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Murielle Banackissa
Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale on a plate with candlelight in the background

Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale

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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Burgers & Tacos
GF NF RSF
40 mins Prep: 10 mins Cook: 30 mins
Serves 4

This burger features tofu that is coated in a smokey spice mixture and a coat of panko then browned to golden perfection and served in a bun alongside truffle massaged kale, cucumber, onion, and pickle slices. It is a wonderful dinner to make on a weekend night and enjoy with friends or family under candlelight.

Ingredients Prepare the Panko Crusted Tofu Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Massage the Kale and Prepare the Rest of the Ingredients Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Assemble Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Common Questions & Swaps

Ingredients

Panko Crusted Tofu

  • 1 454g block of extra-firm tofu
  • 3 tbsp brown rice flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 -1 cup panko (or gluten free panko)

Massaged Kale

  • 4 curly kale leaves , cut into bite sized-pieces
  • 2 tsp pickle juice
  • 1 tsp truffle oil

Garlicky Mayo

  • 4 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 2 tsp pickle juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Buns & Other Garnishes

  • Vegan butter (salted or unsalted) , for toasting
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Sliced dill pickles
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Mustard
  • Ketchup

Prepare the Panko Crusted Tofu

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Cut the tofu into four thick slices. I like to cut mine lengthwise then crosswise.

  3. Step 3

    To a medium bowl add the brow rice flour, milk, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

  4. Step 4

    To another medium bowl, add 1/2 cup of panko (do not hesitate to add more as needed after you coat 2 or 3 slabs of tofu).

  5. Step 5

    Line up the bowls side by side and have your baking sheet ready in front of you.

  6. Step 6

    Use one of your hands to drop one of the tofu slabs into the bowl with the flour mixture. Give it a shake then transfer it to the bowl with the panko.

  7. Step 7

    Use your clean hand to cover it with panko then transfer onto the baking sheet.

  8. Step 8

    Repeat the process for the other 3 tofu slabs.

  9. Step 9

    Coat each piece generously with cooking spray then bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

  10. Step 10

    Flip, spray some more cooking spray on the tofu blocks then place in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Massage the Kale and Prepare the Rest of the Ingredients

  1. Step 1

    To a large bowl add the kale, pickle juice, and truffle oil. Massage until soft, about 3 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the garlicky mayo by mixing together in a small bowl the vegan mayo, pickle juice, and garlic powder.

  3. Step 3

    Spread some vegan butter on the cut side of each bun and toast on medium heat in a large pan or a cast iron grill pan.

Assemble

  1. Step 1

    Spread some garlicky mayo, ketchup, and mustard (or any sauce you like) on each bun.

  2. Step 2

    Top the bottom bun with some massaged kale, then add the panko crusted tofu. Top with sliced pickles, cucumbers, and onions.

  3. Step 3

    Add the top bun and enjoy with any sides!

Common Questions & Swaps

  • Can I replace the tofu with tempeh? Maybe? I have not tried it before. I feel like the flavor of tempeh might be a little too strong in this particular burger, but if you love it, go ahead and use it. Just maybe steam the tempeh slabs on medium heat for 15 minutes before coating to mellow out the intensity of its flavor.

  • Can I replace the brown rice flour? Yes you could. White rice flour or gluten free flour would be a good alternative here. If using all-purpose flour, the coating batter might be a little too thick so do not hesitate to add a bit of non dairy milk 1 teaspoon at a time.

  • Use any unflavored, unsweetened non dairy milk that you like except coconut milk.

  • Replace the panko and the brioche bun for gluten free alternatives to make this recipe fully gluten free.

  • No cooking spray? Lightly drizzle each patty with a touch of avocado, canola, or olive oil before baking for extra crispiness. Or omit the oil all together.

Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale on a plate with candlelight in the background
Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale on a plate with candlelight in the background
Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale cut in two set on a plate
Kale ready to be massaged in a bowl
Panko Crusted Tofu Burger with Truffle Massaged Kale