Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBig Jud'sV.food Burger Recipe

V.food Burger Recipe

Inspired by Big Jud's
Time1h 5m
Serves4

Make V.food Burger Recipe in just 1h 5m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Plant-based Patties & Binders

Method

Plant-based Patties & Binders

  1. 1

    Make flax egg

    Whisk together the ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Set aside for 5–8 minutes until thickened to a slightly gelatinous consistency.

  2. 2

    Prepare tofu

    Wrap the crumbled tofu in a clean towel and press gently to remove excess moisture for 2–3 minutes. You want it damp but not watery so the patty mix holds together.

  3. 3

    Pulse oats

    Place the rolled oats in a food processor and pulse 6–8 times until coarsely ground (like coarse breadcrumbs). Do not over-process into flour—some texture should remain.

  4. 4

    Combine base ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown lentils, crumbled tofu, pulsed oats, chickpea flour and the prepared flax egg. Mix briefly with a sturdy spoon until distributed but do not overwork.

Flavor & Seasoning

  1. 5

    Cook aromatics

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.

  2. 6

    Season and finish patty mix

    Stir the cooked onion and garlic into the lentil-tofu-oat mixture. Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, mustard, black pepper and kosher salt. Fold gently to combine. Taste a small bit of the mixture; adjust salt, pepper or soy sauce to preference. If mixture feels too wet to shape, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more chickpea flour or a few tablespoons of pulsed oats. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon water or oil.

  3. 7

    Form patties

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 5–6 oz each) and shape into 4 tight patties about 3/4 inch thick. Press the surface firmly so they hold together. Chill patties in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up (this improves hold during cooking).

Cooking & Assembly

  1. 8

    Pan-fry patties

    Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, place patties in the skillet without crowding. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently once after flipping to ensure even contact, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Reduce heat slightly if browning too quickly. If using vegan cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.

  2. 9

    Toast buns

    While patties finish, spread 1/2 teaspoon vegan butter or oil on each bun cut-side. Toast in a separate skillet or in the oven under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

  3. 10

    Prepare sauce

    In a small bowl combine vegan mayo, ketchup and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth and season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally add 1 teaspoon pickle juice for extra tang.

  4. 11

    Assemble burgers

    Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the lentil-tofu patty with melted vegan cheese (if used). Top with tomato slice, red onion slices, and pickles. Spread additional sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

  5. 12

    Serve

    Serve immediately with extra pickles or a simple side (fries, salad). Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen individually for up to 1 month.

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