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Easy Tofu Chorizo
5 from 18 votes

Easy Tofu Chorizo

Easy Tofu Chorizo turns crumbled super-firm tofu into a spicy, smoky seasoned protein resembling chorizo sausage. The tofu is cooked with a robust blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper, combined with salsa or smoky tomato paste and apple cider vinegar for tang. The result is a hearty, flavorful plant-based filling or topping with a slightly crispy texture from sautéing.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 200 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces tofu or extra firm tofu, pressed first, super-firm, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil omit for oil-free and add tofu to the pan before adding the spices, generic cooking oil
  • 4 tablespoons salsa or 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste, smoky and spicy
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Chorizo Spice Blend:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder the blend, not a specific chile, mild
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon paprika sweet
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano choose Mexican oregano if you can find it, dried
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin ground
  • ½ teaspoon thyme dried
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt if using tomato paste instead of salsa you may want more, fine sea salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl combine the ingredients for the spice blend and set aside. It makes about ¼ cup, or 4 tablespoons. You may or may not decide to use all of it, depending on the desired level of spiciness and flavor.
  2. Preheat a large saute pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons of the spice blend directly to the oil, and stir for about 30 seconds. (If omitting oil, add the tofu first, then the spices.)
  3. Add the salsa (or tomato paste), and stir to combine.
  4. Add the crumbled tofu to the pan, and stir well to incorporate with the spices. I like to use the back of the spoon to mash some of the tofu chunks into smaller pieces. Stirring only occasionally, cook until piping hot and lightly browned.
  5. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salsa or spices if desired. Enjoy your vegan chorizo now, or allow to cool before storing.

Notes

  • Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 5 days; it freezes well for longer storage.
  • Use super firm tofu for best texture; extra firm tofu works but is softer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 200kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 200

% Daily Value*

Calories 200kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.