Tofu Burgers Recipe

Tofu: A block of firm tofu is the base of these burgers, providing a protein-rich and versatile ingredient.

Breadcrumbs: These help bind the tofu mixture together and add a bit of texture to the patties.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the tofu mixture.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to the patties.

Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, using a non-stick frying pan can help prevent the patties from sticking and breaking apart.

• firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative for tofu in burgers.

• firm tofu - Substitute with chickpeas: Mashed chickpeas can provide a similar consistency and protein content, making them a good plant-based substitute.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Ground oatmeal can act as a binder and provide a similar texture to breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can add a crunchy texture and work well as a binder in place of breadcrumbs.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor to soy sauce.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, making them a good alternative to soy sauce.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic can provide a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder can offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor as an alternative to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Finely chopped fresh onion can provide a more intense flavor compared to onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with scallion powder: Scallion powder can offer a milder, slightly different flavor profile as an alternative to onion powder.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil in frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a slightly sweet flavor and works well for frying, making it a viable alternative to olive oil.

• Allow the tofu burgers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the patties soggy.
• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each patty with a piece of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
• Frozen tofu burgers can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the patties in a frying pan over medium heat with a little olive oil, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• For a quick meal, you can also reheat directly from frozen. Simply increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated all the way through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover tofu burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the burgers with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. For an extra crispy exterior, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Place the tofu burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the tofu burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
  4. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the tofu burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and warmed through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Arrange the tofu burgers in the steamer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the crumbled tofu, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Frying pan: This is where you'll cook the patties until they are golden brown.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the frying pan.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Measuring cup: Use this to measure out the breadcrumbs.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the tofu block into smaller pieces before crumbling.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tofu.

• Paper towels: Helpful for draining the tofu to remove excess moisture.

• Plate: Use this to place the cooked patties before serving.

• Tongs: Can be used to handle the patties while cooking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Drain and crumble the tofu ahead of time, and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the tofu mixture by pulsing it in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.

Preheat the pan: Heat the olive oil in the pan while forming the patties to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Use non-stick cookware: Prevent sticking and reduce cleanup time by using a non-stick frying pan.