A versatile and savory vegan alternative to ground beef, this crumbled tofu recipe is packed with umami flavors and is easy to whip up. Perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or any dish that calls for a hearty plant-based protein.
Prepare Tofu: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the tofu into the pan and allow it to crisp up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the crumbled tofu. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until tofu becomes even crispier.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Add Wet Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium. Add the ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and miso paste (if using). Mix well, ensuring the tofu is thoroughly coated. Add a splash of water if the mixture appears too dry. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. Adjust the saltiness with soy sauce, sweetness with extra ketchup, or tanginess with more vinegar.
Serve: Serve warm. This vegan ground beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or as a filling for sandwiches.