Introduction
Discover the wonderful world of healthy and delicious burgers with this incredible recipe that incorporates firm silken tofu, fresh vegetables, and a creamy basil dressing. These flavorful patties are perfect for a satisfying meal and are sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Ingredients
– 350g firm silken tofu
– 1 large free-range egg
– 75g wholemeal breadcrumbs
– 2 heaped teaspoons Marmite
– 8 ripe tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 2 sprigs of fresh basil
– 4 soft wholemeal buns
– 400g mixed seasonal salad veg (e.g., cucumber, red cabbage, apples, cress, baby spinach)
– Olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 50g Cheddar cheese
– 50g gherkins
Creamy Basil Dressing
– 4 sprigs of fresh basil
– 4 tablespoons natural yoghurt
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– ¼ of a fresh red chilli
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy creating this delicious meal packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a perfect option for a family dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering with friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparing the Tofu
Wrap the tofu in a clean tea towel, then squeeze and wring it out to remove the excess liquid (about 4 tablespoons should come out – it’s messy, but really important to do this for great burger texture later).
Mixing the Patty Ingredients
Place the tofu in a bowl, scraping it off the tea towel. Crack in the egg, then add the breadcrumbs and Marmite. Mix and scrunch together really well with clean hands, then shape into 4 even-sized patties that’ll fit nicely in your buns once cooked.
Cooking the Tomato Sauce
Roughly chop the tomatoes and put them into a dry non-stick frying pan on a high heat with a pinch of black pepper, a splash of water, and the vinegar. Squash the tomatoes with a potato masher, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thick and delicious, then tear in the basil leaves and season to perfection (I sometimes add a pinch of dried red chilli flakes too, for a kick).
Preparing the Buns
If you want to plump up your buns, pop them into a warm oven for a few minutes.
Prepping the Salad Veg
Meanwhile, finely slice or prep all the salad veg.
Making the Creamy Basil Dressing
Next, pick the basil leaves into a blender and blitz with all the other dressing ingredients and a pinch of salt and pepper until super-smooth.
Cooking the Patties
Place 2 teaspoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Pick the rosemary leaves into the pan in four piles, then place the patties on top and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden.
Melt the Cheese
Slice or grate the cheese, place on the patties, reduce the heat to low, then cover and leave to melt for 3 to 4 minutes.
Assembling the Burgers
Spread the tomato sauce into the buns, then sandwich the cheesy burgers and sliced gherkins inside.
Serving the Salad
Toss the salad with half the dressing (save the rest for another day), serve alongside the burgers, and enjoy – totally awesome.
Notes
Tofu Texture
Properly squeezing out the liquid from the tofu is crucial for achieving the right texture in the burgers.
Tomato Sauce Variation
Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the tomato sauce according to your taste preference.
Bun Alternatives
You can substitute wholemeal buns with other types of bread if desired.
Preparation Time
Allow about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking.
Storage
Any leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
Cook techniques
Tofu Preparation
Wrap the firm silken tofu in a clean tea towel and squeeze out the excess liquid to achieve a firmer texture suitable for patties.
Mixing Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the squeezed tofu with an egg, breadcrumbs, and Marmite. Use clean hands to mix and scrunch the ingredients together until well combined.
Cooking Tomatoes
Chop tomatoes and cook them in a dry non-stick frying pan with black pepper, water, and red wine vinegar. Mash the tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
Flavouring the Burger Patties
Add fresh basil leaves and season to the cooked tomato sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Preparing the Buns
To warm and soften the wholemeal buns, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes before assembling.
Salad Preparation
Finely slice or prep mixed seasonal salad vegetables to serve alongside the burgers.
Making the Dressing
Blend fresh basil, natural yogurt, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a fresh red chili in a blender until smooth for a creamy basil dressing.
Cooking the Patties
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat olive oil and cook the patties topped with rosemary leaves until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
Melting the Cheese
Slice or grate Cheddar cheese and place it on top of the patties; cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt over low heat.
Assembling the Burger
Spread the cooked tomato sauce in the buns, layer with cheesy patties, and add sliced gherkins.
Serving the Salad
Toss the mixed salad vegetables with half of the prepared dressing and serve alongside the burgers for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of tofu for this recipe?
Firm silken tofu is recommended for the best texture, but you can try other types if you adjust the moisture content accordingly.
What can I substitute for Marmite?
Nutritional yeast or soy sauce can be used as an alternative to Marmite for adding umami flavor.
How can I make the burgers vegan?
Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or a chia seed egg to make the recipe vegan.
What other toppings can I add to the burger?
You can add sliced avocado, pickled onions, or your favorite condiments to customize the burger to your liking.
How long can I store the leftover salad dressing?
The leftover creamy basil dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the burger patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This recipe beautifully combines the richness of tofu and cheddar into delicious, succulent burger patties, complemented by a vibrant tomato sauce and fresh salad. The creamy basil dressing adds a perfect touch, balancing the flavors wonderfully. Ideal for a hearty, nutritious meal, these burgers are both satisfying and versatile.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Tofu Tacos
Substitute burger buns for corn tortillas, adding sliced red cabbage and avocado with a spicy salsa for a flavorful twist.
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Use the tofu mixture to stuff halved bell peppers, then bake until tender. Serve with a side of mixed salad and a drizzle of dressing.
Basil and Tomato Pasta
Create a fresh pasta dish by tossing cooked pasta with the sautéed tomato sauce, adding the creamy basil dressing for richness.
Tofu Salad Bowl
Cube and pan-fry the tofu patties, then serve over a bed of mixed seasonal salad veg, topped with gherkins and a sprinkle of cheese.
Cheesy Tofu Quesadillas
Use the patties as a filling in tortillas with extra cheese and cook until crispy. Serve with the creamy basil dressing on the side for dipping.
