Vegetarian burgers are destined for so much more than black beans or mystery mush or highly-priced meat alternatives. And I mean, we’ve done a lot of vegetarian burgers around here – like portobello burgers and seitan burgers and even halloumi burgers. But I wanted to make a classic vegan burger. And what’s more classically vegan than tofu?
These tofu burgers are next-level
They’re study because we’re using super firm tofu and not blending/reshaping it into burgers. Just cut into circles and grill! They look and taste like a burger. I went deep on the sensory science with this one to make sure everything about this recipe tricks your brain into thinking it’s a burger. You’ll have leftover marinade, which you can use to make even more burgers later or marinate other vegan proteins (marinated tempeh anyone?)
The ingredients are simple
The ingredients for these tofu burgers are simple, but you may need to hunt for some in your grocery store. If you have issues finding anything, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you with tips on where to find it or substitutions (I check comments daily!)
Super Firm Tofu: Maintains its shape and texture during grilling, resulting in grillable burger patties. This tofu variety is vacuum packed in the refrigerator aisle (unlike firm and extra firm tofu, which are packed in water). Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is used to infuse the tofu with a savory and umami-rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the burgers. Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the marinade soak into the tofu, contributing to the texture and taste of the tofu patties. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient introduces depth and a subtle tangy note to the marinade, enhancing the complexity of flavors. Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika bring a punch of flavor. Feel free to add more or different seasonings you may have on hand! Beefless Broth Base: Brands like Orrington Farms or Better Than Bouillon vegan broth base bring a savory and umami-rich quality to the marinade, intensifying the overall taste. Browning Sauce: The browning sauce enhances the appearance of the tofu, giving it a rich, browned color and contributing an extra layer of flavor. I love this stuff for mock meats! Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke imparts a delightful smoky essence to the tofu, replicating the charred flavor associated with traditional grilled burgers.
How to make Tofu Burgers
The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the tofu to marinate!
Make It Ahead
This recipe is PERFECT for making in advance. Just place the marinating tofu in a sealed container or jar in the fridge until ready to cook (it can sit in the marinade for up to 2 days). I love bringing the jar of burgers in their marinade the the BBQ so I can throw them on the grill (especially if there aren’t other vegetarian options)! For another fun take on veggie burgers, try my Rutabaga Burgers (a.k.a. rutaburgers)!
