Toasted Almond Tofu Burgers
Introduction
The journey to perfecting a meatless entrée can be both delightful and satisfying, and these Toasted Almond Tofu Burgers are a testament to that culinary adventure. Originating from a cherished recipe I clipped from Bon Appetit years ago, this dish has remained a favorite in our household, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. When these delectable patties are nestled into a soft bun with a drizzle of ketchup or tucked into a warm pita, they create an unforgettable meal that bursts with flavor and texture.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Description | Delicious meatless tofu burgers that are great on buns or in pitas |
| Recipe Category | Soy/Tofu |
| Servings | 5 patties (3 ounces each) |
| Keywords | Beans, < 4 Hours |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 168.1 |
| Total Fat | 12.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 42.3 mg |
| Sodium | 270.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugar | 1.9 g |
| Protein | 10.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Extra firm tofu |
| 1/2 | Yellow onion |
| 1 | Green onion |
| 1 | Garlic |
| 1 | Fresh ginger |
| 1/2 | Toasted sesame seeds |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 | Soy sauce |
| 1 | Salt (to taste) |
| Oil (for cooking) |
Instructions
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Press the Tofu: Start by wrapping the extra firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel, placing it on a plate. Top it with another plate and weigh it down with heavy canned goods to press out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your burgers.
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Let It Drain: Allow the tofu to sit under the weight for about one hour. This will ensure it is firm and ready to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
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Mash the Tofu: Once the hour has passed, unwrap the tofu and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash the tofu until it reaches a chunky consistency, which will help create a satisfying texture in the finished patties.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium-sized skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion or green onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté the mixture until it becomes very tender and golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion mixture to the mashed tofu in the bowl. Then, incorporate the toasted sesame seeds, beaten egg, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
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Chill the Mixture: At this point, you may choose to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for up to one day. This step can enhance the flavors and make it easier to shape the patties later on.
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Shape the Patties: After chilling (if you choose to), take the almond-tofu mixture and shape it into patties, roughly 3 ounces each. You should end up with about five patties from this recipe.
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Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, add a tiny amount of oil over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook until they are hot and golden brown on each side, approximately 3 minutes per side. If desired, you can also grill the patties for a smoky flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: These toasted almond tofu burgers can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to enjoy them on their own, on a bun with your favorite condiments, or stuffed into a pita with fresh vegetables, they are sure to impress. Consider topping them with cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Embrace the delicious world of meatless meals with these Toasted Almond Tofu Burgers, a dish that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead, these burgers are versatile enough to satisfy any palate. Enjoy the delightful combination of ingredients that not only nourishes but also delights, proving that plant-based can be indulgent and satisfying.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides to make this recipe your own, and let it become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
