Tofu Hemp Burger with an Herbed White Bean Spread – No mushy veggie burgers allowed! This burger is very firm and will not fall apart when you take a bite. It’s wonderful on it’s own, but the flavor is mild enough that you can load it up with whatever toppings you see fit.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had someone tell me that they could never eat a plant based diet because they hate tofu. You could easily be 100% plant based and never touch tofu in your entire life. I maybe eat tofu once or twice a month. The majority of my diet comes from beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
However, I do love tofu. When cut into bitesize pieces and baked (like this Sesame Ginger Baked Tofu or Baked Tofu Tacos) or pan fried until crispy, it’s downright addictive.
There are many other ways that tofu is delicious as well (try this Tofu Scramble!), but today I’ve got a recipe for even those of you who think you don’t like tofu. The tofu is disguised in this firm and “meaty” burger and you won’t get that spongy tofu texture that turns off so many. It’s the perfect veggie burger for adding all the delicious toppings of your choice. Here I used a flavorful Herbed White Bean Spread (because tofu and hemp just wasn’t hippie enough for me!)
How to Press Tofu
You’ll want to press your tofu first to get out as much moisture as possible. You can use a tofu press for this, but I find it just as easy to place it on a clean dishtowel (or paper towels) on a plate and then place another dishtowel (or paper towels) on top and then cover with another plate. Weigh the top plate down with something…I use bags of dried beans from the pantry…and let is sit for about 30 minutes.
It’s Kid Friendly!
My son loaded up his burger with ketchup, mustard and pickle – just like a traditional burger. He has also declared this Tofu Hemp Burger his new favorite burger! Admittedly, I did’t tell him there was tofu in it until 3 days later. But that just proves that even if you don’t like tofu, you will like this burger!
For the record, his favorite burger before the creation of the Tofu Hemp Burgers was my tofu press. He always called those the “normal burger” because I make so many veggie burger varieties and he doesn’t necessarily care for them all. 🙂
Herbed White Bean Spread
I loved the Herbed White Bean Spread with this burger. It really brightened up the flavors. I used cannellini beans, which make the sauce super creamy…and the herbs and citrus ensure it doesn’t taste “beany.”
If you are looking for a beanless veggie burger that holds up to all the toppings you can throw at it and doesn’t fall apart when you bite it, this Tofu Hemp Burger is for you!
Tofu Hemp Burger
I hope you love this Tofu Hemp Burger recipe as much as we do. If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and star rating. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!
- 8 oz firm or extra firm tofu (1/2 block)
- 1/2 sweet onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (or ketchup)
- 2 tbsp gluten free tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs - gluten free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup brown rice flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Burger Buns (gluten free, if desired)
- Herbed White Bean Spread (recipe below)
- red onion slices
- pickles
- avocado
- 1 cup white beans (I used cannellini beans)
- 1 handful fresh parsley
- 1 handful fresh cilantro
- 2 scallions
- 2 garlic cloves
- juice of 1 lemon
- salt/pepper to taste
- water to thin (if necessary)
- Press the tofu for 30 minutes.*
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- While tofu is pressing, make the Herbed White Bean Spread, if using. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree. Add water 1 tbsp at a time, if needed, to thin. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
- When the tofu is done, crumble it with your hands into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix well. Use your hands (clean hands!) to mix it all together...I found this worked better than a spoon and it allows you to further mash up the tofu.
- The mixture will seem delicate, but it should stick together when pressed.
- Form into patties (I made mine about the size of my palm) and and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the burgers for 20-25 minutes, flipping half way through.
For serving: Place one burger onto a bun and top with the Herbed White Bean Spread and any other toppings of choice.
*To press tofu: You can use a tofu press for this, but I find it just as easy to place it on a clean dishtowel (or paper towels) on a plate and then place another dishtowel (or paper towels) on top and then cover with another plate. Weigh the top plate down with something...I use bags of dried beans from the pantry...and let is sit for about 30 minutes.
Nutrition facts calculated for burgers only, not including buns or toppings.
More Delicious Veggie Burgers to Love:
Spinach Artichoke White Bean Burgers
Kidney Bean and Kale BBQ Burger
Payal Patel says
Can i substitute cornmeal with flexseed meal?
Jenn S. says
Flaxmeal doesn’t have as much texture as cornmeal, so it might change the texture of the final burger, but I think it would still turn out okay. Let me know if you try it.
WholeFoodBellies says
Oh yum, this sounds delicious! We love veggie burgers around here, but I haven’t made one with tofu yet. I just happen to have a lovely block sitting in the fridge waiting to be used – tonights dinner is sorted 🙂
Jenn S. says
Perfect!! I hope you all enjoy! Please let me know how they turn out. 🙂
Michelle Blackwood says
This is a hearty and healthy high protein burger. Love tofu especially when its flavorful like in these burgers!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Michelle! Gotta season up that tofu, right?!
Gin says
I’m actually going to buy hem seeds specially to make these burgers, they look so good. Pinned! I love the sound of an actually firm veggie burger. LOL this _is_ totally hippie, in a very awesome way. 🙂
Jenn S. says
Sometimes we gotta live up to our stereotype, right?! LOL!! I hope you love them! Please let me know how they turn out!
Rebecca @ NOURISHED. the blog says
These look awesome! I love a good meatless veggie burger and tofu and hemp seeds sound like a great combination. I normally don’t eat a lot of tofu but I think these burger will change that!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Rebecca! I don’t eat a ton of tofu either, but every once in awhile it’s soooo good!! I hope you love them!
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com says
I love the sound of these. It’s unusual for a veggie burger to be firm like these which is great. All too often you take a big bite on one side and half of it squirts out of the other in regular veggie burgers! I end up in such a mess.
Your spread sounds delicious too and would be great as a sandwich or wrap filling too.
Jenn S. says
Yes, I hate when a burger is squishy! I could think of many ways use the herbed bean spread. I did use it on a veggie sandwich the next day and it was delicious! Would be great as a dip too! Thanks, Mel!
Uma says
I love tofu in any form! But this is great idea of eating burger ! Thanks 🙂
Jenn S. says
Glad to know I’m not the only one! 🙂 Thanks, Uma!
nicoleanndawson says
Don’t you just love the honesty of kids? There are times I make something that I love but 1 of them will just not like it at all. Nice to know, I’m not alone. However, I think mine would all love this burger. It looks wonderful, especially with the bean puree.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Nicole! Kids definitely tell it like it is…that’s for sure! 🙂 To be fair, I have made plenty of veggie burgers that I haven’t really liked either. Ha! Only the great ones make the blog! 🙂
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com says
This is one good looking veggie burger, Jenn! Makes me crave summer 🙂 Sharing!
Jenn S. says
Oh man, I have such spring fever, it’s not even funny!! Thanks, Vanessa!
pragatibidkar says
Love tofu…this veggie burger looks really good. I add chickpea flour or oats but never added rice flour yet
Jenn S. says
I’m sure either of those flours would work too, Pragati. Thanks!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i have come across so many people who are not into tofu and always tell them that there are other plant based sources of protein too…i love tofu in any shape/form so this looks perfect dinner option for me.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Dixya! Yeah, I think some people think tofu is the only plant based protein source. So far from it!! But, it IS a great addition to any diet…if done right! 🙂
Natalie Freed says
Its amazing to me that after all my cooking, I have never made a tofu burger! Beans, yes, Seitan, yes, but no tofu! What do you like about using tofu in burgers? Texture…moistness…?
Jenn S. says
It’s the firmness! It really holds together better than any bean burger (and I have some bean burgers that hold together really well, so that’s saying something!). And, since tofu is basically flavorless, you can season it up however you want and really takes that flavoring well! If you try it, let me know! Thanks, Natalie!
Letty / Letty's Kitchen says
I always have hemp seeds around for smoothies and salads and stuff. I just posted a blueberry hemp muffin recipe on my blog today! I can’t wait to try these veggie burgers. Pinned!
Jenn S. says
Thank you! That muffin sounds diving, Letty!! I’ll have to check that out for sure!
Linda @ Veganosity says
LOL! That’s so funny. I’ve heard that comment too. Like tofu is the only plant based food with protein? Those burgers sound wonderful. Pinning for later.
Jenn S. says
Some people seriously think that! Thank you for the PIN and kind words!!
foodhuntersguide says
That herbed bean spread sounds so yummy
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Theresa!
The Vegan 8 says
I love homemade veggie burgers so much! I am so intrigued how this would taste since I’ve never tried hemp and my experience with tofu hasn’t been that great, but it looks insanely delicious and based on all the flavors going on, I imagine it tastes super delicious!
Jenn S. says
You’ve never had hemp seeds?? I love them so much! I usually just sprinkle them on toast with nut butter, but they are super versatile. And I do really love tofu too…as long as it’s prepared well and flavored well! Thanks, Brandi!
Sophia @veggies dont bite says
I’m not one to ever pass up a good burger! I am not a soy hater, I think in moderation it’s fine. And like other things you need to flavor it, isn’t that the beauty of it though? It takes on any flavor? I actually tried hemp tofu at Expo last year and I was not a fan. However I only eat firm tofu because I’m a huge texture person, and the hemp was really soft and mushy. Anyway, the burger sound awesome!
Jenn S. says
I have never had hemp tofu…haven’t even seen it anywhere near me. How did they prepare it?? This burger is super firm, so no worries there! 🙂 Thanks, Sophia!
Hedi Hearts says
WOW! WOW! WOW! This looks insane….do I see a bit of guacamole on the side? I am sold!
Jenn S. says
No guacamole, that’s my Herbed White Bean Spread! But, guacamole would be a fabulous addition too! Thanks, Hedi!
Kit Graham says
The burgers look so healthy and fresh! I love it!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Kit!
Jessica {Swanky Recipes} says
I’d always loved tofu burgers and all these extra spices sound amazing right now! Bet our family would love this recipe!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Jessica! I’m glad I’m not the only one into tofu burgers! Let me know if you try it!
Kate | The Veg Space says
Great idea, haven’t tried making tofu burgers before, but I’ve just acquired a tofu press so will definitely give this a try now! Sounds so yummy, and super-healthy – thanks for sharing!
Jenn S. says
Ooooh, fun! You’ll have to let me know if the tofu press is worth it! Thanks, Kate!
choclette says
I’ve made plenty of bean burgers, but never tried making one with tofu. Nice idea. Also really like your use of hemp seeds – never thought of that either.
Jenn S. says
This one holds together much better than a bean burger – even though I have a few bean burgers that hold together really well too! 🙂 Thanks!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
I’m always looking for a good veggie burger recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Sam!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
I’m always looking for new veggie burger recipes – this one looks like a winner!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Kathryn!
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
We are fans of dry fried tofu here. It’s so chewy and flavorful that way. I love the idea of grinding it up to make burgers. Bean burgers are great, but it’s fun to try different versions. And the bean spread? That looks awesome! I’d put that on all kinds of things.
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Annemarie!! I love tofu that way too! So yummy!
Jesse Ayers says
This burger looks delicious as can be! I think people that don’t like tofu have just never had it done right.
Jenn S. says
I agree! Thank you, Jesse!
Arzo Travels says
I am also not the biggest tofu fan, but if you prepare it correctly it can be good. Your burger looks delicious and I need to pin this recipe 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
The texture of these burgers looks awesome! It’s so funny how everyone thinks vegans live on tofu, I’ve never eaten much of it either. It’s a great ingredient though, super versatile both in sweet and savory things! And your son certainly knows how to top a burger, those are my favorite toppings too 🙂
Jenn S. says
Super versatile! And it really takes on the flavor of whatever seasonings you use. Like Lucie and I were saying below – NO ONE likes it straight out of the package! 🙂
Lucie says
I guess most people have no idea what they’re hating when they talk about hating tofu – I mean, hardly anyone likes it when they try an unflavored piece of plain tofu. Just like hardly anyone would like an unseasoned piece of steamed chicken breast. But once you learn to work with it, it becomes such an amazing and versatile ingredient!!! It’s a blank canvas waiting to be turned into something great. Which is exactly what you have done in this amazing recipe! I love tofu in burgers and the hemp seeds must be such a delicious component. Can’t wait to try this 🙂
Jenn S. says
Yes, I totally agree!!! I wouldn’t eat it straight out of the package either! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine says
I loved tofu back in the day…and see this is the most perfect burger to make if I ever find that hemp tofu…..I’m in like a food desert over here 😛 Hahaha!
Jenn S. says
I’ve never tried hemp tofu…have yet to find it locally. I’m sure they have it at Whole Foods, but that’s about 40 minutes from me. The hemp tofu would take this to the next level of hippie! Love it!