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How to Make Tofu Burgers (With Special Spicy Marinade For Patties!)

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Tofu burger

My family loves burgers on the grill, so I decided to attempt a tofu burger recipe they would love. Although I often grill tofu, which is my preferred cooking method, I've never made a tofu burger before. Since I mastered Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, Air-frying, or Cooking in a Skillet, I challenged myself to a tofu burger challenge.

Summertime is my favorite time of year for barbequing and entertaining. Luckily, our kids come over often to chill and grill.

For this particular recipe, I used one of my favorite “burger” marinades, from back in the day. If I remember correctly, it is one of my dad’s go-to marinades he soaked the meat in when we were kids. Obviously, I removed all the oil, as well as other non-vegan ingredients. 

Because I’m the one in charge of food prep and recipe execution, my husband is the grill master. Even though I enjoy grilling, I hand the grill tools to Paul, because he is, after all, the best person for the job. 

WHAT TYPE OF TOFU SHOULD I USE FOR TOFU BURGERS?

First, and foremost, the type of tofu you buy is extremely important. For instance, soft tofu is used for dressing, dips, and sauces.

Extra-firm tofu, on the other hand, is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled, or sauteed. As a general rule, I always buy the firmest tofu I can find. 

Additionally, sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and it does not require pressing. To be honest, this one is my favorite, simply because I don’t have to press it. I just use a paper towel to dry it off, and it’s ready to go.      

So, I chose sprouted tofu I bought it at Trader Joe's for my tofu burger recipe, because I didn't want to press it. But, extra-firm tofu works as well, but it must be pressed before marinating.

HOW TO PRESS TOFU FOR TOFU BURGER RECIPE

For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I cooked tofu, I ended up moving it to the side of the plate, because it was either fried or mushy. Most restaurants fry tofu, which doesn’t interest me, and those who bake and grill it seemed to have the same issues I did; soft tasteless tofu.

Then, I figured it out with the help of my EZ Tofu Press. I bought it on Amazon, and in the beginning, I made the same mistakes. I didn’t follow the directions ( a problem I have haha); I was in a hurry as I usually am, and I got the same results….tasteless tofu I didn’t like. This magic kitchen tool, however, is a game-changer, and now I'm a tofu lover. 

E-Z Tofu Press

First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.  

Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally about four turns. I usually place the tofu press in the sink on its side.

  • Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally until you have the end result (the last picture).
  • Most people stop here…NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can to almost touch the end. Be patient; it's all about going slow and being patient. 
  • Now, remove the tofu from the press.

Once pressed, I cut the tofu in half horizontally, producing two large pieces of tofu. Then, I used my burger press to form two identical tofu burgers. If you don't have a burger press, simply cut tofu in circles with a cookie cutter or by hand.

cut tofu burgers

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MARINADE FOR MY EPIC TOFU BURGER RECIPE

tofu burger marinade

I'm a saucy girl, so I love marinates and sauces. As I stated previously, I chose a burger marinade my family made when I was a kid minus the oil of course.

  • Soy sauce or tamari 
  • Liquid smoke (I used hickory flavor)
  • Garlic
  • Sriracha 
  • Whole grain mustard

marinated tofu burger

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOFU BURGERS

Grilling tofu burgers

  • Preheat the grill to medium-low(400 degrees)
  • Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill). I cook directly on the grill because I Iove the grill marks.
  • Cook for 20 minutes flipping every 5 minutes (4 times) 
  • Remove from the grill and serve with your favorite toppings. 

Cooked Tofu burgers

SUGGESTED TOFU BURGER TOPPINGS

BBQ coleslaw on a tofu burger

(TOFU BURGER WITH BBQ COLESLAW RECIPE)

Tofu burger secret sauce

(TOFU BURGER WITH CUCUMBERS, TOMATOES & SECRET SAUCE WITH MEXICAN CORN SALAD)

FAQs

What does a tofu burger taste like?
 
A tofu burger made from wheat gluten or soy has a taste similar to beef hamburgers. They taste sweet, smokey, and savory. 
 
Are tofu burgers healthy?
 
Yes. Tofu burgers are made with soybeans that contain essential amino acids. They are considered ideal replacements for beef burgers. 
 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAMILY'S FAVORITE BURGERS & SANDWICHES

Tofu burger
Yield: 2 servings

Tofu Burger

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Tofu burgers are so easy to make and simply fabulous. Marinated in my favorite burger marinade, tofu burgers are so tasty, they may just be your favorite veggie burger. Top with my secret sauce or BBQ coleslaw, or top with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 14-16 ounce package of sprouted or extra-firm tofu (extra-firm tofu must be pressed), cut in half horizontally

Marinade

  • 4 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari 
  • 1 Tablespoon stone-ground mustard
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (1 Used hickory flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using sprouted tofu, remove from the package and dry with a paper towel (pressing is not necessary)
  2. If using extra-firm tofu, press according to directions.
  3. Then, cut the tofu in half horizontally, creating two large equal pieces.
  4. Using a burger press or using a cookie cutter, cut tofu into two identical circles, discarding any tofu scraps.
  5. Set aside while making the marinade.
  6. Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a refrigerator a safe container.
  7. Place the two tofu burgers in the marinade and refrigerate overnight. When possible, move the container gently, so the tofu absorbs all the marinade.

GRILLING THE BURGERS

    1. Preheat the grill to medium-low(400 degrees)
    2. Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill). I cook directly on the grill because I Iove the grill marks.
    3. Cook for 20 minutes flipping every 5 minutes (4 times) 
    4. Remove from the grill and top with your favorite toppings.

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Nutrition Information

Yield

2 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 394Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 0mgSodium 227mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 33gSugar 15gProtein 21g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

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© Kathy Carmichael
Cuisine: American / Category: Entrees

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