Sloppy Tofu
Savor a plant-based twist on a comfort food classic with this irresistible Sloppy Tofu recipe! Featuring crumbled, golden-browned extra firm tofu simmered in a tangy, smoky sauce made with ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, and a blend of bold spices like smoked paprika and chili powder, this vegan sloppy joe alternative is packed with flavor and hearty texture. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve the saucy tofu mixture on toasted hamburger buns and customize with your favorite toppings like coleslaw or pickles for a deliciously messy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply tofu-curious, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup water
- 4 pieces hamburger buns, toasted
Instructions
Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy pan or weight on top. Let it press for 15 minutes.
After pressing, crumble the tofu into small pieces using your hands or a fork until it resembles ground meat.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
Return the cooked tofu to the skillet and stir to combine it with the sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch more salt, sugar, or vinegar to balance the flavors to your preference.
Spoon the sloppy tofu mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm. Optionally, add toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or sliced avocado for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.4 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 898 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.2 g | ||
| Protein | 20.6 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 424 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 378 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
