Print

Chipotle Lime Tofu Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 221 reviews

These Chipotle Lime Tofu Burgers are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Made with crumbled high-protein tofu seasoned with smoky chipotle adobo, tangy lime, and spicy Tajin, these patties are baked to perfection and served with charred grilled corn for a delicious, wholesome meal that’s perfect for burger lovers seeking a nutritious vegan option.

Ingredients

Tofu Burgers

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil plus more as needed
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 block Nasoya’s Super Firm High Protein Tofu, finely crumbled
  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 vegan "beef" or vegetable bouillon cube, crumbled
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Tajin or chili lime seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 4 tbsp adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • Whole Grain Burger Buns

Grilled Corn

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed
  • 1 clove of garlic, grated
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 tsp Tajin

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Sauté Onion: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until softened, around 3-4 minutes.
  2. Cook Tofu: Stir in the finely crumbled tofu, spreading it out to cover the pan bottom. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to allow it to brown slightly, then toss and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until golden.
  3. Season Tofu: Add soy sauce, crumbled vegan bouillon cube, garlic powder, 1 tsp Tajin, ground coriander, and allspice. Stir well to coat the tofu evenly and sauté for a minute more. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Form Burger Mixture: Transfer the tofu mixture to a mixing bowl when cool enough to handle. Add panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, nutritional yeast, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly, then knead with hands until the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape Patties: With lightly oiled hands, portion the mixture into four equal 1/2 inch thick patties, about 1/2 cup each, fitting your burger buns’ size. Place patties on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  6. Bake First Stage: Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  7. Prepare Glaze and Baste: While baking, combine the adobo sauce, maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp Tajin in a small bowl. After 15 minutes, brush the glaze on the top of each patty, flip them, brush again, then return to bake for another 15 minutes.
  8. Rest Patties: Remove from oven and let the burgers rest for 5-10 minutes before assembling with whole grain buns and your preferred toppings.
  9. Grill Corn: While the patties bake, heat a heavy bottom skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place corn ears in the pan and cook for 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to char evenly.
  10. Season Corn: Mix grated garlic, lime juice, Tajin, and a pinch of salt. While the corn is still hot, brush the mixture over it and serve.

Notes

  • Use firm or super firm tofu to ensure the patties hold together well.
  • Adjust the amount of Tajin/chili lime seasoning to your preferred spice level.
  • Allowing the tofu mixture to rest after cooking helps flavors meld and improves texture.
  • Panko breadcrumbs aid in achieving a crispy texture in the baked patties.
  • Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the chipotle lime seasoning.
  • If gluten-free, substitute panko and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
  • These burgers freeze well; freeze patties before baking for easy meal prep.