No matter how it comes together I always love a delicious Tofu Scramble, with some potatoes for breakfast. I trace my love of tofu scramble going back over 20 years, to Mothers Market, a local health food market formerly located on 17th Street in Costa Mesa, California.
The store eventually moved from its original location, after being purchased by Sprouts. I loved eating in this cafe, which was just around the corner from my house. I knew a few servers who worked there. I always felt at home eating in their little cafe, enjoying their vegetarian food.
I was a full fledged “vegetarian,” back then, but ate plenty of vegan items. I did not know there was a benefit to being “vegan,” and also did not realize how much animals were harmed by drinking milk, or eating cheese.
I was sort of back and forth from vegetarian and vegan food in those days. I did not even realize the difference, and had not woken up to the fact that milk cows have a hard life.
Mothers was my go to health food store, and restaurant. Mother’s was also the first place I ever tried tofu scramble. I had tofu before, but never fully understood how to cook this mysterious blob. I remember eating first trying raw, with vinegar on it. I was in my teens,trying to eat healthy, and it was also cheap, so I bought some. I had no idea how to cook it yet. I also had few resources on tofu then. Now we just google everything. Then, I needed actual cookbooks. I only knew it had protein in it, a neutral taste, and cost $1 at the store.
One day I mozied on into Mothers for breakfast. I started talking with one of the servers about how I was going to get regular scrambled eggs with cheese on top, as usual. They somehow talked me into trying the Tofu Scramble on this visit, which was promised to be really good. Did the fact my server was a vegan have anything to do with that?
Well, I was actually really good. It was not only better than expected, it was unlike anything I had tried before. I knew I was on to something. Tofu could be delicious. I would order the tofu scramble from this point forward. I like to have it with a side of steamed brown rice, and salsa, though potatoes were an option too.
After a certain point, I started to wonder how to make it. How had they created this, with the it’s yellow coloring, resembling eggs, with perfectly sauteed veggies, and bits of sea vegetables in it? It was beyond me, since at this point in my life, I was not much of a cook yet. Although I worked in restaurants, and had been around cooks my whole life, I was still more the type of foodie who ate the food, than made it.
I decided to make this tofu scramble, twenty almost years later, than when I had first gave it a try. I am now more well versed in cooking techniques than I was then. It actually came out great. It was flavorful, and very closely resembled the tofu scramble I remembered trying years ago.
Tofu closely resembles eggs. Adding sea veggies to it, seemed a bit foreign to me. In Japan, that is not the case, since everything has something from the sea in it. In Korea, and in China, there is tofu in so many dishes. I had so much to learn.
This combo, of tofu, with sea veggies, and fresh veggies, really worked.
I have been making my own tofu scramble for a long time now, ever since, I was inspired by a trip to Mothers Market.
Every time I make this, it takes me back in time.
Tofu Scramble
Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu drained/pressed
1/3 cup prepared hijiki
1/2 cup chopped veggies (kale, peppers, tomatoes, onion)
1 tbsp turmeric
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp old bay
1/2 tsp spike salt free seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp sriracha
1/4 tsp pepper
Dash of coconut aminos or tamari
Salt to taste (if needed)
1 tbsp coconut oil (omit, if water sauteing)
Instructions:
Put the coconut oil in a pan, and swirl around on medium heat. After the pan is hot, crumble the tofu into the pan frying on medium. Sprinkle on the seasonings, tossing to coat well. Cook the tofu on all sides covered, about 10 minutes. During the last 5 minutes add in the veggies, and stir. During the last minute, add the prepared hijiki, and stir. Serve alongside fried potatoes, toast or tortillas, or rice.
Tip: Don’t forget the salsa of your choice. I love all things salsa, from a milder pico de gallo, or to a roasted tomatillo hot sauce, laden with spicy habernos.
How to Prepare Hijiki:
Boil 1/3 cup water, 2 tbsp of mirin, a dash of salt, a dash of sugar, and hijiki a minute in a saucepan. Turn to low simmering for about 10 minutes. Take off of the heat, and let sit for another 10 minutes, before draining off the liquid. Sauté the hijiki in 1 tsp sesame oil. Now it is ready to serve. Alternate is to not sauté it, but just add it right into a dish.
Alternate Option: If you just want a more basic tofu scramble, simply use half the turmeric, omit all the extra veggies, and season it with salt/pepper.
The only thing sad about this tofu scramble story is that Mothers Market was sold, and many of the long term employees were let go. The store still stands at a new location on 19th Street in Costa Mesa. But the cafe no longer serves the same food as they used to. The menu changed completely. I will always miss that Mothers on 17th Street in Costa Mesa. It is now just a relic of the past, replaced by Surfside Sports.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
Follow my Journey…
Be sure to Like and Subscribe to My Youtube Channel where I post videos!
Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
Serafina Hikes 