Crumbled tofu, a splash of liquid smoke, and a mix of savoury spices make this simple Quick Tofu Pepperoni Crumble. The texture and taste of this tofu crumble make it perfect for topping pizza, giving that classic taste to your pizza pie.
Why Use Tofu for Your Pepperoni Crumble
Make a super quick and surprisingly convincing ‘pepperoni’ with tofu and homeade flavouring! Tofu is ideal for soaking up flavours. It’s incredibly versatile for making vegan meats, cheeses and sauces. Simply add a mix of savoury spices to tofu to get a quick pepperoni crumble with meaty flavour infused into every bite. Just mix up your flavouring, crumble your tofu and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes! Your Quick Tofu Pepperoni Crumble will have a scrumptious chewy texture resembling crumbled pepperoni.
Pressing & Mixing Your Crumbled Tofu
Not all tofu preparations call for pressing. Usually if you are sautéing or frying tofu and want an extra crispy texture, then pressing is the best way to get it. Pressing your tofu removes the excess moisture, and gets that firmer tofu feel. This can help it hold its shape during cooking. Plus, riding it of extra water also ensures your seasonings won’t be diluted.
In this recipe pressing is suggested, but optional. It won’t make a huge difference in the end result. If you choose to press, you can use an actual tofu press, or just lightly press it with your hands before crumbling it. Get in there with your hands to crumble it, rather than cutting it into small pieces. Crumbling gives it that sausage-like texture. It also lets the flavour to be soaked in more when you mixing it with your spice mixture.
Baking Your Tofu
If you’re using your Vegan Tofu Pepperoni Crumble on pizza, you might be temped to skip the baking stage for this recipe. Don’t! Baking these little guys on their own before adding as a pizza topping is essential! It will get you the right crispy texture. Prepare and bake your crumbles ahead of time if you want the, ready for your pizza party.
To bake, spread your seasoned tofu crumble onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Spread the mixture out into a single layer so it darkens evenly as it bakes.
Once your crumble is out of the oven it’s ready to throw on your pizza! Try it on top of salad, on toast with sliced tomato and olive oil, or anywhere your heart desires!
Vegan Pepperoni Tofu Crumble
Equipment
- tofu press optional
Ingredients
Tofu
- 10 oz firm tofu, pressed (or extra firm)
Vegan Pepperoni Mixture
- 1 tsp salt
- dash pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried fennel
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp coconut sugar (or sugar of choice)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
Tofu
- Drain and press tofu. (You can use a tofu press or simple press with your hands to remove excess liquid).
- Crumble your tofu by hand into a bowl.
Vegan Pepperoni Mixture
- Add all spices into a bowl.
- Add your liquid smoke to the bowl and mix to combine with spices.
- Transfer your crumbled tofu to your mixture and mix it by hand or with a spoon until all your tofu is covered with the flavouring.
- Spread your tofu crumble out in one layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake your crumbled tofu at 350 for 20 minutes.
This recipe is SO yummy! I’ve already made it twice in a few weeks. I used for taco filling as well and worked great!
Thanks for such a great creation:)
Love that you used it for tacos, and so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you Jeannie.