Best Crumbled Tofu Recipe

Name: Saucy Crumbled Tofu with Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 14 ounces noodles; 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari (preferably low sodium)); 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 ½ teaspoons maple syrup; 1 ½ teaspoons chili garlic sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame or neutral cooking oil (plus more as needed); 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed, crumbled into ground-meat-size pieces); 2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari); 5 large garlic cloves (minced); ¾ cup chopped scallions (green and white parts); Hot chili oil (for serving (optional))

🥣 Why This Recipe Is Fabulous

Tofu crumbles add heart-healthy fats and plant-based protein to this budget-friendly meal.

It's a dinner the whole family will enjoy. My teens are addicted to this dish.

It takes less than 30 minutes to make.

The recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients.

Make this dish even more healthful with buckwheat soba or whole grain noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, and a side of vegetables.

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Five small white bowls containing sesame oil, maple syrup, chili oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Plus, one head garlic. Labeled on a white marble background.

Soy sauce or tamari
Rice vinegar
Sriracha
Sesame oil
Maple syrup
Chili garlic sauce
Garlic
Hot chili oil (optional)
Scallions
Noodles
Extra-firm or superfirm tofu is a healthy plant-based source of protein. It's made from soybeans which are naturally gluten-free and low in calories. Plus, it's a good source of iron and contains no cholesterol. It's also rich in heart-healthy isoflavones and good fats. In addition, it's very versatile and easy to cook with, readily taking on the flavor of sauces and marinades.

🍶 Substitutes

Noodles - Use rice noodles, buckwheat soba, udon, or noodles of choice. Most varieties of noodles will work in this recipe.

Soy sauce - Yse gluten-free tamari for gluten-free. Both sauces are similar in color and flavor, but tamari is less rich and usually lower in sodium.

📖 How to Make Crumbled Tofu

Step 1. Start by pressing one 14 to 16-ounce block of extra firm tofu for 15 minutes. I use the Tofuture tofu press and love it! It's easy to use and does a great job. Or use pre-pressed superfirm tofu to save time.

Green Tofuture press with a block of extra-firm tofu.

Step 2. Next, crumble the tofu into pieces resembling ground meat. Use a fork or your hands to break the tofu into crumbles.

Crumbled extra firm tofu. — Tofu crumbled into ground-meat-size pieces.

Step 3. Cook the noodles according to the packet directions. Most types of noodles will work in this recipe. Set aside.

Step 4. Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, maple syrup, and chili garlic sauce to make a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce.

Step 5. Heat the sesame oil in the same skillet and add the tofu crumbles. Sauté the crumbles until they are browned. Add soy sauce to the skillet and cook for another couple of minutes to flavor the tofu.

Crumbled tofu with sauce in a speckled grey skillet with a grey spatula.

Step 6. Move the crumbles to the side of the skillet and add a little more oil to the center. Cook the garlic and scallions for another minute until fragrant before adding the sauce. Mix to combine.

Step 7. Add the noodles and cook until warmed through. Add hot chili oil to taste.

Noodle bowl with soy-glazed tofu crumbles, saucy Lo Mein, and chopped scallions. — Saucy Lo Mein noodles with soy-glazed tofu crumbles, and chopped scallions.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Do you press the tofu before crumbling?

Press the block of tofu between paper towels or use a tofu press to release excess moisture before crumbling. This is super important to get the crispy texture we are looking for in the crumbles.

How do you make tofu crumbles?

Either use your hands to crumble the block into a bowl, or use a fork to mash up the tofu into crumbles. Don't press too hard or you'll end up with a paste. Spread these crumbles out onto a cutting board so that they are evenly spaced. Lightly dab them with a paper towel until they are mostly dry.