It’s our go-to meal when we’re in a rush, the humble veggie burger.  Nowadays there are as many recipes for unique meatless patties as you can imagine.  Here is a basic one that relies on oats and breadcrumbs as a binder.  You can either make patties to fry or tofu balls for sauces and stews or even bake it in a loaf pan covered in ketchup for a mock meatloaf.

Tofu Mushroom Burger

tofuburgerMakes 12 patties or 24 tofu balls

  • 1 block firm tofu
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 12 mushrooms, chopped very fine
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 to 2 tsp. sea salt (to taste)
  • 3/4 cup quick oatmeal
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying


Drain and crumble tofu in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Heat a large skillet and add olive oil. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms with the sea salt. Add the oats, herbs and spices to the sauté mixture. Continue cooking until the oats are toasted. Then add the water and stir to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs. Let the mixture cool, then add it to the crumbled tofu and mix well. With your hands, shape the mixture into patties or balls and then roll them into the sesame seeds to create a crunchy outer crust (this step is optional). Fry the patties or balls until brown on both sides. Eat as is or as part of a sandwich with your favorite fixings. You can use the tofu balls in sauces or stews. Alternatively, you can bake the mixture in a loaf pan and cover it with ketchup to create an authentic meatless loaf.