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Ingredients
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Plant-Based Patty
Cheese & Sauce
Toppings & Assembly
Method
Plant-Based Patty
- 1
Prepare tofu
Press the firm tofu for 15–30 minutes to remove excess water. Crumble the pressed tofu into a large bowl with your hands or a fork so it resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2
Mix base ingredients
To the crumbled tofu, add cooked brown rice, grated carrot, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
- 3
Bind and season
Add the panko breadcrumbs and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add up to 2 tbsp more panko; if too dry, add 1–2 tsp water or a splash of soy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 4
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Using wet hands, form each portion into a 3/4–1-inch thick patty, about the diameter of your bun.
- 5
Cook patties
Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add patties (work in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Lower heat if browning too quickly. Internal temperature is not required for safety but patties should be hot through and hold together.
Cheese & Sauce
- 6
Make burger sauce
In a small bowl whisk together vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard and hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust—add more relish for tang, more ketchup for sweetness, or more mustard for bite.
- 7
Melt cheese on patties
When patties are on their final minute of cooking, place a vegan cheddar slice on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid for 30–60 seconds to soften/melt the cheese.
Toppings & Assembly
- 8
- 9
Season vegetables
Season sliced tomato and red onion lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 10
Assemble UnBurgers
Spread about 1 tbsp of the prepared burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place 2 lettuce leaves, then the cheesy plant-based patty, two pickle slices, a tomato slice, and some red onion. Add a second small smear of sauce to the top bun and close the burger.
- 11
Serve
Serve immediately while patties are warm and cheese is soft. Provide extra sauce and pickles on the side if desired.