Egg-Free Huevos Rancheros: 5 Tasty Twists on a Mexican Classic

If there’s one breakfast food Americans can’t seem to get enough of, it’s eggs. In 2022, one survey suggested that more than 40 percent of people in the US regularly choose to start their day with a plate of eggs. For some, that means enjoying a simple combination of eggs and toast, for others, it’s an omelet or French toast. But for many, it’s hard to beat huevos rancheros. 

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According to YouGov, huevos rancheros are the ninth most popular Mexican dish in the US, loved by more than half of the population. It’s hardly surprising: the simple dish of fried eggs with corn tortillas and tomato salsa is hearty and packed with flavor.

But if you’re not into the idea of eating eggs for ethical or health reasons (or maybe rising prices are putting you off the common breakfast food), there are many ways to achieve all the same delicious taste and texture using plant-based ingredients. Find out more below about how to create the tastiest version of huevos rancheros ever—all without eggs.

What is in huevos rancheros?

As mentioned above, huevos rancheros are a popular breakfast dish consisting of fried eggs served with corn tortillas, which are usually lightly fried, tomato salsa, and sometimes extras like refried beans and avocado. It’s a favorite in many Tex-Mex restaurants (where it’s sometimes served with cheddar cheese or sour cream), but the dish is not American, it’s traditionally Mexican.

In fact, per Amigo Foods, the dish can be traced all the way back to the 16th century, when it was enjoyed by farmers and people in rural communities. This explains the name—“huevos rancheros” literally translates to “ranch-style eggs.”

The Plant Collective

RELATED: 35 Tofu Recipes: From Sushi to Caprese to Meaty Vegan Chicken

Huevos rancheros can be made with poached, scrambled, or fried eggs or even no eggs at all. Tofu, for example, does a great job of providing that egg-like texture and taste, especially when it’s combined with ingredients like kala namak, a type of sulfurous Himalayan salt, and nutritional yeast. Other vegan egg options include Just Egg, mung beans, and chickpeas.

How to make huevos rancheros with plants: 5 vegan recipes

Is your stomach rumbling? Find some of our favorite ways to make egg-free huevos rancheros below.

Crissie Mergogey

1 Vegan Tofu Huevos Rancheros With Seasoned Potatoes

This recipe combines scrambled tofu with seasoned potatoes, black beans, and avocado for a hearty breakfast that’s loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s nutritious, savory, and easy to whip up quickly. Don’t forget to load it up with plenty of salsa for serving.
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Connoisseurus Veg

2 Vegan Huevos Rancheros With Refried Beans

This version of huevos rancheros from Connoisseurus Veg brings together scrambled tofu with “zesty” refried beans for another nourishing breakfast recipe that you’re guaranteed to want to make on repeat. Don’t fancy eating a big meal first thing in the morning? Bookmark it for a late afternoon brunch. It would also make a tasty dinner option, too.
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Thee Burger Dude

3 Vegan Huevos Rancheros With Fried Egg

If you thought it was beyond the realms of possibility to make a vegan fried egg, Thee Burger Dude is here to prove that it can be done. In this recipe for huevos rancheros, founder Brian Watson pairs his own vegan fried egg recipe (which features a runny yolk made with ingredients like nutritional yeast, mustard, and MSG) with refried beans, corn tortillas, and his own homemade roma tomato-based salsa. It’s well worth the time and effort.
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Eat Figs Not Pigs

4 Vegan Huevos Rancheros With Jackfruit

This version of huevos rancheros from Eat Figs Not Pigs takes the traditional concept but gives it a unique twist with ingredients like seasoned tender jackfruit and dried New Mexico chilies. “I re-hydrated New Mexico chilies for the base of the sauce, then added some extra herbs and seasonings for a smokey and genuine take on red sauce,” writes recipe creator Ashley Hankins. “I must say so myself, it was pretty damn delicious.”
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The Plant Collective

5 Vegan Huevos Rancheros With Just Egg

Arguably one of the easiest and quickest ways to whip up an authentic-tasting huevos rancheros is with a bottle of Just Egg. The mung bean-based product goes perfectly with warmed tortillas and refried beans, alongside extras like pico de gallo and avocado. “Any egg alternative or even a tofu scramble will work, but if you’re looking for an authentic ‘egg’ flavor opt for JUST Egg,” recommends Annie Kimmelman of The Plant Collective.
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