Vegan Chorizo Crumbles
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
3 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
18 mins
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Servings
4 (yield: 2 ¼ cups)
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Calories
204 kcal
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Cuisine
Mexican
Vegan Chorizo Crumbles
Description
Vegan Chorizo Crumbles rely on pressing extra-firm tofu to achieve the proper texture and allow better absorption of the blend of bold spices, including chili powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Cooking the crumbled tofu in oil until it browns slightly forms crisp edges that contrast the tender interior. The onion and garlic add aromatic depth while the tomato paste and tamari in the seasoning mixture provide umami and acidity, enhancing the smoky and spicy flavor profile.
The finished vegan chorizo can be used in dishes calling for traditional chorizo, such as tacos, burritos, or scrambles, adding a punch of smoky spice without meat. The varied crumble size after pressing mimics the authentic chorizo texture, and adding acid or creamy elements like lime juice or vegan sour cream balances the robust spiciness when served. Resting the crumbles after cooking deepens the flavor.
Using a Dutch oven or thick-bottomed skillet reduces splatter and eases cleanup. Adjust heat levels with additional sauces if desired. Pressing the tofu well before cooking is key to retaining texture and maximizing flavor absorption.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
- ¼ cup olive oil vegetable oil, or coconut oil
- ½ cup red onion minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tamari
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder Mexican style
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon Coriander
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
Instructions
- Place the tofu between two clean, dry kitchen towels, and place a heavy weight over it for 15 minutes to remove the excess water. You can also use a tofu press for this if you have one.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, crumble the tofu into the skillet. Sauté the crumbled tofu for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu starts to get a little brown and crispy all over.
- Add the minced red onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- In a small bowl, using the tines of a fork, mix the water, tomato paste, tamari, liquid smoke, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, chipotle, oregano, pepper, cumin, coriander and cloves until well combined.
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the tofu in the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the tofu is evenly seasoned.
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat for about 6 minutes. You want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors are well blended. The mixture should become fragrant and deepen in color.
- Once the vegan chorizo is cooked and the spices have been absorbed into the tofu, take the skillet off the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it in your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, creating varied crumble sizes for authentic texture.
- Cook in a Dutch oven or thick-bottomed skillet to reduce oil splatter and simplify cleanup.
- Let cooked chorizo rest before serving to deepen flavors; consider adding hot sauce for extra heat.
- Balance the bold spice with creamy or acidic toppings like vegan sour cream, lime juice, or pickled vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(yield: 2 ¼ cups)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 204 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 204kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 641mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 335mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 654IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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