Yes, you read that right. Vegan Fried Egg. No, Sam has not turned into a mad scientist this week, but she has turned into a craving stomper.
When I posted my recipe for Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce (which is basically a vegan egg yolk), 2 things happened.
- I got flooded with messages from people raving about how dippy eggs were the only thing they missed since going vegan and now I have fulfilled their cravings. (Woot!)
- I got flooded with messages from people raving about the vegan egg sauce but also asking if I could make a fried egg version.
Craving stomper Sam, here to the rescue!
For my vegan friends who crave a fried egg, for anyone who wants to try an easy, fun, and playful recipe, or for a great April fool's day breakfast, I bring you my vegan fried egg.
And guess what, it's actually pretty darn eggy tasting!
To make a Vegan Fried Egg: Turn the block of tofu on its side and cut into 4 thin slices. Use the tip of your knife to cut off the corners of the tofu making it a rough circle. You could alternatively use a round cookie cutter, or just leave it as a rectangle.
Melt the vegan butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu slices in a single layer (you may have to work in batches). Fry the tofu a couple of minutes per side until lightly browned around the edges, flip and repeat on the other side.
Once the tofu slices are cooked, remove from pan and place directly onto plates or serving dishes. Use a small round cookie cutter, a shot glass, or the tip of your knife to cut a small circle in the middle of the fried tofu slices. Serve the slices on a plate and fill the holes with the Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce. Garnish with salt and pepper as desired. You can serve any leftover dipping sauce in a small dish on the side.
Vegan Fried Egg!?
Ingredients
- 1 block (about 445g) medium-firm or firm tofu, drained
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 recipe Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn the block of tofu on its side and cut into 4 - 6 thin slices. Use the tip of your knife to cut off the corners of the tofu making it a rough circle. You could alternatively use a round cookie cutter, or just leave it as a rectangle.
- Melt the vegan butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add in the tofu slices in a single layer (you may have to work in batches). Fry the tofu a couple of minutes per side until lightly browned around the edges, flip and repeat on the other side.
- Once the tofu slices are cooked, remove from pan and place directly onto plates or serving dishes. Use a small round cookie cutter, a shot glass, or the tip of your knife to cut a small circle in the middle of the fried tofu slices. Serve the slices on a plate and fill the holes with the Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce. Garnish with salt and pepper as desired. You can serve any leftover dipping sauce in a small dish on the side.
Nutrition
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Patti says
How have I not known about this for twelve years? So glad I found this recipe. I've missed fried eggs and this is the perfect replacement. Since Ive known about it, I've had fried eggs almost every morning for the last two weeks. I make up the yolk recipe and refrigerate it. Each morning I thinly slice the tofu, not even bothering to make it round, fry it in earth balance with salt, pepper and a little bit of black salt. After I flip it, I spoon the yolk on to heat up and enjoy a fried egg breakfast or sandwich! Yeah!
Emily says
I'm really excited to try this recipe! My bf is not vegan, still holding out for eggs every so often, but I hate having eggs in the house. The other ways I've seen of replicating yolks with squash and whatnot seems very time intensive and thus is not an easy 1 to 1 replacement for a fried egg. But making a batch of the eggy sauce ahead and keeping in the fridge will help with this!
I might try with frying a softer tofu, too. Thanks!
Lizzie says
I made this recipe using regular salt (I didn’t have black salt) and it was still so delicious! Thank you for sharing!!
sally says
I have ordered pink black salt. So glad to find your recipe for something that apparantly tastes eggish. I have experimented with various ways of making veggie scrambled egg -all ok, but this salt will likely improve it.
Thanks
Sam Turnbull says
Make sure the salt is also called kala namak. Enjoy!
Subru says
I am an indian, and I used to hate black salt! After turning vegan, it’s become a life saver
lesley says
This was really good. I added a pinch of black salt to each side of the tofu slices as I was frying them. I couldn't believe how much it tastes like an egg. The day I made the dipping sauce or "egg yolk," it didn't taste as eggy on it's own, but it paired with the tofu perfectly and definitely tasted like egg together with the tofu. The next day, the sauce tasted just as good on it's own. I recommend this recipe, and I'll make it again.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you loved it, Lesley!! 🙂
Olivia B. says
I developed an egg allergy 8 years ago, and then coincidentally went vegan about a year ago. While I love tofu scrambles, I've really missed the yolky goodness of fried eggs. Made this recipe this morning and I am blown away by how eerily similar the yolk tastes... same consistency, same flavor, everything! It almost scared me a little. The tofu, which I fried with a little salt and pepper, also really replicates egg whites. Who knew this was possible! So easy, so good, and would be BOMB in a breakfast sammy! Thank you for this recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome, Olivia!! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much 🙂
Monica says
Hi Sam,
The recipe looks great And I’m definitely going to try it. Just as a suggestion, try not to call foods or ingredients from other cultures “weird”. I grew up putting Kala Namak on a lot of things and being Indian, it’s not “weird” to me. Hearing you talk about international food that way reminds me of kids in my middle school always calling my home cooked food “weird” and I would just think that someone doing this in a public food forum would know better.
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Monica, I meant that the fact kala namak smells and tastes like eggs is weird to me. Not that the ingredient is weird, it's a staple in my kitchen! I also think it's weird that jackfruit can look and taste like meat! 🙂
Laura says
My whole family loves a fried egg over rice with siracha for breakfast. I subbed the veg. oil with toasted sesame oil. It gave it a rich velvety texture. My children loved the egg sauce better than the real thing. You are so creative in the kitchen. We love all of your recipes! Thank you for helping me win back veganism in our household!
Sam Turnbull says
Aww I love that!! You're most welcome, Laura! So happy you and a your family love it so much 🙂
Laura says
Okay...I'll admit I was a bit skeptical, but this was amazing! I'm a real texture person, and this hit it out of the ballpark. The "egg white" was amazingly like the real thing, not to mention the yummy "egg yolk!" I used the excess as dipping sauce for my toast. WOW! I'm trying to figure out how to use the "yolk" mixture in something else. I'm thinking an egg drop soup would be delish. Maybe you have other suggestions that I haven't come across???
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! SO happy you loved it so much, Laura! I've used the egg yolk sauce in my bibimbap and my breakfast sandwich, and I've heard others have stirred it into their tofu scrambles. Hope that helps inspire you! 🙂
Kissy says
If you could turn the tofu into a “bowl” and make soft boiled eggs!
Sam Turnbull says
That would be fun 🙂
Parie says
My kids and I LOVED this! It is so good and to me, tastes like the real thing (though it has been awhile since I had the real thing). My kids don't know what eggs taste like, but they loved this. We had a lot of fun making & eating it. Thanks for the great idea!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha that's awesome, Parie! So happy you loved it 🙂
Nikita says
Thank you, thank you, Thank you ... if there has been one thing I've missed since becoming vegan, its been eggs. Took me a bit of time to find the correct black salt in South Africa, but so glad I kept trying. So easy to make and tastes amazing!!!!
Sam Turnbull says
That's so wonderful, Nikita!!! So happy you found the salt and enjoy the vegan eggs so much 🙂
L.J. says
I seasoned slices of tofu with the egg spice mix you made for tofu scramble and then drizzled them with the yolky dipping sauce. An amazing alternative to fried eggs.
Sam Turnbull says
Great idea!!
Kate says
I've been making this recipe every weekend for the past 4 weeks! I have had it on avocado toast, in a "bacon, egg and cheese" and with "bacon" and pancakes. I absolutely LOVE it. I like to additionally, on top of making the toast sauce eggy with black salt, rub a thin and gentle layer of the salt onto the tofu before frying it up. 🙂 Ugghhhh getting hungry thinking about this! Is it breakfast time?
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! Amazing!! So thrilled you are enjoying the recipe in so many ways, Kate 🙂
Courtney says
This “yoke” sauce is AMAZING!! Only wish I bought extra firm tofu to stay together better.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed, Courtney!
Debbie says
The only thing I miss since going vegan several years ago is fried eggs, but not anymore! These are even more delicious than real eggs, but without all the health damaging ingredients of chicken eggs. I will be making this recipe every day for many years to come. Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Aww that's so amazing! Thrilled you love them so much, Debbie. I'm so happy I was able to help you find a great alternative for something you missed 🙂
Miesha says
This was absolutely DELICIOUS!! I’m newly vegan and I love eggs all time of the day. This really satisfied my craving. I was literally contemplating going back but your website has awakened my vegan taste buds. Fruits, veggies, smoothies, and oats were all I was really aware of and I was starting to get a little worried! You have helped sooooo incredibly much! I can have “eggs” and grits now lol!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh wow!!! Melt my heart. I am so flattered that my site was able to help you stay vegan, Miesha. I'm a strong believer than ANYTHING can be made vegan and taste just as good, if not better than the original. Be sure to check out my recipe index and cookbook for endless options 🙂
stefanie says
Whaaaat! Ok... that looks crazy awesome and crazy delicious! I think it's on my New Year's Brunch menu. So excited!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Awesome! I hope you love it, stefanie 🙂
Laura says
I tried this recipe today and it was awesome; flavor, consistency, and texture were just lovely. Also found what was missing from my own made up tofu scramble recipe: black salt and nutritional yeast. Thank you!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! SO happy you enjoyed it, Laura 🙂
Vanessa says
Made your Pulled Jackfruit last night...loved it!!!
Question about using tofu in your scramble and vegan fried egg, do you press your tofu first?
Thanks for your time
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Vanessa, thrilled you are enjoying my recipes so much. I always include all instructions in my recipes, so if it doesn't say to press the tofu, than there is no need 🙂 EnjoY!
Vanessa says
Thanks Sam!
Vanessa says
Just ordered your cookbook!!! Can’t wait for it to arrive!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! I hope you love it. Thanks for your support, Vanessa 🙂
Beryl says
This is amazing! Much better than I thought!! Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! You're welcome, Beryl 🙂
Tica says
made this with a firm silken tofu, HIGHLY RECCOMEND!! the tofu gets crispy on the edges, and comes out almost exactly the consistency of egg whites!
i really wasnt ready for this to be so perfect. that yolk sauce is amazing!!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Awesome! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Tica 🙂
lillian says
I've been dying to make this, and finally had the chance today. It's absolutely fantastic! From the tofu slices that were reminiscent of the fried white part of the egg to the yummy runny yolk, it made for a fabulous breakfast for dinner. The only problem with my yolk was that it came out a bit too green in color. Was it the turmeric perhaps?
Sam Turnbull says
That's awesome! So happy you enjoyed it, Lillian! I've heard some people say their yolk has come out a bit green because their black salt is actually quite black. So that could be the problem perhaps?
Monique says
This has seriously changed my life!! I made the dipping sauce a couple weeks ago and finally got around to making the fried egg today. Delicious doesn't even begin to cover it!! I have yet to make a dish of yours I didn't love! You are a genius!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh goodness, so much flattery! Thank you so much, Monique 😀
Hannah says
There's that crazy prepared vegan fried egg going around on the internet lately, but you can't really get your hands on unless you have access to an Asian wholesale food importer... And to be frank, this looks way better! Looks like it might be prime fodder for a vegan April fool's prank, too. 😉
Sam Turnbull says
Oh really? I haven't see the other one. So thrilled you found my easy version. I hope you love it 🙂
Jen says
Super yum! This looks amazing!! If you're looking for ideas, and we are still on the topic of eggs, I really miss quiche. I used to make a quiche for myself every so often, and eat the whole thing... over a couple of days.
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks, Jen, I love ideas! I actually have a quiche/frittata recipe in my cookbook already 🙂
Kathy says
Pure genius!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much, Kathy! 🙂
Karen Guy says
I am trying to embrace a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle (I know that vegetarians and vegans are different but it's a start).
I have always wondered why vegans/vegetarians preach against eating animals/animal by-products but try to simulate the very thing they are against.
It seems very counterproductive and confusing. Please enlighten me, thanks.
Ana says
Although food that attempts to emulate animal products is not really my thing either, I will try to enlighten you as to why some people turn to these, if I may. Most people go vegan because a) they don't want to cause suffering to animals or b) they believe it is healthier for them. They needn't necessarily dislike animal foods. They realise that they are morally wrong and/or bad for them, and they are perfectly willing to give them up for moral or health causes (mind over matter kind of thing), but they might miss the taste, the look of them etc. Food is a complex thing, it's not always just about nourishment but has a social and emotional component too. You might remember the fried eggs that your granny used to fix you for breakfast when you were a kid and feel sad that you can never have them again, like you are losing a connection with her, for example, It's important to remember that people who are trying to transition to veganism are doing their best and deserve support and kindness. What they don't deserve is to be called out for their food choices.
Karen Guy says
I appreciate the reply to my question, thank you.
I wasn't calling anyone out on thier food choices, mearly trying to make sense of a few things.
I love animals and could never kill one myself but I guess that I would put myself in the lacto ovo
vegetarian category because I am finding it very hard to give up eggs and dairy.
To me, I find that trophy hunting, hunting for Chinese medicine and animals killed for vanity (fur, leather,etc) as the most cruel over animals raised for meat on farms because the whole animal is not being used and vanity doesn't feed people.
I would prefer to know that an animal raised for meat had a long and healthy life and was treated humanely in the end.
This is why I am trying to embrace a different eating lifestyle because I cannot guarantee that that animal went in the most humane way possible.
Ana says
I understand you. I was a lacto-ovo for many years before I learned about the attrocities of the dairy and egg industry by accident. You know how it is, clicking one on link leads you to another and you can't stop reading in spite of how horrified you are. The truth is, dairy and egg industry is every bit as cruel and inhumane as the meat industry, probably worse. I don't want to point you to any websites, you can do your own research if you like (Sam has some amazing resources linked here), but I must warn you, once you know these things, you can never unknow them, and the way you see yourself, the world and the human race irrevocably changes. It no longer becomes a matter of giving up eggs and dairy, but waking up every morning knowing what a cruel, cruel world we live in, and there is so preciously little you can do to change it. I don't know if it is true, but there's a legend that claims Joaquin Phoenix, narrator of Earthlings, when he was asked what he missed the most being vegan, said: "My faith in humanity"
Karen Guy says
Yes I have seen very horrible websites that show how cruelly we treat animals.
I am still having a hard time letting go of the eggs and dairy and I am open to alternatives.
I originally cut out meat because I ha IBS and nutcracker esophagus which greatly limits my diet. I cannot eat beans and lentils, hot peppers and acidic fruits and vegetables, it causes great discomfort and causes me to vomit if I do ingest them. That is why I like dairy it is mild, low acid and creamy. Do you have any suggestions or recipes that mimic dairy products or recipes that are low in acidity? I would greatly appreciate it.Thank you.
Janine says
Amazing explanation. I had the same question and you answered it perfectly. Thank you .
Sam Turnbull says
That's right, Ana explained it very well. The thing is I don't know a single person who went vegan because they hated the taste of animal products. Since posting this recipe, (and other similar recipes), I have received a ton of emails and comments from fans who said the only thing they missed since going vegan was eggs, and now they can finally enjoy that treat again. And even better I have even received a few emails from people who were vegetarian, such as yourself, who now finally feel like they can give up eggs and dairy and make the switch to full vegan. Recipes like this allow people to still enjoy some of their favourite foods while no animals are harmed. It's really win-win. And if it's not your thing, you certainly don't have to make it, but if it helps people be happy vegans, I'm all for it.
Lisa says
I AM one of those people that misses eggs! And I agree, people who go vegan typically enjoyed the taste of the animal products they are giving up. So having recipes for substitutes to our favorite foods is sooooo awesome. I used to LOVE dippy eggs on Sunday mornings for breakfast. I literally just finished my last bite of this recipe and OMG! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! So delicious! I think I am going to keep a batch of the dipping sauce in my fridge for a quick breakfast In The morning. All I need now is a sub for bacon that I like.... thank you again! Keep it up Sam 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing!! So happy you like it so much 🙂 If you have my cookbook Fuss-Free Vegan, you have to try the rice paper bacon, it is everything!!
Ana says
Reply to Karen Guy, March 6, 2018 at 4:58 pm, for some reason there is no reply button under her post:
That's awful and I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I'm not a medical professional and you must do your own research and consult medical professionals as you see fit, but I firmly believe, and have seen many evidence to support this belief, that dairy is a contributing factor or even the underlying cause of many chronic illnesses. I have met many people in real life and online who have been able to cure chronic conditions like Parkinson's, diabetes and Crohn's (which is similar to IBS) by transitioning to a vegan or raw vegan diet. There's something called the Medical Medium Protocol that is very restrictive in terms of foods that are allowed and I'm sure it would be very difficult to follow, but I know several people with Crohn's who swear it helped them when nothing else could, and I would personally definitely give it a try if I suffered from such a condition. As for typical vegan foods that you might try, there are a number of dairy free yogurts, milks cheeses and so on out there (almond, coconut etc based, if you can't handle soy), but those are essentially processed foods and I would recommend sticking to plant based whole foods instead. That would mean not looking for things to mimic dairy, but replacing it with plant based whole foods that will fill you and not give you stomach trouble. My number one suggestion would be cream soups (cauliflower, zucchini, any kind of squash, carrot, sweet potato, and any other vegetables you normally eat, or any mix of the above, just cooked in water with a bit of salt and olive oil and pureed with an immersion blender). Of course, you may add any spices that you know are ok for you. Such soups are highly nutritious and can be prepared in larger amounts and just pulled out of the fridge/freezer when you're hungry. You can throw in oat-flakes, rice etc for creamier texture and more calories. Or it doesn't have to be a cream soup, you can make a regular soup with chunks of veggies like kale, potato, carrot, onion... I would also suggest rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and any other grain you know you can handle in a stir fry with veggies that are acceptable to you (mushrooms, leek, sweet peppers, eggplant), maybe with an addition of tofu. I'm not sure if you can have that, since its made of a legume, but it's not a legume per se, but if you can, tofu is a great protein source and I think it is very mild and should not give you stomach trouble. It can be prepared in a number of ways (fried, baked in oven) and it makes a great meal in my opinion with a salad or some veggies on the side. You could make smoothies out of non acidic fruits you know don't bother you, avocados, bananas, mangoes, melon come to mind, but of course you know best which fruits do not upset your digestion. Now this might not seem like much of a variety but I can tell you that 95% my diet for the past 2 years has consisted of the things I listed above and I have never been healthier or felt better. And I never felt like I was missing out on anything. The decision is ultimately yours and I wish you all the best no matter what you decide. And another important thing: with a little bit of googling you can find amazing online communities to get recipes, support and anything else you might need from!
Laura says
How about using a donut cutter, it is it too narrow of a ring, with too big center hole?
Sam Turnbull says
The donut cutter I have is very small so it would have wasted a lot of tofu, but if you have a nice large sized one, go for it! Enjoy! 🙂
Gabriela Nickerson says
My husband and I have been Vegan for about 1 month now. I know he will be happy about this.
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! I hope you both love it 🙂
Eden G. says
This sounds so yummy! I bet it would taste even more eggy if you used black salt!
Eden G. says
Scratch my comment, I just noticed that your French toast dipping sauce contains black salt! Perfect!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha yep! Enjoy 🙂
Margaret J says
I was thinking the same thing!
Beatriz Triverio Cardoso says
Amazing!! You are so creative!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!❤
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome 🙂
Mari says
Genius, genius, genius. I wish I had thought of that but I was entirely too busy stuffing my face with the dipping sauce, because of course I was. I may or may not have been making it every day. (I totally was.) What a great idea this was, and it is soooo good. Maybe now my husband will stop asking me why there is so much tofu in the refrigerator, and just eat the eggs!
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! You're too cute, Mari! Thrilled you love it 🙂