Guys! I am so excited to share this post with you! I know tofu scramble doesn’t sound like anything sexy, and for some the idea of making tofu into a dish that resembles scrambled eggs may be downright off-putting. So if you’re in that camp… please stay with me here! I made this on my camping trip last week, and I have made it 4 times at home since I’ve been back.
I’ve had my fair share of tofu scrambles, and they usually run the gamut between meh to pretty good. But this Spiced Tofu Scramble has got some serious legs to it! I’m not talking it’s just good for tofu… I’m talking it’s straight up good. Really good!
The key is the berbere. If you haven’t had berbere before, please, please, make yourself a batch – berbere makes everything better. It is the cornerstone spice blend in Ethiopian cooking and I affectionately call it ‘the kitchen sink of spice mixes,’ because it, well… contains just about every spice in your cupboard. The complex spice blend gives food a rich taste, layered with flavors and it’s wonderful when you’re cooking with something like tofu.
I’m hesitant to call something ‘the best’, because who’s really to say if something is truly the best – but honestly, this Spiced Tofu Scramble is the best tofu scramble I’ve ever had. If I find one that’s better, I will happily recant my statement. But until then, I can comfortably say that this is the best tofu scramble I’ve ever had!
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons berbere
- 2 14 ounce blocks extra-firm tofu
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 14 ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)
- hot sauce (optional)
- In a large saute pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the berbere to form a paste.
- Add the blocks of tofu and using a large wooden spoon (or better yet, a potato masher if you have it) break up the tofu to resemble scrambled eggs.
- Sprinkle with salt, add the beans, water, and stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the lime juice, stir once more to combine.
- Plate, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with hot sauce if you like. Enjoy!
I finally got the berbere spice mix made, and we just had this on the patio with a dry-hopped IPA after a bike ride in the heat and humidity. It’s so good, and so easy! My husband agreed this will be a regular breakfast meal from now on!
Ooo… my husband and I love grabbing a few beers after a long bike ride! We figured we earned it 😉 I’m so glad you and your hubby enjoyed the tofu scramble! Berbere adds some pretty incredible flavors, doesn’t it?!
Yes! A long bike ride, a good beer, and a tasty and high protein meal after! Seriously, though, this tofu scramble will be a regular for this fitness conscious couple. Oh, we camp too, and I loved your post about camping in Oregon!
Kathleen, this looks awesome! I’m putting together my protein-rich vegetarian dishes, and according to MyFitnessPal, this comes in at 26 g! I’m struggling to find delicious recipes that make it over 20 g, so this is a keeper. I’ll be looking for the berbere (or making it) so I can give it a whirl myself… Thanks for submitting to my ISO!
Thanks so much, Tamara! Wow! I had no idea there was that much protein 😛 I have this for breakfast all the time; I don’t eat a ton of meat, so I’m glad to know I’m getting a good dose of protein from it!
I cannot wait to try this berbere spice it sounds like it would be delicious on so many things. See this dish is inspirational for me as I cannot have eggs…well I can have a little but then if too much, hives and then who knows what else… not pretty. So this a great new protein breakfast for me!
Oh no, no eggs?! Well I’m glad I could offer you tasty alternative 🙂 Occasionally when I eat eggs, I get what I call ‘egg belly’. Just a bit of an upset stomach. I never realized how many other people had an egg intolerance until recently – crazy.
Never had a tofu scramble before but I’m so trying this recipe! I love Ethiopian food and was super excited to see your berbere spice recipe. That mix needs to be in my spice cabinet ASAP! I’m looking up your other Ethiopian recipes too 🙂
I love Ethiopian food too! Obviously 😛 You’re going to love the berbere spice mix – I use it ALL the time.
I’ve been working on a ingera recipe, but still needs some tweaking. I will do some serious celebrating when I finally get that one down 😉
Wow! Kathleen, you making tofu even look scrumptious!! I’ve never tried berbere but now I absolutely must! I love seasonins like that…the ones that are really just a mix of all the spices. The fact that you don’t use “best” lightly makes me trust you even more when you say this tofu scramble is awesome! I will have to make some for my vegan cousins when they visit next time 🙂
Wow… thanks for the super sweet comment, Beeta! I hope you make some of the berbere. I’m making it my mission to get everyone to try it – it’s just such a fantastic blend of spices 😉
Never tried tofu scramble – but it sounds and looks delicious! Loving the spices and aromatic flavours! 😀
Thanks, Jess. The spices give this tofu dish some real punch 🙂
I love tofu, but I have never had a tofu scramble before!! Clearly I live under a dang rock. And obviously I need to change this immediately! This sounds pretty dang sexy if you ask me… but I think lentils are sexy. So? Love the all spices (mix) in here! This sounds overall frggin’ fabulous! Plus it’s healthy! Score! Pinned! Cheers, girlfriend! <3
Hey, hey, hey… lentils are TOTALLY sexy 😉 Hope you’re having a great time with the parents! xo
a) I am intensely jealous of the black crockery
b) Berbere….I HAVE TO TRY IT asap
c) Tofu scramble? Only you, I swear, only YOU would ever get me excited at the thought of trying it. I am going to!
Crate and Barrel. LOVE their plates and dishes 🙂
Yes, yes, yes – I think we pretty much have the same tastes so I know you will love berbere! Ha! And I’m flattered that the tofu scramble gets you jazzed! I seriously thought when posting this… I wonder what Nagi will think? 🙂
I have never had a tofu scramble, but this sure looks delicious! And I;m very excited to make Berbere, too! Pinning!
Yay! I honestly want everyone to make berbere – it’s just such a fantastic spice blend, everyone should try it! I hope you give the tofu scramble a try too. Once you taste the berbere, I know you’ll see how it can transform something like tofu into a seriously flavorful dish.
Sounds so flavorful. Today’s my meatless Monday and this would’ve been the perfect dish to make…well, next week it is 🙂
Thanks, Vineetha! Keep this one in your back pocket for next Monday. I hope you enjoy!
Lots of great flavors to help flavor the tofu, great dish.
Thanks, Janette. The berebere is like my secret flavor weapon for mild foods. It just makes everything taste better!
Kathleen this loos so fab!!! I have been totally off my game and not wanting to do a tofu scramble…but I think I just may 🙂
Yes, yes! You should 🙂
YUM! I don’t eat tofu, but this looks bomb to me still!
Thanks, Gigi! I don’t know… the berbere spice mix may change your mind 😉
Oh wow, Kathleen! This tofu scramble is absolutely stunning! And addition of black beans is so genius. Love these beautiful photographs too! 🙂
Thanks, Anu! 🙂
I love a good tofu scramble and have never had berbere. Intrigued and checking it out!!!
Oh I hope you give berbere a try – it’s a spice mix that is SO incredible I want everyone to try it!