BBQ Tofu Burgers Recipe

Photo credit: Debra Ponzek / Chef TravelingMom

Healthy, meatless burgers are great to cook after a family vacation – all they take are a few basic ingredients. For real time saving, purchase pre-made coleslaw and this dinner comes together in a snap. To cook them on the road, pack the dry spice rub in a Ziploc baggie and sauté the tofu in a skillet instead of grilling.

Author: Debra Ponzek

Ingredients

Coleslaw:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons buttermilk
½ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
½ cup finely shredded savoy cabbage
½ cup finely shredded red cabbage
1 carrot, peeled and grated (about ½ cup)
1 scallion, trimmed and sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tofu burgers:
4 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
¾ teaspoon chili powder
14-ounce block extra-firm tofu
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup prepared homemade or storebought barbecue sauce
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

To make the coleslaw: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt and celery seed. Add the cabbages, carrots, and scallion and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the burgers.
To make the burgers: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Spread the spice mixture on a plate.
Slice the tofu into 4 thick slices and gently pat dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with salt and pepper. Coat both sides of the tofu slices with the spice rub. Set aside.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill by first rubbing a liberal amount of vegetable oil in the grilling grates (the tofu tends to stick) and then heating to medium-high heat. The grill should be hot before you cook.
Grill the tofu burgers for about 4 minutes or until 1 side has a nice sear. Turn the tofu burgers over and brush liberally with the barbecue sauce. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes longer or until heated through.
Lift the burgers from the grill and put each on a hamburger roll, sauced side down. If you want, heat the rolls on the outside of the grill for a few minutes first. Top each burger with coleslaw and serve immediately.
Note: The block of extra-firm tofu can be sliced into 8 thin slices for 8 lighter burgers. Grill these for about half the time.