Name: Tofu and Vegetable Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483419H11M11S
Total time: PT-483419H11M11S
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed; 1/2 cup grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed); 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option); 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor); 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

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If you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, these Tofu and Vegetable Patties are a perfect choice. They’re packed with healthy veggies, full of plant-based protein, and have a crispy golden crust that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian option or just want to mix up your usual dinner routine, these patties are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and you can customize them to include your favorite veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These Tofu and Vegetable Patties are a great way to get in a bunch of healthy veggies and protein without sacrificing flavor. The tofu gives them a hearty texture, while the combination of vegetables adds a nice crunch and fresh taste. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them as a main course, a snack, or a side dish, these patties are versatile and perfect for any meal. Bonus: they’re also vegan and gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for almost everyone!

Ingredients

While the full list of ingredients is below, here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Firm tofu
Carrot
Zucchini
Onion
Garlic
Gluten-free breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
Ground flaxseed (for binding)
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Olive oil
Spices: salt, pepper, paprika

(Keep reading below for the complete ingredient list and measurements!)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by draining the tofu and pressing out any excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top for about 10 minutes. Once the tofu is pressed, crumble it into a large bowl with your hands or a fork until it has a texture similar to ground meat.

Step 2: Grate and Sauté the Vegetables

Grate the carrot and zucchini, then finely chop the onion and garlic. In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated carrot and zucchini and sauté for another 3-5 minutes until they soften slightly. Remove from heat and let the veggies cool down for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In the bowl with the crumbled tofu, add the sautéed vegetables, gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular), ground flaxseed, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a slightly sticky mixture that holds together when you form patties. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Form the Patties

With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties, about 2-3 inches wide. Try to make them uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Patties

Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, so you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a bun as a burger, or alongside a fresh salad!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Pressing the Tofu: The key to a great texture in these patties is pressing the tofu well to get rid of excess moisture. The firmer the tofu, the better the patties will hold together.
Binders: If you don’t have ground flaxseed, you can substitute it with chia seeds or a tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind the patties together.
Make Ahead: You can make the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re also great for meal prep, so you can cook them and freeze them for later.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spice It Up: Add a little chili powder or cayenne pepper to give these patties some extra heat.
Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to mix in any other veggies you love, like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you want to make these grain-free, you can use almond flour or ground oats instead of breadcrumbs.
Gluten-Free: Be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free alternative if you’re sticking to a gluten-free diet.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Tofu and Vegetable Patties are perfect served with a side of steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or a dollop of vegan yogurt or tzatziki. You can also turn them into a veggie burger by placing them in a whole-grain bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, place the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, layer the patties between sheets of parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or fry them in a little oil for a few minutes on each side to get them crispy again.

4 FAQs

1. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake them on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, to get a crispy texture without frying.

2. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to press the tofu thoroughly and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. The flaxseed or chia seeds will help bind everything together.

3. Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure any sauces or condiments are gluten-free as well.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
You can use frozen vegetables, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture, which could make the patties too wet.

Conclusion

These Tofu and Vegetable Patties are the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making them a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. With the option to customize them to your liking, they’re a great addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether served on their own, as a veggie burger, or with a side of your favorite dish, these patties are bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite veggies!

Tofu and Vegetable Patties

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 patties (4 servings) 1x
Category: Main Dish, Appetizer, Vegan
Method: Frying (or Baking)
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Tofu and Vegetable Patties are a healthy, plant-based option for anyone looking for a delicious vegetarian meal. Packed with protein-rich tofu and a variety of vegetables, they’re perfect as a main dish, snack, or even as a filling for a burger. Easy to make, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, crumble the pressed tofu into small pieces with your hands or a fork.
Add the grated carrots, chopped spinach, onion, and garlic to the bowl, mixing well.
Stir in the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to reach a firm consistency.
Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and form each into a patty shape.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once done, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serve the patties with your favorite sauce, on a bun, or with a side of veggies.

Notes

These patties can be baked instead of fried. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can use other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a different flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.