Tofu Burji is a Protein-Rich Vegan Breakfast Ready in 20 Minutes
What is Tofu Burji? (Indian-Style Spicy Tofu Scramble)
Tofu Burji is a vegetarian version of the famous Indian breakfast food Egg Burji. Instead of scrambled eggs, crumbled tofu is used. Spices from India, like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, are mixed with tofu, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and green chilies in this protein-rich meal to make a spicy scramble.
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Why You'll Love This Tofu Bhurji
This Indian-style tofu scramble, tofu Burji, is full of protein and turns plain tofu into a colorful, fragrant breakfast in just 20 minutes. This vegan version of egg bhurji is based on the traditional dish and has all the original Indian flavors while being made from plants only.
What Makes This Recipe Special:
- A perfect blend of aromatic Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala infuses the tofu with deep, complex flavors
- High in protein with 22g per serving, making it an ideal breakfast to keep you energized
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for various dietary needs
- Meal-prep friendly and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- One-pan recipe that's beginner-friendly and requires minimal cleanup
This tofu bhurji goes well with warm roti, toast with butter, or fluffy naan. Whether you've cooked before or this is your first time trying Indian food, this recipe will give your regular tofu scramble a fun new twist while bringing the tastes of Indian street food into your home.
Perfect For:
- Busy families needing healthy options
- Quick weekday breakfasts
- Meal prep enthusiasts
- High-protein vegan meals
- Indian food lovers
Ingredients Overview
Made with kitchen staples and aromatic Indian spices, this protein-rich dish delivers bold flavors
- Tofu: The star ingredient, crumbled to resemble scrambled eggs, making this dish protein-rich and satisfying.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: Enhances the flavor with a hint of spice and earthiness.
- Onion, Tomato, and Green Chilies: These staples form the flavorful base of the dish, adding sweetness, tanginess, and heat.
- Spices: A classic Indian blend of turmeric, red chili powder, coriander, and cumin seeds infuses the bhurji with warmth and aroma.
- Coriander Leaves: Fresh garnish to add brightness and elevate the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You’ll need just a few basic tools to prepare Tofu Bhurji:
- Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and mixing the tofu with the spices.Instructions
- Mixing Bowl: To crumble and prepare the tofu.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
- Non-Stick Pan or Skillet: To sauté the ingredients and cook the bhurji evenly.
How to Make Tofu Bhurji
- Heat Oil and Saute Spices and onions.
- Stir in the ginger garlic paste
- Add Tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
- Add peppers and spices.
- Cook the Tofu
- Garnish and Serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tofu Bhurji
- Press your tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture – this creates the ideal crumbly texture and prevents sogginess
- Crumble tofu into irregular pieces rather than uniform cubes for an authentic burji texture
- Let onions turn golden brown before adding spices to develop a rich flavor base
- Bloom your spices in hot oil for 30 seconds to release their essential oils and maximize flavor
- Add tomatoes only after spices are well-toasted to prevent the masala from becoming too wet
- Keep heat on medium-high when cooking the tofu to achieve light browning and remove excess moisture
- Season gradually and taste as you cook – different tofu brands may need varying amounts of salt
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors
Recipe Variations
Each variation maintains the authentic Indian flavors while accommodating different dietary preferences and spice tolerances.
Basic Gluten-Free Version
The traditional tofu bhurji is naturally gluten-free.Ensure all your spices are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts.
Extra Spicy Version
Transform your tofu bhurji into a fiery delight by:
- Doubling the green chilies
- Adding an extra teaspoon of red chili powder
- Including 1-2 finely chopped serrano peppers
- Incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the regular spices
- Garnishing with fresh chopped green chilies
Low-Oil Version
Create a healthier version with these modifications:
- Use just 1 teaspoon of oil instead of tablespoons
- Dry sauté onions and spices in a non-stick pan
- Use water or vegetable broth to prevent sticking
- Steam the vegetables slightly before adding to reduce oil needs
Protein-Packed Version
- Add ½ cup of green peas for extra protein
- Include colorful bell peppers for additional nutrients
- Mix in some crumbled tempeh along with the tofu
Curry Style
Transform the dish into a saucy curry by adding vegetable broth and using tofu cubes instead of crumbling them. This variation works well with rice or quinoa.
Storage and Reheating
Storage Duration
Store leftover tofu bhurji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 day.
Best Storage Practices
- Allow the bhurji to cool completely before transferring to containers
- Use airtight containers to maintain freshness
- Keep separate from other foods to prevent moisture absorption
Reheating Methods
- Stovetop (Recommended)
- Heat in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent drying.
- Microwave Option (Easiest)
- Heat for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a small splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Important Notes
- The dish tastes best when consumed fresh on the same day
- If the bhurji becomes dry after storage, add a small amount of liquid while reheating
- Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the tofu. However, if you like the frozen tofu texture, this is a great meal to freeze ahead of time. You can freeze up to 4-5 months.
Nutrition
One serving of Tofu Bhurji, which is 0.5 tofu block, contains 286 calories with 22g of protein, 6g of fiber and 21g of carbs.
Serving Suggestions
Traditional Indian Pairings
Serve tofu bhurji hot with roti, paratha, or naan for an authentic Indian breakfast experience. It also pairs wonderfully with dal and rice for a complete meal.
Modern Breakfast Options
- Toasted sourdough topped with bhurji and sliced avocado
- As part of a vegan full English breakfast with vegan sausages, hashbrowns, and baked beans.
Sandwich and Wrap Ideas
Transform the bhurji into portable meals by:
- Using it as a filling for sandwiches
- Rolling it into paratha wraps
- Stuffing it into masala dosa
Accompaniments
Enhance your tofu bhurji with:
- Fresh chutneys or Indian pickles
- Sliced onions and lemon wedges
- Vegan mayo or chili oil for added richness
Light Meal Options
For a lighter serving, pair with:
- A fresh green salad
- Whole wheat toast
- Lettuce wraps
The versatility of tofu bhurji makes it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, adapting easily to various serving styles while maintaining its delicious Indian flavors.
FAQ
You can use any kind of tofu, but extra-firm works best. If you mix half of the extra-firm tofu with half of the Silken tofu, the texture is softer and creamier, more like traditional egg bhurji.
Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block between plates with a weight on top to drain the water or use a tofu press like this one.
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Yes, tofu bhurji is keto-friendly as tofu is a low-carb protein source. Just ensure you're using keto-friendly vegetables in your recipe.
Yes, you can customize with vegetables like peas, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers. The basic recipe is flexible and accommodates additional vegetables well.
Freezing is not recommended as it can significantly affect the texture of the tofu and make it watery when thawed. However, if you like the frozen tofu texture, this is a great meal to freeze ahead of time. You can freeze up to 4-5 months.
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Tofu Bhurji
Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu
- 1 cup peppers green, yellow or red
- 1 medium onions
- ½ tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¾ teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ cup tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu & vegetables by crumbling tofu, chopping onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
- Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a pan on medium heat. Add ½ teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped 1 medium onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the ¾ teaspoon ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the chopped ½ cup tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
- Add 1 cup peppers. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Mix well.
- Add the crumbled 1 block Tofu to the pan and mix thoroughly with the spice mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt to taste.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped 1 tablespoon coriander leavesleaves.
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