Simple Tofu Burger Recipe

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

My family loves veggie burgers on the grill, so I made a savory, delicious tofu burger recipe they would love. Although I often grill tofu, my preferred cooking method, I've never made tofu burgers, so I challenged myself to a tofu burger challenge.

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

Tofu Burger Marinade

I used one of my favorite "burger" marinades from back in the day for this particular recipe. If I remember correctly, it is one of my dad's go-to marinades, where he soaked the meat when we were kids. So, obviously, I removed all the oil and 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 to Serve with Tofu Burgers

However, it's my job to pick the side dishes. Vegan potato salad or vegan macaroni salad is my favorite salads when grilling out. And I always love to grill fresh corn on the cob as well. Add some watermelon, and this BBQ is complete.

What are the Different Types of Tofu?

• First and foremost, the type of tofu you buy is essential. Soft tofu is used for dressings, dips, and sauces.
• On the other hand, extra-firm tofu is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled, or sautéed. Generally, I always buy the firmest tofu I can find. 
• Sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and it does not require pressing. This one is my favorite because I don't have to press it. Instead, I use a paper towel to dry it off, and it's ready.      
• 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 also works, but it must be pressed before marinating.

How to Press Tofu

For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I cooked tofu, I moved 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. This magic kitchen tool, however, is a game-changer, and now I'm a tofu lover. 

• First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the container.  
• Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally for about four turns. Finally, I usually put the tofu press in the sink on its side.
• Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally, until you have the result (the last picture).
• Most people stop here…NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can, almost to 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.
• Then, I used my burger press to form two identical tofu burger patties. If you don't have a burger press, cut tofu in circles with a cookie cutter or by hand.

Vegan Tofu Burger Recipe Marinade Ingredients

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.

• Soy Sauce: Choose regular or low sodium, whichever you prefer.
• Liquid Smoke: I like the hickory flavor, but the mesquite is tasty. Liquid smoke is a natural product that condenses the smoke from burning wood. It is used as a flavoring in place of real wood smoke.
• Garlic: I prefer fresh minced garlic instead of jarred garlic.
• Sriracha: I love Sriracha or anything hot. If you are sensitive to spice, add slowly and taste to adjust to your preference.
• Whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard is simply mustard that has been ground just enough to form a paste, but not so much that it entirely breaks down all the mustard seeds, creating a thick, coarse texture.

Tofu Burger Patties Marinade Substitutes

• There are many ways to substitute liquid smoke in recipes. Smoked paprika, a spice made by drying peppers over oak burning fires for several weeks, is a great alternative.
• Smoked tea can be used as a dry rub on meats or to flavor soups or stews needing a smoky kick.
• Chipotle powder is famous for its smoky flavor.
• Sweet chili sauce or ketchup is a sweeter way to replace Sriracha in a recipe. So if you don't like it hot, replace it with one of those choices.
• Stone ground mustard or Dijon mustard are suitable substitutes for whole grain mustard.

• For the best results, I suggest marinating tofu burger patties overnight for the best flavor.
• One of the biggest complaints vegans have is not being able to grill a vegan burger outside on the grill. Well, these tofu burgers grill like champions!

How to Grill 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 love the grill marks.
• Cook for 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes (4 times) 
• Remove from the grill and serve with your favorite toppings. 

• Once grilled, they are ready for a bun and your favorite combination of toppings. If you don't want a bun, consider using a collard green or a large Romaine lettuce leaf.

Suggested Vegan Tofu Burger Toppings

• BBQ Coleslaw Recipe
• Cashew Mayo
• Tomato
• Sliced Cucumbers
• Pickled Red Onions
• Blackberry Dijon Sauce
• Lettuce
• Raw Onions
• Pickles
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Coconut Bacon
• Secret Sauce
• Healthy BBQ Sauce

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Regardless of the marinade you use, the longer you marinate (recommended overnight), the more flavor the tofu absorbs.
• Choose an extra-firm, extra-extra form, or sprouted tofu for the best results.
• Change up the flavor of your tofu by using different tofu marinades. The possibilities are endless.
• To avoid bread, wrap your burger in a collard green or Romaine lettuce leaf.
• Try some steak fries in the air fryer as a side dish.
• Preheat the grill before adding the tofu burgers.
• Remember to flip every 5 minutes, 4 times for the best results.

Try a tasty tofu burger recipe for a change this summer. You will love the texture and flavor of these delicious vegan burgers on the grill.

More Great Summer BBQ Recipes

If you love our tofu burger recipe, give us a comment and a 5-star review below. We would love to hear from you!

📖 Recipe

Tofu Burger

Kathy Carmichael

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

4.80 from 25 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Entrees

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 153 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 14 ounces 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

 

• If using sprouted tofu, remove from the package and dry with a paper towel (pressing is not necessary)
• If using extra-firm tofu, press according to directions.
• Then, cut the tofu in half horizontally, creating two large equal pieces.
• Using a burger press or a cookie cutter, cut tofu into two identical circles, discarding any tofu scraps.
• Set aside while making the marinade.
• Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a refrigerator, a safe container.
• 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 Instructions

• 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 Love the grill marks.
• Cook for 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes (4 times) 
• Remove from the grill and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Marinate tofu as long as possible (preferred overnight) for the best flavor. 
• If you are looking for additional marinades, check out these different marinade options for tofu. 
• I suggest using a burger press to cut the burgers, but cookie-cutter works as well, or the mouth of a small round bowl. Try to find a similar size ad shape of the bun you plan to use for your burger. 
• Be creative with your toppings. I love vegan secret sauce, and grilled slices of pineapple and jalapenos. 
• Or saute some mushrooms and onions for a savory topping. 
• I make a lot of tofu burgers in advance marinate them and freeze them. Then, as they thaw, they absorb even more flavor from the marinade. 

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 19gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 504mgPotassium: 544mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 4mg

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/