OH WHAT (TO)FUN

Scrambled tofu with kale and soyrizo (from Trader Joe’s) with a side of tots. DUH.

I’ve been eating (mostly) plant based for about two months and one thing that I am LOVING is tofu. I grew up eating tofu, so it never creeped me out. I had experimented with cooking tofu before, but they were always super basic recipes and nothing as good as my mom would make. This time around, let’s just say the obsession is real. Here are 4 ways I’ve been loving having tofu.

SCRAMBLED

Can I just say I don’t even miss eggs? Not even a bit. I know. I know. I was all about my savory breakfast (most commonly eggs on avocado toast) in the morning, but a lightbulb went off when one day, I decided to experiment with tofu and turmeric. Turmeric adds the perfect golden color which mimics eggs which is borderline creepy but it seriously tastes SO GOOD. I love cooking with turmeric because of its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s just a bonus that it helps with the aesthetic of my “eggs.” I like to play around with different spices and herbs, but here is my go to recipe:

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu (one standard container)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (option to start out with 1/4 teaspoon and add little by little, especially if you are not fond of the taste of turmeric)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I actually used Firefly Kitchens probiotic salt but sea salt will work fine!)
  1. Drain and remove excess water from the tofu by using paper towels and pressing it onto the tofu with a heavy weight (I use books).
  2. Heat up the oil on a large skillet.
  3. Lower the heat to low-medium and using a spatula, break up the tofu block into crumbles.
  4. Add spices.
  5. Mix well and bring the heat to high.
  6. Stir frequently and sauté the tofu until the color darkens and tofu gets a little crispy.
  7. Add more salt, pepper, and/or crushed red pepper (if you like it spicy) to taste.

MARINATED AND AIR FRIED

This has got to be one of my favorite things I’ve been eating, period. All you need to do is drain the water from your tofu, cut it into 1/4″ thick slices, and marinate it in whatever sauce you have in your fridge. My favorite so far has been Sriracha BBQ (literally just Sriracha mixed with barbecue sauce). After marinating for 20-30 minutes (option for longer too), I pop them in my air fryer for about 15 minutes at 400F. Every air fryer is different, so keep a close watch! When finished, the sauce should be dried and created a crispy layer. Spicy, sweet, and delicious! Perfect for buddha bowls, salads, and sandwiches.

PURÉED INTO AN AIOLI

Definitely gotta give credit to Dig Inn for this one. My absolute favorite sauce is the garlic aioli made from tofu (they’re all so good, try them all cause they are free! Bless them!). Though I haven’t tried making it myself, I always get a few when I visit them in New York and Boston so that I can add it to my bowls and salads. From there, I also got hit with an idea to create a nut-free vegan alfredo sauce using puréed tofu. I will be posting a recipe on my Instagram soon, so be on the look out!

TOFURKY DELI SLICES

Perhaps not the “healthiest” by any means, but easy, and such a great alternative when all you want is a sandwich or wrap with something to complement all the veggies. I’ve been a fan of Tofurky deli slices for quite some time, but have just recently grown such an appreciation for it since going plant based. Not only is it affordable, but I actually love the way it tastes. I love the texture. Because it is a processed food, I try to have it in moderation. But either way, I am so grateful there is a great plant based alternative for sandwich lovers!

Hope this inspires you to try something new, even if it’s not tofu! All the love!

BEST OF VEGAN CHEESE

vegan charcuterie board from Rebel Cheese in Austin, TX – a vegan deli

Cheese is probably my favorite food of all time but unfortunately, my sensitivity to dairy makes it hard to enjoy it without stomach pains. Oh the joys of getting older!! FORTUNATELY though for us, there are so many alternatives out there now. It’s amazing and honestly mind blowing. Here are the best of the best!

Kite Hill Cream Cheese

My first love. This almond milk based cream cheese has the texture of cream cheese and the taste will have you wondering if you accidentally had the real thing. I am obsessed with the jalapeño flavor!

Miyoko’s Kitchen Cheese Wheel

An absolute MUST for any vegan OR non-vegan charcuterie board. The flavors are absolutely insane and they are the true reason why I could do without real cheese. The double cream chive, garlic herb, and sundried tomato garlic are all BOMB.

Miyoko’s Kitchen Mozzarella

IT MELTS. I REPEAT. IT MELTS. This cheese is my favorite to top on pizzas and tastes amazing in Caprese salads too!

Spero Goaty Chevre

If you’re a goat cheese lover, you are freaking welcome. One of the best plant based cheeses I have ever had, period. Clean ingredients. Win, win, win!

Field Roast Creamy Original Chao Slices

One of my favorite plant based sliced cheeses. I prefer to have it melted in a sandwich versus cold but still good either way!

Violife Just Like Smoked Provolone Slices

Super tasty hot or cold. Kind of crazy how they nail the taste of Provolone.. just not gonna question it.

Kite Hill Ricotta

I find that vegan ricotta is one of the easiest cheeses to make, but if you don’t have the time, this one is a WINNER. Taste and texture on point.

Rind Paprika Brie

The ONLY reason why this isn’t at the top of the list is because it’s so hard to get your hands on. I tried it for the first time at Rebel Cheese, a vegan deli shop (equipped with vegan charcuterie boards) in Austin and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I have been dying for a Brie that actually tastes like Brie, and well, this is it.

Siete Spicy Blanco Cashew Queso

The name speaks for itself. It’s spicy and delicious and the list of ingredients is one of my favorite things about this brand. Absolutely ZERO fillers and junk!

The Honest Stand Cheddar Style Dip

WOW. JUST WOW. My favorite lazy day mac and cheese recipe has been brown rice elbows, two large spoonfuls of this dip, a splash of non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper. You won’t believe your eyes or your taste buds!

Hope this wasn’t too CHEESY. If you’re skeptical, just give one of these a try. I promise your mind will be blown. All the love!