Lillian Cumic on HNN’s SUNRISE Jan 21, 2026
I had the pleasure of appearing on Hawaii News Now’s SUNRISE on January 21 at 7:40 am in a segment with Grace Lee. During the segment, I shared one of my favorite plant-based transformations—turning tofu into eggs—and showed viewers how simple, nourishing ingredients can be reimagined in creative and delicious ways. Watch the replay here.
I explained how tofu is a high-protein, cholesterol-free ingredient that can be used to create a variety of egg-style dishes with the help of kala namak, also known as black salt, which gives tofu its signature egg-like flavor. I presented four finished dishes: scrambled tofu eggs, a plant-based egg sandwich, a Japanese-inspired tamagomaki egg roll with nori, and egg sushi topped with vegan caviar. Each dish highlighted how one humble ingredient can become many possibilities when approached with curiosity and intention.
Thank you for watching the segment and for your continuing support. For more plant-based inspiration, recipes, and upcoming events, be sure to subscribe, explore the site and follow along on Instagram @lilliancumic.
Here are the recipes from the segment so you can try them at home and turn your world into a Nourishing Paradise, one plate at a time.
TOFU SCRAMBLE recipe from Hawai’i A Vegan Paradise.
EGG SALAD SANDWICH
Add vegan mayonnaise and chopped pickles to one batch of Tofu Scramble (recipe above). Chill for 30 minutes and use in sandwiches, wraps, or serve as a dip for raw veggies.
PLANTED TAMAGO NIGIRI recipe from Hawai’i Washoku.
Tofu tamago nigiri is a plant-based take on the classic Japanese egg sushi, reimagined with seasoned tofu instead of eggs. The tofu is blended and flavored, then baked in the oven to create a soft, slightly sweet, egg-like texture, then sliced and placed over sushi rice for a familiar yet surprising bite. Finished with nori or a delicate garnish such as vegan caviar, it’s an elegant example of how traditional dishes can be transformed into nourishing, egg-free alternatives without losing their essence.
JAPANESE TAMAGO-YAKI EGG ROLL
Using the same tofu tamago recipe, you can create a completely different sushi dish by rolling it with nori to make an elegant pupu or side dish. Enjoy on its own or serve with shoyu and wasabi.
From the Japanese cookbook Hawai’i Washoku
Order a signed copy of Hawai’i Washoku.
COMING UP
Hope you can join me for this in-person event! More details here.
Check out my January 21 column in the Star-Advertiser’s CRAVE section featuring Graze Elevated, a unique catering business with a plant-based twist.
Chef Lillian Cumic
FOLLOW LILLIAN:
Instagram: @lilliancumic
Facebook: @Chef Lillian Cumic
TikTok: @lilliancumic
LinkedIn: @Lillian Cumic
