:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tough stems removed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon pine nuts, (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
FOR THE TOFU SCRAMBLE:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup white or brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped, or baby spinach leaves
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu, (drained and pressed to remove excess liquid)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
- a few pinches Kala Namak black salt, (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto by combining all the pesto ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until combined but not completely smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and slightly translucent.
- Next add the garlic, mushrooms, and spinach. Saute until the mushrooms are soft and the spinach is wilted.
- Crumble the tofu over the vegetables and add the turmeric, nutritional yeast, and Kala Namak (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook until the tofu is heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the pesto, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Paul E Downs
Thanks again for these recipes! Always looking for tasty meals!
Amy Katz
You're welcome, Paul! I'm glad you are enjoying them.
JoAnn M Lakes
Kala Namak loses its potency with heat. Add at the end before the pesto. Check the flavoring then add the pesto.
Love your recipes!