What breakfast foods do vegans eat?

Vegans typically eat breakfast foods that are plant-based, such as oatmeal, tofu scrambles, vegan pancakes or waffles, smoothies, and fruit bowls. They often use alternatives to dairy and eggs, like plant-based milks, vegan yogurt, and egg substitutes. Vegan breakfasts can also include whole grain breads, avocado toast, and a variety of nuts, seeds, and legumes for protein.

What's the difference between a vegan breakfast and a plant-based breakfast?

The main difference between a vegan and a plant-based breakfast lies in their focus and scope. A vegan breakfast strictly avoids all animal products and byproducts, emphasizing ethical and environmental concerns. On the other hand, a plant-based breakfast prioritizes foods primarily derived from plants, but it's more focused on health and nutrition, and might occasionally include small amounts of animal products. The term "plant-based" is often used more flexibly, whereas "vegan" is strict about excluding animal-derived ingredients.

What are plant-based breakfast foods?

Plant-based breakfast foods include a variety of options like oatmeal, smoothie bowls, tofu scramble, vegan pancakes or waffles, and avocado toast. These foods are made from plants and do not contain animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and plant-based milks and yogurts are also commonly featured in plant-based breakfasts.

Best Vegan Breakfasts (24 Ideas!) + Plant-Based Brands

Description

This recipe is a great option for vegan breakfast ideas, combining crispy cauliflower ‘chick’n’ with savory waffles. It’s a creative and flavorful meal, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning meal!

Ingredients

for the waffles

1 cup all-purpose flour
3 TB Ener-G
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup plant-based milk
2 TB cornstarch
1 TB canola oil
2 tsp coconut or apple cider vinegar
4 scallions, chopped
1 tsp ginger, grated on a microplane grater

for the vegan chick’n

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup panko crumbs
2 TB Ener-G
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion granules
1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)
1 1/4 cup sparkling water
2, 1 1/2-inch thick cauliflower steaks, cut into 2 pieces for 4 small steaks
canola oil, for frying

for the sriracha-maple syrup

1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1–3 TB sriracha (to taste)

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Instructions

Prepare Waffle Batter: In one bowl, mix all-purpose flour, vegan egg replacer, and baking powder. In another bowl, combine nut milk, cornstarch, canola oil, and coconut vinegar. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in grated ginger and chopped scallions.
Make Vegan Chick’n Batter: Mix all-purpose flour, panko crumbs, vegan egg replacer, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, onion granules, and white pepper. Add fizzy water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Create Sriracha-Maple Syrup: Mix maple syrup and sriracha. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Fry Cauliflower: Heat oil in a pot. Dip cauliflower steaks in the chick’n batter and fry until golden brown.
Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter according to your iron’s instructions.
Assemble and Serve: Coat the fried cauliflower in the sriracha-maple syrup and serve with the waffles. Add vegan butter and desired garnishes.

Notes

Batter Consistency: For the best texture, ensure the batter for both waffles and chick’n is not overmixed. A few lumps are okay.
Frying Cauliflower: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying to get a crispy texture. Test with a small amount of batter or use a wooden spoon to check for bubbles.
Serving Suggestion: Customize the sriracha-maple syrup to your taste preferences, adjusting the level of spiciness as desired.
Waffle Iron Tips: Each waffle iron is different, so adjust the cooking time as needed based on your appliance.
Leftovers: Both the waffles and vegan chick’n can be refrigerated and reheated, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American