Introduction
Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian burger that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this amazing tofu burger recipe! We’re taking a firm block of tofu, pressing it to perfection, and marinating it in a savory-sweet teriyaki glaze. Then, we’re grilling it alongside juicy pineapple slices for a taste of tropical paradise. This isn’t your average veggie burger; it’s a culinary experience!
This recipe is perfect for:
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Meat-eaters looking to try something new
- Anyone who loves bold and exciting flavors
- A healthy and delicious weeknight meal
Making the Teriyaki Tofu Burger
Preparing the Tofu
The key to a great tofu burger is pressing the tofu to remove excess water. This allows it to absorb the teriyaki marinade and become firmer and more “meat-like” when grilled.
- Press the Tofu: Wrap a block of firm or extra-firm tofu in several layers of paper towels. Place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet or a stack of books) on top and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, 1-2 hours. Change the paper towels if they become soaked.
- Slice the Tofu: Once pressed, slice the tofu into ½-inch thick slabs. You should get about 4-6 slices per block.
Crafting the Teriyaki Glaze
Our homemade teriyaki glaze is the secret ingredient that elevates this burger to the next level. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Marinating and Grilling
Now for the fun part: bringing all the flavors together!
- Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki glaze over them. Make sure each slice is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Slice fresh pineapple into rings or spears, about ½-inch thick.
- Grill the Tofu and Pineapple: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with the remaining teriyaki glaze. Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly caramelized.
Building the Burger
Time to assemble your masterpiece!
Suggested Toppings:
- Burger buns (brioche or sesame seed buns work well)
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
- Spicy mayo (optional)
Assembly Instructions:
- Lightly toast the burger buns.
- Spread a thin layer of spicy mayo (optional) on the bottom bun.
- Layer with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- Place the grilled teriyaki tofu on top.
- Add a slice of grilled pineapple.
- Top with avocado slices (optional).
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Conclusion
This teriyaki tofu burger with grilled pineapple is a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress. It’s a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, fire up the grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media using #TeriyakiTofuBurger!
