Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Vegan Tofu Patties. These crispy, flavorful patties are packed with protein and make a great addition to any meal. Serve them in a bun as a vegan burger or enjoy them on their own with a side of veggies or a salad.
Vegan Tofu Patties Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed to remove excess moisture
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional, for extra texture and sweetness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, as a binder)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
- Drain the tofu and press it to remove as much moisture as possible. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy (like a can) on top for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the tofu is pressed, crumble it into a large bowl using your hands or a fork until it resembles ground meat.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated carrot (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, ground flaxseed (if using), thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper to the crumbled tofu.
- Stir everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce.
3. Form the Patties:
- Divide the tofu mixture into 6-8 equal portions, depending on the size of the patties you want.
- Shape each portion into a patty by pressing the mixture between your palms. The patties should be firm but not too thick, about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
4. Cook the Patties:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the patties gently to avoid breaking them. If you’re cooking multiple batches, you can keep the cooked patties warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish the rest.
5. Serve:
- Serve the vegan tofu patties with your favorite toppings and sauces. They make a great burger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and vegan mayo on a bun, or you can serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a lighter meal.
Tips:
- Storage: These patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat them in a skillet or oven for the best texture.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add a bit of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or curry powder to give the patties a different flavor profile.
- For Baking: If you prefer to bake the patties, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and firm.
Enjoy:
These Vegan Tofu Patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with protein and full of flavor, they’re a versatile addition to your vegan or vegetarian meals!