Tofu crumbles are an amazingly versatile vegan cooking secret! Who knew you could transform an ordinary block of plain tofu into a bowl of crispy flavorful tiny bits that can stand in for almost any meat flavor in your favorite recipes?
I’ll be honest, I was not a fan of tofu dishes at the beginning of my plant-based journey. The plain (and slightly beany flavor) coupled with the mushy texture of the tofu was simply a turn-off for me. And it didn’t help that all of my early tofu cooking attempts were an abject failure with my family either! Because who wants mushy, plain tofu served on their plate? Not me!
And then I learned about tofu crumbles. These highly seasoned crispy miracle bits of tofu were game-changing when it came to making some of my family’s favorite recipes vegan.
Tofu crumbles are super versitle and can be used in a variety of ways. Use as a topping, a meaty add-in, or eat as a snack.
Tofu crumbles are perfect to add as a salad topper, sprinkle on pizza, or on top of baked potatoes. You can even add them to recipes like pumpkin pasta, veggie lentil soup, or broccoli rabe pasta.
Most tofu crumbles recipes are slow-cooked in the oven. I have also seen some made in the air-fryer and on the stovetop. If you cook them in the oven, I recommend a sturdy sheet pan and parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Most recipes call for extra firm or firm tofu. Follow the recommended guidelines because each recipe is tested to recommend the best type of tofu. And very importantly, you’ll need a good tofu press too! They are affordable and much easier to use than pressing your tofu with a heavy book, a cast iron skillet, or a pile of plates!
My favorite recipes for tofu crumbles
You can turn a bland block of tofu into almost any flavor with the right seasonings. These are my favorite recipes. Check back because the seasonings and flavor possibilities are endless and I will be adding more to my collection!
Tofu Taco Crumbles
Top your favorite salad or use these taco-flavored tofu crumbles in plant-based burritos or tacos.
The Best Savory Tofu Crumbles for Snacking
This was the first tofu crumbles recipe I made! It’s got all the snacky goodies like nuts, seeds, dried cranberries…and tofu. Top your favorite salad or add to a plant-based bowl. Or just eat them as they were intended: as a tasty nutritious plant-based snack!
Sausage Tofu Crumbles (Vegan)
These Sausage Tofu Crumbles are vegan and plant-based. They can be used as a topping on pizza, pasta, vegetable or potato dishes. Try in my Breakfast Potato Hash, top pizza, or add to your favorite soup recipe.
Tofu Bacon Bits
Made a grilled BTL with these tofu bacon bits. Top a salad or add to baked potatoes. So good!
Tasty Tofu Crumbles with Asian-Fusion Flavors
You won’t believe how tasty these Asian Flavored Tofu Crumbles are! The flavor is very loosely borrowed from the flavor profile of that savory-sweet tasty Korean BBQ sauce you might remember from times gone by. Serve in a lettuce roll, wrap, or as a topping for vegetables or soup. Or just eat them with a spoon as a snack – they are that good!
BBQ Flavored Tofu Crumbles
These tofu crumbles have all the flavorings of an American Barbecue. They are tasty tiny nuggets bursting with flavor! Sprinkle them on salad, veggie bowls, or wraps. Sprinkle on baked potatoes or vegetable dishes. These BBQ-flavored tofu crumbles will be a new family favorite. Add to barbeque baked beans or top a salad!
Vegan Pepperoni Tofu Crumbles Recipe
These pepperoni pizza tofu crumbles taste like the real thing! They are made with extra-firm tofu, seasonings, and spices. Sprinkle on top of veggie dishes, potatoes, salads, soups, and sandwiches for an authentic pepperoni pizza flavor.