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KIMCHI TOFU SCRAMBLE

Kimchi Tofu Scramble features chunks of tender tofu scrambled with kimchi, kale and green onions for a tangy flavor filled, healthy vegan breakfast, lunch or dinner! It’s quick, easy and ready in 15 minutes!

side angle view of bowl with serving of kimchi tofu scramble with fork.

Now that kimchi has been added to the recipe collection, it’s time to experiment with this spicy, tangy mixture.

And what better way to use it than to make a kimchi tofu scramble. Tofu at times can use a little help, and kimchi is a perfect addition to whip your tofu into shape!

This is my vegan version of a recipe I saw for a kimchi scramble using eggs. This tofu interpretation came out amazing and if you’re a kimchi lover and tofu appreciator, then I think you’ll agree!

I first made this kimchi tofu scramble with spinach (which tasted great, of course!) but ultimately decided to use kale here as we try to use the most nutrient dense foods whenever we can. I loved the kale, it cooks down beautifully adding a nice pop of green.

The seasoning is super simple, letting the kimchi shine through. Use your most fermented batch of kimchi, the ripened flavors will work best when cooking with kimchi.

Looking for more great tofu scramble recipes? Be sure to check out this Southwest Tofu Scramble, Veggie Tofu Scramble, or Tofu Scramble Stuffed Poblanos for a nice change!

top down view of ingredients used to make the best kimchi tofu scramble.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this easy recipe, crumbled tofu is cooked with kale, tamari and garlic powder, then kimchi is added at the end and gently cooked until warmed through for tangy, spicy and absolutely delicious tofu scramble.

Here is everything you will need:

  • Sesame oil – or your favorite oil.
  • Organic tofu – use regular firm or extra-firm.
  • Kale – use full-grown or baby kale. I used pre-cut for ease. Sub with spinach or chard.
  • Green onion
  • Tamari – or soy sauce, coconut aminos or nama shoyu.
  • Garlic powder
  • Nutritional yeast – optional, but adds a savory, umami, cheesy flavor.
  • Vegan kimchi  – make homemade Vegan Kimchi or use your favorite store bought.
  • Cilantro – for a fresh herby finish.
  • Sesame seeds – toasted, black or white.

side by side photos showing the process of making tofu scramble with kale.

How To Make Kimchi Tofu Scramble

  • In a large wok or skillet, heat oil on medium-high, add tofu, crumbling it between your fingers, and cook for about 2 -3 minutes (above left).
  • Next, turn heat to medium, add tamari and garlic powder, give a good stir. Add kale and most of the scallions, cook, stirring occasionally until kale becomes soft and wilts, about 5 – 7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to use your fingers to crumble the tofu, you can always use the back of a fork or break it up with your cooking utensil. Feel free to break the tofu down to your desired texture, chunky or smaller bits. I usually break it up on the chunky side, and after stirring and mixing, it tends to break down on its own just right.

side by side photos showing the process of making kimchi tofu scramble.

  • Lastly, add the kimchi with juices, mix and cook just until kimchi has warmed through, about 1 minute. We don’t want to overcook the kimchi or it will destroy some of the health benefits of the probiotics.

Once it’s all cooked and ready to go, you are ready to serve it however you like!

up close, side angle view of kimchi tofu scramble.

Serving Suggestions

This tasty kimchi tofu scramble is great alone, but can also be served in a variety of ways! Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Tacos: Make kimchi tofu scramble tacos using corn or flour tortillas (this is tops!).
  • Hot sauce: Add a little sriracha, sambel olek or garlic paste for extra heat.
  • Cream: Try adding a drizzle of this Garlic Miso Cashew Sauce, or for extra heat try this Dynamite Sauce or Sriracha Cashew Cream. You can control the heat when adding the spice to each of these condiments.
  • Grain: Serve with white rice, brown rice or black rice.
  • Soup: Serve with a bowl of this Garlic Miso Soup or Simple Miso Noodle Soup.
  • Wash it down: For breakfast serve with green tea or lemon water. If you’re a beer drinker, when making for brunch, lunch or dinner an Asian or Mexican beer would be great (Kirin Ichiban, Sapporo, Corona and Dos Esquis are all vegan friendly).

top down view of a small white plate with kimchi tofu scramble tacos.

More Easy Breakfast Recipe

If you try this kimchi tofu scramble recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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KIMCHI TOFU SCRAMBLE

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5 from 1 review

Kimchi tofu scramble is another way to enjoy your kimchi for breakfast, lunch or dinner. So easy and delicious!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Vegansita
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3
  • Category: Breakfast, Entree
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, optional
  • 1 block (14 – 16 oz) organic tofu, firm or extra-firm
  • 12 tablespoons tamari
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 45 large leaves of kale, center stem removed and julienned
  • 3 scallions, sliced (divided)
  • 12 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional
  • 1 cup kimchi

To Serve, optional

  • cilantro sprigs
  • sesame seeds (toasted, black or white)
  • lime wedges
  • 6 corn or flour tortillas

Instructions

Open and drain tofu. No need to press the tofu.

In a large wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu, crumbling between your fingers, cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes.

Turn heat to medium, carefully add tamari and garlic powder, give a good stir. Add kale and 2/3 – 3/4 of the scallions, cook, stirring occasionally until kale becomes soft and wilts, cover partially to help with the process, about 5 – 7 minutes.

Lastly, add the nutritional yeast and kimchi, mix and cook just until kimchi has warmed through, about 1 minute or so. We don’t want to overcook the kimchi or it will destroy some of the health benefits of the probiotics.

If making optional tacos, heat the tortillas. I like to heat mine carefully over a gas burner until lightly charred in spots. Use your preferred method. Layer tortillas with the scramble mixture, add a few sprigs of cilantro, some of the reserved scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime.

Serves 3

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, in a covered container.

Notes

Use spinach in place of kale.

Use ripened kimchi, the flavors will be more pronounced. You may prefer fresher kimchi, in which case use your favorite.You may like to chop your kimchi a bit before adding it to the tofu. I kept it as it was but it’s an option.

Try adding a drizzle of this Garlic Miso Cashew Sauce, or for extra heat try the Dynamite Sauce or Sriracha Cashew Cream. You can control the heat when adding the spice to each of these condiments.

Updated: Kimchi Tofu Scramble was originally published in October 2014. It has been updated with new photos and helpful tips in January 2020.

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14 Comments

  1. I need ALL your recipes in a cookbook!!!!!

  2. How much volume of spinach would you use to substitute?

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Just use a few handfuls of spinach, fresh or frozen, thawed, about 3 – 5 ounces. Fresh will wilt down quite a bit. Adjust as needed from there. Hope that helps. Enjoy!

  3. I never could’ve imagined these flavors together, but OMG, it is wonderful.






  4. Um this isn’t vegan though is it? I mean unless you make the Kimchi yourself and omit the pickled shrimp or squid and fish sauce. Also without that the Kimchi doesn’t taste the same.

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Surprise, it is vegan! I have made my own kimchi to use that is plant based and delicious. Give it a try some time! The link is in the recipe. Cheers :)

  5. I made this for dinner and lunch today so I could share with a kimchi lover (he approved). Super easy to make (I already had a batch of kimchi) I will be making this over and over again! Thanks for sharing! :)

    1. julie@thesimpleveganista says:

      Yay!! So glad these have a seal of approval! So easy and flavorful they are. Thank you for your comment. :)

  6. kristie {birch and wild} says:

    Yes to all of this-I love the idea of kimchi for breakfast!

  7. Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says:

    I love kimchi, I love tacos, I love breakfast… would never have thought to merge the three, but I'm very happy that YOU did. YUM!

  8. These sound INCREDIBLY amazing. I love tofu scramble, I ADORE kimchi, and I'm obsessed with tacos. It's like the perfect meal!

    1. julie@thesimpleveganista says:

      Thank you! I agree, all three great foods rolled into one! Delicious ♥

  9. This looks delicious. It kind of reminds me of the offerings an at an amazing taco truck in NYC called Domo Taco. Kimchi for the win!

    1. julie@thesimpleveganista says:

      Thank you!

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