Smoky Spicy Tofu Burger

If you haven’t tried a vegan spicy tofu burger, then this simple protein-packed recipe will make you a convert! There are lots of vegan and vegetarian burger recipes out there that require blending ingredients and making hamburger patties, and leaving them to set in the fridge. This can result in an absolutely delicious homemade burger, but it can also take extra time. One of my go-to recipes when I don’t have as much time (but am craving a burger) is to simply use smoked tofu! It’s as simple as marinating it and frying it to create a flavourful burger filling.

For the spicy tofu burger you’ll need:

• 1 pack of firm smoked tofu

• 2 tsp BBQ sauce

• 2 tsp harissa paste (you can use 1 tsp of harissa powder)

• ½ a red onion

• 2 tbsp of vegan mayonnaise

• 1 tsp tomato ketchup

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of chilli (optional)

• 2 gherkins sliced

• 2 slices of vegan cheddar cheese

• 2 tomatoes

• Iceberg lettuce

• 2 burger buns

Before you begin, make sure to squeeze out any extra liquid from your tofu. I am using a block of Tofoo smoked tofu, but use any smoked tofu you can get your hands on (if you can’t get it, normal tofu will still work). I also piereced the tofu with a fork to help it absorb the marinade. Slice your block into four pieces.

Mix up your marinade and coat all four pieces evenly and leave to set in the fridge while you prep the toppings. If you’re doing it ahead of time, you can also marinate them for longer.

Then the tofu is ready to fry in a hot pan with some oil. It really is as easy as that!

Now you can layer your burgers up inside a toasted bun with lettuce, vegan cheese (I like to add a slice of this when the burger is still in the pan to help it melt), sliced tomato, red onion, gherkin and a simple burger sauce (a mix of vegan mayo and ketchup and, optionally, mustard).

Though we have made four tofu burger slices, I layered up two burger buns with two slices each, for a double burger. I think this makes it more of a filling meal per person as the one slice may not be enough. However, if you are eating this as a part of a BBQ for example, or with some other side dishes, then one slice per burger would work really well.