Tofu Burger Patties
Tofu burger patties are a fantastic addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. These meatless patties are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, flavored with an array of spices.
Tofu, or bean curd, has been a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries, but it has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its nutritional benefits. It is high in protein, low in saturated fat and contains zero cholesterol. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy balanced diet.
The key to getting a perfect patty that won’t fall apart is draining the tofu well. You can either squeeze it between your palms or place something heavy on it. I like to place the tofu on a cooling rack with a container underneath it to catch the liquid, and then place a can on top. Leave it for 20-30 minutes while you get the vegetables prepped.
Then crumble the tofu with your fingers and add your favorite veggies, just avoid those veggies which release water such as zucchinis. Add spices and again feel free to add your favorite spices. You can also add an egg (cooked or uncooked) or cooked meat to boost the protein. It is important to mix everything well at this stage before adding the breadcrumbs and cornstarch (allows proper distribution of spices). Finally add the egg, breadcrumbs and cornstarch. The breadcrumbs will dry any remaining moisture, the cornstarch will give a crispy texture to the patties and the egg holds everything together.
Then form patties of your desired size. You do not need too much oil to fry them. One tip to prevent them from breaking is to leave them undisturbed for a minute before flipping. This creates a crust and you will notice that the patties ‘leave’ the frying pan. These patties cook quickly; 5-6 minutes per side.
Serve them with your favorite sauce or dip. Whenever i make them, I serve them with my Cilantro and Mint Chutney Place them in burger buns and you have a meal ready!
You can store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Then simply reheat briefly in the microwave, skillet or oven or eat even them cold.
Tofu Burger Patties
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu (medium firm or firm) (454 grams) [See Notes]
- 1/3 cup carrots shredded
- 1/3 cup bell peppers finely diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms finely diced
- 1/2 cup cabbage shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soya sauce
- 2 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs [See Notes]
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch also called cornflour
- 1 egg
- Oil as required
Instructions
- Drain the water out of the tofu. You can do it by placing a weight over it for 20-30 minutes. If you leave too much moisture in the tofu, you will have trouble forming patties.
- Once drained, crumble the tofu with your fingers.
- Add all the vegetables and spices EXCEPT the breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
- Mix well. You can taste and adjust the spices at this stage.
- Then add the egg, breadcrumbs and cornstarch and mix.
- Scoop out 1/3 cup (or your desired amount) and form patties about 1 inch thick.
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil on medium- high in a frying pan.
- Once heated, place the patties. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Leave it undisturbed for 1 minute and then flip CAREFULLY. Again wait for 1 minute before flipping.
- Now let it cook around 4-6 minutes per side or until it crisps and develops a golden brown color.
- Serve on the buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not use SOFT tofu. It will break.
- Feel free to use vegetables of your choice. But avoid vegetables which release a lot of water e.g. zucchini.
- Spices can be adjusted according to your preference.
- You can also cooked meat to boost the protein.
- Before adding breadcrumbs and cornstarch, mix everything well. at this stage This prevents spice lumps and allows proper distribution of spices.
- If you do not have breadcrumbs, take a slice of bread and blend it in the blender to form crumbs. 1 bread slice yields ¾ cup breadcrumbs.
- Flip the patties carefully.
