Ever crave a quick, satisfying meatless meal but find plant-based mince a bit… meh? Well, I’ve got the perfect recipe! This vegan mince is so simple, surprisingly delicious, and has an awesome chewy texture. You won’t believe it’s not meat!
Why I love this recipe!
Because it’s so quick and simple, and it’s full of flavour! If I’m being brutally honest, it’s basically a perfect recipe! If you want a quick and easy vegan mince that has a satisfying chew and doesn’t fall apart when cooked, then this is the one for you!
Ingredient notes
Extra Firm Tofu: The foundation of this recipe! Extra firm tofu holds its shape well and mimics the texture of ground meat once we’ve fried it and infused it with flavour.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty richness. Tamari is a good gluten-free substitute.
MSG (optional): A naturally occurring flavour enhancer that boosts the savoury flavour of the dish. While perfectly safe [1] , feel free to omit it if you prefer.
Oil: I use sunflower oil, as it’s a good neutral oil and ideal for browning the tofu at a high temperature. Feel free to use whichever one you prefer.
How to make my vegan mince
- Mash the tofu up with a fork as small as you can get it.
- Fry the tofu, on a high heat until you think you’ve almost gone too far. It should be quite crispy, and browned on all sides.
- Turn the heat off and sprinkle the MSG over the tofu.
- Now pour the soy sauce over and mix immediately.
Tips for getting it right!
Using a cast iron or carbon steel pan? Make sure you turn the heat off before adding soy sauce. These pans get super hot, and you don’t want a steamy surprise setting off your smoke alarm! I’ve done it a few times…
Potential variations
Sometimes when I’m making chilli I will use this as part of the meat and then I will use lentils as the other part just to create some textural variety.
How to use vegan mince
This is something that can be used in all sorts of things from pastas and chilies to tacos, wraps or stuffed peppers. Anyway you’d normally use any sort of ground meat or mince you can use this instead.
Can I use a different type of tofu for this recipe?
While extra firm tofu is ideal for its texture, you could experiment with firm tofu. Just press it very well to remove excess moisture before frying for the best results.
I don’t have MSG. Can I still make this vegan mince taste delicious?
Absolutely! The tofu, soy sauce, and crispy texture deliver loads of flavour. Feel free to add a pinch of your favourite spices (like garlic powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika) for extra depth.
How can I store this vegan mince?
This mince is perfect for meal prep! Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for later. It cooks easily from frozen – just give it a little extra time!
Vegan Mince
Equipment
Instructions
- Thoroughly mash the tofu with a fork, aiming for a fine, crumbly texture.
- Fry the tofu over medium-high heat until very crispy on all sides.
- Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the MSG over the tofu.
- Immediately add the soy sauce and stir to coat evenly.