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Home » Recipes » Breakfast

Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles

Switch up your morning routine with a hearty serving of vegan tofu sausage crumbles. Packed with flavor, these crumbles are seasoned with a bold blend of spices including smoked paprika to bring classic savory breakfast vibes to every bite

Pan fried tofu sausage pieces in a gray bowl with a silver spoon
by Aly Michell Dated: October 19, 2020 Last Modified: August 28, 2023 2 Comments
826 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
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‘Tis the season to load up your plant-based breakfast plate with your favorites—starting with a big helping of pan-fried vegan tofu sausage crumbles. 

This budget-friendly recipe is made with super-firm tofu, soy sauce, and a simple blend of spices to bring bold, savory flavor with that satisfying umami kick. It’s a homemade staple that’s easy to throw together and perfect for adding some serious flavor to your morning routine.

The best part? No oven required. These tofu sausage crumbles are pan-fried, which means less time, fewer steps, and no extra heat in the kitchen. All you need is a single pan, a block of tofu, and a few everyday spices. That’s it. Use these crumbles in everything from breakfast burritos and scrambles to pizza, pasta, or a cozy lasagna.

Jump to:
  • About the Texture
  • Why You’ll Love This 
  • Ingredients & Substitutions 
  • Step-By-Step Recipe 
  • Tips for the Best Tofu Sausage Crumbles 
  • What to Serve With Tofu Sausage Crumbles 
  • How to Store Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles 
  • Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles FAQs 
  • More Recipes with Tofu 
  • Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles

About the Texture

Tofu sausage crumbles cookin in a skillet.

Getting a meaty, crave-worthy texture from tofu comes down to two things: high heat and removing as much moisture as possible. In this recipe, we are turning the heat all the way up, and yes, that is completely intentional.

This is not the time for low and slow. High heat helps the excess water evaporate quickly, which is key to achieving that hearty texture. At the same time, it encourages the tofu to develop golden, toasted bits that add depth and flavor.

The tofu will not burn as long as you keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. Instead, it will transform into something rich, chewy, and deeply satisfying. Let it sear, be patient, and let the texture work itself into perfection.

Why You’ll Love This 

  • Quick and easy. Made in one pan with simple steps—ready in about 15 minutes.
  • Affordable ingredients. No pricey add-ins like walnuts or mushrooms—just budget-friendly staples. 
  • Bold and savory flavor. Thanks to fennel, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce, this tofu brings the flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions 

Block of super firm tofu from Trader Joe's
  • Super firm tofu: Creates a chewy, “meaty” texture without the need to press. Extra-firm tofu also works—just be sure to press it well to remove moisture.
  • Neutral oil: Helps with browning and crisping. Canola or vegetable oil are good options, but use what you have.
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness. Low-sodium is preferred to balance the flavors. Coconut aminos may also be used instead of soy sauce.
  • Water: Helps thin the sauce and distribute the spices more evenly.
  • Nutritional yeast: Gives a subtle cheesy, savory flavor and adds depth.
  • Smoked paprika: Brings smoky, savory notes that mimic traditional sausage seasoning.
  • Fennel seeds: A key ingredient for that sausage-like flavor. Crush lightly to release the oils.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Red chili flakes: For a touch of heat. Add as much or as little as you’d like.
  • Garlic powder: Adds sharpness and depth to the dish.
  • Chili powder: Adds warmth, color, and a mild spice. Not too spicy, but rich and earthy.

Step-By-Step Recipe 

Crumbles tofu meatballs in large mixing bowl
  1. Crumble the tofu with your hands into small, sausage-like pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat.
  3. Add tofu and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy.
  4. Whisk soy sauce, water, and spices in a small bowl to create the seasoning sauce.
  5. Pour sauce over tofu and stir well to evenly coat the crumbles.
  6. Cook for another 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the tofu is browned and flavorful.
  7. Turn off heat and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Tofu Sausage Crumbles 

Super firm tofu scramble in a skillet
  1. Press the tofu well: Removing excess moisture helps the tofu absorb more flavor and crisp up better during cooking. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel and press with a heavy object.
  2. Use fresh spices: Fresh ground spices like smoked paprika, fennel, and garlic powder bring bold, sausage-like flavor. Dull or old spices won’t deliver the same punch.
  3. Don’t skip the soy sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and umami, mimicking the savory taste of traditional sausage. Use low-sodium if preferred, but don’t leave it out.
  4. Crumble with your hands: For the best texture, crumble the tofu by hand instead of slicing. This creates uneven bits that crisp up beautifully in the pan.
  5. Cook until golden: Let the tofu brown and crisp in the pan without stirring too often. This helps build texture and a slightly chewy bite, just like sausage.

What to Serve With Tofu Sausage Crumbles 

Bowl with a side of tofu sausage crumble, green peas, and brown rice

Tofu sausage crumbles are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes for a satisfying meal.

For breakfast, try them in a hearty vegan breakfast burrito, packed with veggies and wrapped in a warm tortilla for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside a comforting bowl of chili for a lighter option.

If you’re craving something savory, add these crumbles to a homemade vegan pizza for a protein-packed topping or mix them into a delicious creamy chickpea pasta for extra flavor and texture.

Or, go for a quick, savory snack! The possibilities are endless, making tofu sausage crumbles a perfect addition to your favorite plant-based dishes.

How to Store Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles 

Store the vegan sausage crumbles in an air-tight container or reusable silicone bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.  

Allow the crumbles to cool completely before transferring them to the container to avoid condensation.

Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles FAQs 

Can you make tofu taste like sausage?

Yes! By using a blend of spices like fennel, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, tofu can mimic the savory, flavorful profile of traditional sausage. Soy sauce and nutritional yeast also add depth and umami to the flavor.

How do you make tofu texture like meat?

To achieve a meat-like texture, cook tofu over high heat to evaporate excess moisture and allow it to crisp up. Crumbling the tofu into small pieces also helps create a more “meaty” consistency.

Are vegan sausages healthier than meat?

Vegan sausages are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional meat sausages, making them a healthier option for heart health. However, the nutritional value can vary, so it’s important to check the ingredients for added sugars or sodium.

What are the 3 types of tofu?

The three main types of tofu are silken, soft, and firm. Silken tofu has the smoothest texture, soft tofu is slightly firmer but still delicate, and firm tofu is dense and holds its shape well, making it ideal for frying or grilling.

More Recipes with Tofu 

  • Tofu Chicken chunks on a white platter
    How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken
  • Bowl of tofu noodle soup with vegetables and a slice of lemon.
    Vegan “Chicken” Noodle Soup with Tofu 
  • Tofu butter chicken or murgh makhani topped with chop cilantro. With a side of rice.
    Vegan Butter Chicken (Tofu Makhani) 
  • Air fryer tofu nuggets in a white bowl.
    Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Tofu sausage crumbles in a gray bowl with a spoon

Did you try out this vegan tofu sausage crumbles recipe? Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us!

Pan fried tofu sausage pieces in a gray bowl with a silver spoon

Vegan Tofu Sausage Crumbles

Aly Michell
Switch up your morning routine with a hearty serving of vegan tofu sausage crumbles. Packed with flavor, these crumbles are seasoned with a bold blend of spices including smoked paprika to bring classic savory breakfast vibes to every bite.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch
Cuisine Italian, Tofu, Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 152 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces super firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Red chili flakes to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Drain any excess water from the super-firm tofu and gently pat it dry using a clean towel or paper towel. If you're using firm tofu instead, be sure to press it first to remove excess moisture.
  • Using your hands, crumble the tofu into small, sausage-like pieces. Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over high heat and add two tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crumbled tofu. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and crisp in spots.
  • While the tofu cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, water, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, crushed fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, garlic powder, and chili powder in a mixing bowl.
  • Pour the sauce over the tofu and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring to coat. Turn off the heat and serve warm.

Notes

To roughly crush fennel seeds, use a food processor or blender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1-ServingCalories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 860mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 849IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and show it off to us!

Did you try out this Pan-Fried Tofu Sausage Crumbles recipe?

Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us.

826 shares
Category: All, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

About Aly Michell

Previous Post:Stovetop tofu meatballs with pasta.Stovetop Vegan Tofu Meatballs
Next Post:Gluten-Free Oven Sheet Pan PancakesSquare-shaped, sheet-pan pancakes with chocolate chips and sliced almonds and a drizzle of pancake syrup

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynn

    March 13, 2025 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    Everything about this recipe is perfect! It actually tastes like meat. Superb!!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      March 17, 2025 at 9:25 am

      Awesome! I am very glad you loved it!

      Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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