High-Protein Vegan Tofu Mince 🍃

This tofu mince is completely meat-free but incredibly flavorful, packed with protein, and perfect for topping rice, noodles, salads, wraps, and more. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Serves: 2–3

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Ingredients

Tofu

• 1 block (450 g) extra-firm tofu

• Approx. 1 tbsp oil to coat (or use avocado oil spray)

Sauce

• 2 tbsp light/regular soy sauce

• 3 tsp dark soy sauce (adds deeper color)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp minced garlic

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Method

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat to 180°C (fan-forced). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Tofu:
   Drain tofu thoroughly and pat dry. Using clean hands, crumble the tofu into small, mince-like pieces.

3. Coat and Bake:
   Spread tofu evenly on the tray. Drizzle or spray with oil and mix well.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway.
   Do not over-bake — it should be lightly golden, not crispy or hard.

4. Mix the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, five spice, water, and cornstarch until smooth.

5. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

6. Cook the Mince:
   Whisk the sauce again (cornstarch settles). Pour it into the pan.
   Add the baked tofu mince and cook on medium-high for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
   Add a splash of water if you prefer a looser, saucier consistency.

7. Serve:
   Spoon over warm rice, noodles, or veggies. Add greens, herbs, or chili oil if desired. Enjoy!

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Tips for Best Results

⭐ Extra-firm tofu works best.
It gives the best “mince” texture and won’t fall apart.

⭐ Pressing is optional but helpful.
If your tofu is very wet, press for 10 minutes for a firmer crumble.

⭐ Don’t over-bake the tofu.
Light golden = tender and juicy.
Dark golden = dry and too hard once combined with sauce.

⭐ Adjust flavor easily:

• Add chili flakes or chili crisp for heat

• Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang

• Add sesame oil for deeper aroma

⭐ Meal-prep friendly.
Keeps 4–5 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

⭐ Use it everywhere:
Rice bowls, fried rice, tacos, lettuce wraps, salad bowls, dumpling filling, noodles, stuffed peppers, soups, stir-fries.