Tofu Sausage Crumbles
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
160 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion, Vegan
Tofu Sausage Crumbles
Description
This recipe starts with crumbling tofu and drying it gently to reduce moisture. A blend of dried herbs and spices—including fennel seeds, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, basil, sage, black pepper, and optional cayenne—is prepared to season the tofu. The fennel seeds are lightly crushed to release aroma without powdering.
After heating oil in a well-seasoned cast iron or sauté pan, the spices are toasted briefly before adding tofu. The tofu is stirred to coat and incorporate seasoning and soy sauce combined with ketchup and apple cider vinegar, which provides acidity and umami depth. Salt is added to taste. Cooking continues until the tofu absorbs flavors and develops a slightly browned, crumbly texture.
The seasoned tofu crumbles can be used as a savory protein component in breakfasts, pasta sauces, or any recipe calling for sausage crumbles. Variations in seasoning can alter the flavor profile to match breakfast, Italian, or milder herb sausage styles.
Pressing extra-firm tofu beforehand reduces moisture for better texture. Adjust seasoning levels if using as an ingredient in dishes already salty or spicy. Leftovers store well refrigerated or frozen and reheat easily by pan or oven warming.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tofu see Notes to sub extra-firm, super-firm
- 3½ teaspoons fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon sage ground
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper use less for mild heat, freshly cracked
- 2½ Tablespoons soy sauce or GF tamari
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste w/a pinch of sweetener
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 Tablespoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt or more to taste, fine sea salt
Instructions
- Crumble the block of tofu onto a tea towel or paper towels, and gently pat dry. Set aside.
- Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to break up the fennel seeds. They don't need to be powdered, just smashed up a bit. Add the other dried herbs and spices to the fennel seeds and stir to combine (oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, basil, sage, and black pepper).
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet (preferred) or saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoon oil, and let it get hot. Add the dried herb/spice mixture. Stirring frequently, cook for about 1 minute. If the pan looks too dry and/or you prefer a richer tofu sausage, add 1 more tablespoon oil.
- Add the crumbled tofu to the pan, and stir well to incorporate with the seasonings. If desired, use your spoon to break up larger chunks of tofu. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture onto the tofu, and stir well. Season with the salt and cayenne, if using. Stirring only occasionally, continue to cook the tofu until browned, about 15 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning. Serve now or cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Extra-firm tofu should be pressed 30 minutes before use to remove moisture for best texture.
- Adjust fennel and black pepper quantities if sensitive or using in already salty dishes.
- Store crumbles in an airtight container refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen up to 2 months; reheat by pan sauté, baking, or air frying for crispiness.
- For maple breakfast sausage style, add maple syrup and adjust spices accordingly.
- To make spicy Italian sausage, increase cayenne and add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Mild herb sausage variation omits cayenne and reduces pepper, increasing sage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 160kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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