4.9 from 74 votes
Easy Vegan Chorizo
Easy Vegan Chorizo uses crumbled extra-firm tofu coated with smoky paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a spicy flavor profile. The tofu is marinated with tamari, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and ketchup, then seared in avocado oil to develop a browned, slightly crisp texture. This plant-based option offers a flavorful, protein-rich choice for dishes needing a chorizo-style ingredient.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
(Servings)
Calories:
181 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican, Vegan
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (organic, non-GMO when possible)
- 4 tsp chili powder (or store-bought)
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp cumin ground
- 2 Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 4 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil if oil-free, omit, but it will be drier, for cooking
Instructions
- Drain tofu. With clean hands or a fork, roughly crumble the tofu in a medium mixing bowl. Aim for pieces about 1/4 - 1/2 inch in size.
- Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin and carefully toss to evenly coat the tofu with the spices. Add the tamari, vinegar, maple syrup, and ketchup and toss one more time.
- Heat a 10-inch nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) avocado oil and place half of your tofu mixture into the skillet (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Distribute the tofu mixture evenly over the pan so it’s in one thin layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, undisturbed. It should be sizzling and popping slightly — if it’s not, turn up the heat a bit.
- Once the tofu is nicely browned on the bottom, use a spatula to flip sections as evenly as possible to brown the other side for another 3 minutes. Break up the tofu mixture slightly and toss to evenly brown all sides — about 2 minutes.
- Place in a dish, set aside, and repeat with remaining oil and tofu mixture.
- Best when fresh. Perfect for adding to bowls, burritos, tacos, or vegan paella. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. If you prefer sausage “patties” you can scoop the tofu before cooking and press into 2-inch rounds and freeze to cook later.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands used.
- The recipe is inspired by a plant-based soyrizo, a chorizo-style sausage alternative.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
181
(9%)
Carbohydrates
6.5g
(2%)
Protein
12.7g
(25%)
Fat
13.2g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
1.9g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4.2g
(25%)
Monounsaturated Fat
6.4g
(32%)
Trans Fat
0g
(0%)
Cholesterol
0mg
(0%)
Sodium
619mg
(26%)
Potassium
242mg
(5%)
Fiber
1.5g
(6%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1433IU
(29%)
Vitamin C
0mg
(0%)
Calcium
336mg
(34%)
Iron
3.1mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 (Servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 181 | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.5g | 2% |
| Protein | 12.7g | 25% |
| Fat | 13.2g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2g | 25% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6.4g | 32% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 619mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 242mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1433IU | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 336mg | 34% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.