Tofu Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Tofu Recipe)
One of the most beloved Indian Breakfast Recipes is Paneer Bhurji. It’s simple, delicious, quick to make, and offers a hearty, satisfying start to the day. For vegans, the perfect alternative is this Tofu Bhurji recipe shared in this post. It’s an Indian-style scrambled tofu dish that I often prepare for a quick brunch or as a side dish. Additionally, this recipe is gluten-free.
About Tofu Bhurji
The word ‘bhurji’ means ‘scrambled’ in English. Tofu Bhurji is a contemporary take on the traditional Indian dish known as Paneer Bhurji.
This North Indian recipe replaces paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with tofu, making it a healthier and vegan-friendly option. This version combines crumbled tofu with a medley of spices, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and flavorful.
It is an ideal option for anyone wanting to add more plant-based proteins to their diet without sacrificing flavor.
The ingredients for Tofu Bhurji are simple yet packed with flavor. Tofu is the star of the dish, providing a rich source of protein.
I have used regular tofu, but extra firm silken tofu also works well. The base of the dish consists of onions, tomatoes and green chilies, which are sautéed to form a flavorful masala.
Typical spices include cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder, complemented by fresh ginger for extra depth. Fresh coriander leaves are used for garnish, providing a burst of color and freshness.
Tofu Bhurji is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings a modern twist to a North Indian classic. The mix of crumbled tofu with these spices creates a versatile and satisfying meal.
Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, the dish is an excellent addition to any meal, whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a comforting dinner.
This vegan version not only caters to those with dietary restrictions but also introduces a tasty option to everyone’s culinary repertoire.
How Is It Made
In India, egg bhurji and paneer bhurji are two popular variations of bhurji. These dishes are commonly served in restaurants across the country and pair excellently with parathas, roti, Indian pav (dinner rolls), and even bread.
The vegan variant, that is Tofu Bhurji will surely impress you if you like tofu. As I have mentioned above, in this tofu bhurji recipe, the paneer is replaced with regular tofu, while the rest of the ingredients remain the same.
To make Tofu Bhurji, first onions, tomatoes are sautéed together with herbs and spices. To this flavorful onion and tomato base mix, scrambled tofu is added. Later seasoned with salt and garnished with fresh coriander leaves. The recipe gets done within 20 minutes.
For a variation, you can also add boiled green peas. The recipe is also good for people who have lactose intolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Tofu Bhurji can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes a delicious and healthy breakfast when paired with toast or stuffed into a whole wheat flatbread or roti wrap.
For a traditional serving, pair the bhurji with your preferred bread or dinner rolls (pav). You can also pair it with Indian breads like roti, paratha, or naan.
It also goes well as a side dish when paired with rice and a side curry or lentil gravy, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner. To create a balanced meal, serve the bhurji alongside a fresh salad.
Step by Step Photo Guide Above
Ingredients
- 200 to 250 grams tofu – regular or extra firm silken tofu
- ⅓ cup onion – finely chopped
- ¾ cup tomato – finely chopped
- 1 green chili – finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger – peeled & finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Garam Masala (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves – chopped (cilantro)
- salt as required
Instructions
- Scramble the tofu and set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or a sauté pan.
- First add the cumin and let them splutter.
- Now add the onions and sauté till they soften.
- Add the ginger and green chilies and fry for a few seconds.
- Next add the tomatoes and fry until the tomatoes become soft.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala and stir.
- Add the scrambled tofu and stir to combine.
- Saute for 3 to 4 minutes on low to medium-low heat. Season with salt.
- Lastly add coriander leaves and stir to mix.
- Serve Tofu Bhurji hot with some bread or roti or as a side dish with dal-rice or veg curry-rice combo.
Notes
- To make the bhurji spicy, add more green chillies or red chili powder.
- The recipe can be scaled to make for more servings.
- You can also add some more tomatoes.
- Ensure that the tofu is fresh and does not have a sour smell or looks slimy or is discolored.
- Opt to add a few pinches of black salt with regular salt to mimic the flavors of egg in this tofu bhurji recipe.
Nutrition
This Tofu Bhurji from the archives was first published on July 2013. It has been updated on June 2024.
Is it ok to add corn in this recipe?
Yes, you can add steamed, boiled, or even roasted corn to tofu bhurji. Corn adds a lovely sweetness and texture that pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish. Roasted corn, in particular, will bring a nice smoky touch.
Thanks for the recipe. I had been wanting to make this for sometime. Turned out great and a good alternate for eggs.
Agree and thanks for sharing this feedback and also for the rating on the recipe.
I was underwhelmed when I first made it – but I took it to lunch the next day and it was really good – the tofu had absorbed the flavours much better. Recommended for lunch dabba!
thanks sush for the feedback. happy cooking.
I knew that tofu bhurji would not be tasty as paneer bhurji. Please add some ghee or butter so that taste comes near to paneer. The off smell of tofu was difficult to rid off. Other wise a healthy alternative. Calorie / cholesterol restriction comes at a cost
the quality of tofu should be good for making any dish with it. if the tofu is good, then any dish made with it tastes good. telling this from my own cooking experience with tofu. unfortunately in most indian cities, we do not get good quality tofu. so the aroma and peculiar taste is felt. since this was a healthy dish, i have not used ghee or butter and left it at the discretion of the reader to do so.
I love your recipies. They are so simple to make and are so so yummy. My go to website for cooking delicious food.
Thanks Dhruv for your positive feedback.
The Tofu bhurji was great 🙂 could u share some other tofu recipes? Thanks
thanks ankita. i will try to add some more tofu recipes.
Just made it. My first time cooking with tofu. Added some extra chilli powder and coriander so it’s adjusted to my taste and it has turned out yummy. Thanks 🙂
thanks anisha for positive views 🙂 glad you liked the tofu bhurji recipe. you are welcome.
Great recipe. What’s the other gravy in the picture? Do you have a name or recipe for that? Thanks
thanks. the other gravy is palak curry with peanuts. i have no yet added this recipe on website.
Thanks a lot for such tasty and healthy veg recipes.My daughter loves eating tofu now:-)
pleased to know this swati 🙂 and you are welcome.
Thank you for providing a website with lots of yummy recipes for a transitioning vegetarian. I tried this for breakfast and almost ate the whole pan! Very tasty- especially the roasted cumin seeds. Great way to prepare tofu.
thanks amanda for the feedback. wish you all the best transition. its not difficult 🙂
Thank u so much i love this recepie. Wl try it today lets c
welcome saurabh
just to say thank you!
welcome claire
Healthy burji…great alternate to paneer
nicely done very healthy dish
thanks veena