Perfectly seasoned, easy to make, simple, and delicious — these vegan sausage crumbles are set to become your staple for adding a burst of flavor to nearly any dish.
My obsession with Italian cuisine runs deep — it’s a love affair with flavors, textures, and the sheer joy of eating. Whether it’s pizza, lasagna, or ziti, I’ve always been drawn to the warmth of Italian dishes. But when I started going down the health and wellness path, I knew that meant reimagining some of these dishes.
The challenge? To recreate the same joy without feeling deprived. The secret lies in a holistic approach to cooking — about understanding the balance of flavor and creating depth with a blend of just the right seasonings, textures, and richness.
Recreating vegan or plant-based dishes isn’t just about substituting ingredients; it’s about redefining what comfort food can be. It’s about creating foods that are as nourishing to the body as they are to the soul.
Sunday dinners at our house are often some type of Italian-inspired dish. It’s a win-win really. There’s delicious food, and we’re getting lots of nutrients. And in the way great food somehow seems to spark laughter and conversations, it’s a great way to strengthen connections.
Can a Sunday afternoon get any better than that?
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Make your plant-based dishes stand out
These Vegan Sausage Crumbles take the place of Italian-style sausage while keeping it plant-based. You can decide how sweet or spicy you prefer. Learning how to make vegan sausage crumbles is a great trick to have up your sleeve—it’s perfect for meal prep and as a delicious addition to your weekly meal plan.
Though these crumbles aren’t just limited to Italian-style food, it’s one of my favorite ways to use them.
Who knew tofu could taste so good?
Dinner possibilities
These crumbles are not just a substitute but a standout addition. The versatility and flavor they bring are simply delicious. Here are a few ideas:
- Lasagna
- Marinara sauce
- Ziti
- Pasta bake
- Pizza
- Vegan pizza burgers
- Mac and cheese
- Stuffed bell peppers
The ingredients
- Extra firm tofu: The foundation of our crumbles, tofu brings texture along with plant-based protein.
- Soy sauce/tamari: Adds depth with its umami richness; soy sauce is also a source of antioxidants, while tamari offers a gluten-free alternative.
- Tahini: This sesame seed paste binds the ingredients and infuses the crumbles with healthy fats, for brain health and nutrient absorption.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances flavors and offers minerals like manganese and zinc for immune support.
- Fennel Seeds: Slightly crushed, they mimic the classic sausage flavor and aid in digestion.
- Spices: A blend that recreates the classic flavors of Italian sausage, each spice adds its unique health benefits — from antioxidants to metabolism-boosting properties.
- Turmeric: A touch of this spice offers anti-inflammatory benefits and a subtle color, thanks to curcumin.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy umami flavor and is a great source of B vitamins, particularly B12, crucial for energy and brain function.
- Finely chopped walnuts: Introduces a slight crunch and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health.
Tofu Prep: selecting and pressing
Choosing the right tofu: Choose extra-firm tofu for its texture and low moisture, perfect for recipes like Vegan Sausage Crumbles. Non-GMO or organic options are recommended for the best quality.
Pressing for flavor and texture: Properly pressing tofu makes a difference. Wrap the block in a clean towel or paper towels, place a heavy object on top.
Consider a tofu press: A tofu press saves time and ensures even water removal.
In the kitchen tips
- Crumble the tofu evenly after pressing. This ensures consistent seasoning and even cooking.
- Combine spices thoroughly before adding to tofu for a uniform flavor.
- Allow the seasoned tofu to rest briefly before cooking to deepen the flavors.
- Cook the crumbles until golden brown for the best texture and flavor, similar to traditional sausage.
- Keep any leftover crumbles in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat in a pan for a quick, crispy addition.
Crushing fennel seeds
Why crush them?
- Releases aromatic oils for more flavor.
- Enhances texture, even distribution of taste, and avoiding whole seeds in bites.
How to crush partially:
- Mortar and pestle: Ideal for controlled, gentle crushing.
- Flat side of a knife: Press on seeds on a cutting board.
- Rolling pin: Gently roll over seeds inside a plastic bag.
FAQ
Stored in an airtight container, these crumbles can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove for best results.
Absolutely. The red pepper flakes provide the heat, so adjust the amount according to your taste preferences for a milder or spicier version.
Definitely! The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the spices. Feel free to reduce the amount for less sweetness or add a bit more if you prefer a sweeter profile.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Sausage Crumbles
Ingredients
- (1) 16-ounce block extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, slightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
- 20 turns black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top to press it. Or use a tofu press. Allow it to sit for 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture (do this ahead of time).
- While the tofu is pressing, prepare your seasoning blend. In a large bowl, mix all dry and liquid ingredients except nutritional yeast and walnuts.
- After pressing, crumble the tofu into the bowl with your seasoning blend. Aim for uneven, bite-sized pieces to mimic the texture of sausage crumbles.
- Stir until every piece is evenly coated.
- Stir in nutritional yeast and walnuts.
- Transfer the tofu mixture to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Halfway through, stir so it browns evenly and has a crispy exterior. If you’d like extra crunch, place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the crumbles from the oven.
Notes
- For a fresh, colorful finish, top with fresh diced parsley if desired (once finished cooking).
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