Tofu Burger

Tofu steak? Yes, it might appear deceptive, especially to the carnivores out there, and for that I apologise. I know how you feel…it was like the time I was in NYC and ordered cauliflower steak- I was under the impression that I would receive a fat juicy steak accompanied by some potentially meek and mild cauliflower. Oh how wrong I was! Get this, it was cauliflower formed in the shape of a steak but at the same bloody price, wtf?!

Anyway, after that experience I would never dream of tricking any other human being into buying a vegetable at the same price as a gourmet meat chunk, especially cauliflower- I mean come on, make it artichoke or asparagus, or something a little less humble if you’re going to sell it at an extortionate price! Never have I regretted spending $35 as much as I did that day.

The good news about this no-meat steak is that it really does taste like meat. Maybe not a beef steak, but it definitely lies somewhere in the meat genre. And, surprising little fact- if you freeze tofu, it develops a spongy, meaty texture that soaks up any sauce or broth like a MOFO in which you marinade it. Even meat doesn’t have that ability so we should welcome the mighty tofu with open arms.

I feel that this justifies my referring to it as a steak. Maybe you still disagree, and maybe even exhibit a mild hatred, but once you’ve tried it out, that hatred will melt and turn into love! Whether for me or the steak, who knows, either way it’s a good thing!

Tofu Burger Recipe

Serving size:

Serves 6

Ingredients for tofo steak:
• 6 large pieces smoked tofu (frozen overnight and now thawed)
• 6 cloves mashed roasted garlic
• 40 ml soya sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil

Ingredients for cola sauce:
• 1.25 litres cola (not diet)
• 1 onion diced
• 6 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 60 ml vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp corn starch

Method:

1. For the sauce, lightly sweat the onions and garlic.
2. Add the cola and spices and leave to simmer and reduce for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the onions and garlic and blitz in a food processor to a smooth puree.
4. Return back to the sauce along with the corn starch and simmer for a further 10 minutes whilst stirring. The sauce should start to thicken at this point.
5. Leave to cool before placing in a sterilised jar and refrigerate. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. For the tofu, make a marinade by combining the garlic, soy sauce, honey and oil.
7. Make incisions along the tofu on both sides and squeeze out any remaining water from it.
8. Soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours, though the longer the better (overnight preferably).
9. Grill the steaks for 5-7 minutes on either side and serve immediately.

Made this Recipe?

If you had a go at this recipe please feel free to give me a shout on Instagram at @food_flaneur  – would love to see your pics!

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