Crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, this tofu burger is layered with a creamy carrot and coriander slaw, tangy pickles, and a glossy homemade tonkatsu-style sauce. It is an easy plant-based burger that feels fresh, satisfying, and full of flavour.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 2 thick slices firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- salt and black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil, for frying
For the tonkatsu sauce:
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the slaw:
- 2 handfuls finely shredded cabbage
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
To assemble:
- 2 burger buns
- Pickles, sliced
- Extra vegan mayo, optional
Method
- Press the tofu for 15 to 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice into 2 thick burger-sized pieces.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the cornflour, salt, and black pepper. Coat each tofu piece well.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the tofu for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Transfer to kitchen paper.
- While the tofu cooks, make the tonkatsu sauce by whisking together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, agave syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, vegan mayo, chopped fresh coriander, lime juice or rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt to make the slaw.
- Lightly toast the burger buns if you like. Spread a little extra mayo on the buns if using.
- Assemble each burger with a spoonful of tonkatsu sauce, a piece of crispy tofu, a generous pile of slaw, and sliced pickles.
- Finish with an extra drizzle of tonkatsu sauce and serve straight away.
Tofu Burger Recipe FAQs
If you are making this tofu burger recipe for the first time, these quick answers cover a few of the most common questions about crisping tofu, toppings, sauces, and serving ideas.
What do you put in a tofu burger?
A tofu burger can be kept simple or layered with plenty of flavour. For this version, crisp tofu is added to a soft bun with pickles, a creamy cabbage and carrot slaw, and homemade tonkatsu sauce. Fresh herbs, vegan mayo, cucumber, lettuce, or sliced onion also work well.
How do you make a tofu burger?
To make a tofu burger, press firm tofu to remove excess moisture, slice it into thick pieces, coat it lightly in cornflour, then pan-fry until crisp and golden. Layer the tofu into burger buns with sauce, slaw, pickles, or other toppings you enjoy. A good tofu burger is all about contrast: crisp tofu, a soft bun, and something fresh or tangy on top.
What is the secret to really crispy tofu?
The secret to really crispy tofu is pressing out as much moisture as possible before cooking. A light coating of cornflour also helps create that golden outer layer. Cook the tofu in hot oil and leave it undisturbed for a few minutes on each side so it has time to crisp properly.
Is tofu burger healthy?
A tofu burger can be a healthy plant-based meal, especially when made with firm tofu, fresh slaw, and a lighter sauce. Tofu is a good source of plant protein, and adding vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, and pickles brings freshness and texture. As with any burger, the overall balance depends on the bun, sauce, and how much oil is used.
Can you fry tofu with cornflour for burgers?
Yes — cornflour works very well for tofu burgers. It gives the tofu a light, crisp coating without feeling too heavy, which is ideal if you want the sauce and toppings to shine. It is also quicker and less messy than a breadcrumb coating.
What sauce goes with a tofu burger?
Tonkatsu sauce works beautifully with a tofu burger because it adds sweet, tangy depth. Vegan mayo, spicy mayo, sticky soy glaze, or garlic aioli can also work well. In this recipe, the tonkatsu sauce pairs especially nicely with the pickles and creamy slaw.
What to serve with a tofu burger?
A tofu burger is lovely with oven chips, sweet potato wedges, extra pickles, or a crisp side salad. Slaw also works well because it adds freshness and crunch. For a more casual meal, you could serve it with fries and a small dipping sauce on the side.
Can tofu be used instead of a burger patty?
Yes — tofu makes a very good alternative to a traditional burger patty. Firm tofu can be sliced into thick pieces, crisped in a pan, and layered into buns with flavourful toppings. It has a milder taste than beans or mushrooms, which makes it especially versatile.