As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We all love a good classic tofu scramble recipe but this one has an amazing special ingredient which makes this scramble one of a kind. If youโve never tried nopales before then this might be the best recipe to introduce them into your life. Itโs super tasty and full of protein and fiber, which means this nopalitos tofu scramble might just be the best plant-based savory breakfast recipe ever!
What Are Nopales o Nopalitos?
Nopales are basically the pads of a plant known as Opuntia Cacti (or in English, prickly pears). These oval-shaped green pads are widely used in Mexican cuisine, in dishes such as salads, stews, soups (even marmalades!). You can find them at the store in a jar or a can but, sometimes fresh. In this recipe, we used the jarred ones.
What do Nopalitos Taste Like?
Ok, when you think of a cactus you donโt necessarily think of a yummy dish but we can vouch for how delicious these nopales are. They have a slightly tart flavor and a crisp but texture, a bit like the taste of green beans. They can be a bit slimy if they arenโt cooked, so make sure that you fry them up good. The most common way of cooking them is with eggs, thatโs why adding them to this tofu scramble is such a great idea. We encourage you to go ahead and give them a try!
From Scramble to Wrap
This easy-to-prepare dish can be easily turned into a lunch wrap or in a more indulgent breakfast (or brunch!) by using it as tortilla filling and by adding some sliced avocado. Needless to say, you can add any veggies you have on hand (especially those youโve been thinking about throwing away).
So, are you motivated to try this amazing nopalitos tofu scramble? Let us know how you like it!
Recommended equipment:
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Nopalitos Tofu Scramble
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil (or ยผ cup of water/broth)
- 1/2 of a large yellow or red onion, diced
- 4-5 button or white or shitake mushrooms, sliced optional
- 1/2 cup of sliced nopalitos- aka cactus, jarred (or use fresh napoles - check FAQs)
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
- 14 ounces of extra firm tofu , drained and pressed
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- First, if you havenโt already, press the tofu for 30 minutes. Then, dice the onion, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic.
- Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the prepared ingredients and nopalitos (cactus), and sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika and sautรฉ for 30 seconds.
- Then, use your fingers to crumble the pressed tofu into the pan and sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes or until itโs golden.
- Try the scrambled tofu and season it with salt to taste. Optionally add some lime juice, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain and rinse the napoles: This helps reduce sliminess and remove the brine.
- For a โsofter/wetterโ consistency: Add a splash of dairy-free milk/cream to the tofu breakfast scramble to your desired consistency.
- For the eggiest flavor: Add a tiny pinch of kala namak.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
I’ve had a jar of nopalitos in my pantry for a bit. This is perfect!
Perfect! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
A new way of cooking tofu and I can’t wait to make this at home.
Let us know how you like it! It’s a yummy tofu recipe!