These tofu sausage crumbles are quick and easy to make in 1 pan with a block of tofu and some spices. Sprinkle them on pizza, or put them in lasagna, calzones, stromboli, or anywhere you would use sausage crumbles.

Tofu sausage cooking in a frying pan.

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Why make this recipe

This tofu sausage is great when you need a little vegan sausage to add flavor and protein to a meal, but you don’t want to buy an expensive package of meat-free sausage. Since many vegan sausages contain gluten, it’s also a great gluten-free alternative to seitan sausages.

Tofu sausage is easier to make than my gluten-free sausage links, and tofu is easier to find at everyday stores than TVP for my other version of vegan sausage crumbles.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • Tofu – firm or extra firm works best. You can also use high-protein tofu.
  • Bragg’s Liquid Aminos – or soy sauce. Be sure to use Bragg’s or Tamari if you want the sausage to be gluten-free. This is an essential flavor in the sausage and provides the saltiness needed to flavor the tofu. Use low-sodium soy sauce for lower-sodium sausage.
  • Oregano – for an Italian-style sausage flavor.
  • Fennel – for flavor. (I know that some people don’t like this flavor so feel free to omit it, however, it gives it an authentic Italian style flavor.)
  • Smoked Paprika – for a smokey flavor and to give your tofu sausage a reddish color.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – for a little spiciness. You can also use a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Cooking Oil – You can use olive oil, canola oil, or any neutral-flavored oil that you want. This allows the tofu to brown and get a little crispy without sticking to the pan. If you want to make this oil-free, you can omit it and use a non-stick frying pan.

Helpful tools

  • Tofu Press – to extract as much liquid as possible from the tofu – this will allow it to soak up more of the marinade and give it a better flavor. If you don’t have a tofu press, place the tofu between 2 cutting boards and place a heavy pan on top.
  • Frying Pan – for cooking the tofu sausage crumbles.

How to make sausage from tofu

Step 1 – Press your tofu for at least 10 minutes to get out as much liquid as possible.

Step 2 – To a large frying pan add, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and give it a stir.

Sausage seasonings in a frying pan before adding tofu.

Step 3 – Once the tofu has been pressed, crumble it into the marinade in the frying pan and stir well to coat the tofu in the seasoned liquid.

Tofu sausage frying in a pan and being stirred with a wooden spatula.

Step 4 – Turn on the heat to medium and saute the tofu sausage for about 10-12 minutes stirring frequently until it starts to brown and get slightly crispy.

Step 5 – Use the tofu sausage crumbles as you would sausage crumbles in any recipe like vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, pizza, stromboli, or pumpkin pasta.

Tofu sausage crumbles cooking in a pan.

Pro Tips

  • Stir the tofu frequently. Since it is broken up into such small pieces, it can burn easily.
  • You can prep the tofu sausage ahead of time and leave it soaking in the marinade in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.

How to store tofu sausage

Tofu sausage will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze leftover tofu sausage?

Yes, leftover tofu sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, however, the tofu will change its texture slightly after it has been frozen

Tofu sausage crumbled on top of vegan pizza.
Tofu sausage on a pizza with homemade vegan pizza cheese.
Vegan tofu sausage frying in a pan.
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5 from 5 rating

Tofu Sausage

Italian-style sausage crumbles made from tofu.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz) container extra firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos, or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Press your tofu for at least 10 minutes to get out as much liquid as possible.
  • To a large frying pan add 2 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon water,1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and give it a stir.
  • Once the tofu has been pressed, crumble it into the marinade in the frying pan and stir well to coat the tofu in the seasoned liquid.
  • Turn on the heat to medium and saute the tofu sausage for about 10-12 minutes stirring frequently until it starts to brown and get slightly crispy.
  • Use the tofu sausage crumbles as you would sausage crumbles in any recipe.

Notes

  • Stir the tofu frequently. Since it is broken up into such small pieces, it can burn easily.
  • You can prep the tofu sausage ahead of time and leave it soaking in the marinade in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.
Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 123kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 350mg, Potassium: 199mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 169IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 2mg
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