If you’re looking for a burger that delivers on taste, texture, and a satisfying bite, this Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger is the one to try. This bold creation combines crispy sesame-crusted tofu, a rich and spicy teriyaki glaze, charred pineapple, and a tangy sriracha slaw, all packed into a toasted bun. It’s a burger that’s as exciting as it is delicious, perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
See how I make this recipe here.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Extra-Firm Tofu: The perfect plant-based protein for a firm and meaty texture.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.
- Sriracha: Provides a fiery kick to the slaw.
- Red and White Cabbage: Offers crunch and colour.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and extra texture.
- Red Onion: Contributes sharpness and a bit of bite.
- Fresh Coriander: Infuses freshness and brightness.
- Cornflour: Helps create a light, crispy coating.
- Egg or Vegan Milk: Acts as a binding agent for the sesame crust.
- Sesame Seeds (Black and White): Adds a nutty crunch and an appealing look.
- Soy Sauce: Provides depth, saltiness, and umami.
- Mirin: Brings mild sweetness and a subtle tang.
- Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sauce.
- Garlic & Red Chilli: Infuses heat and aromatic depth.
- Mayonnaise (regular or vegan): Adds creaminess and balance to the spicy and tangy elements.
- Burger Buns (Preferably Pretzel): A sturdy and slightly sweet base for all the flavours.
- Fresh Pineapple Slices: Caramelised for a smoky-sweet contrast.
Tips on Getting the Crispiest Tofu
Tofu might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a burger, but extra-firm tofu makes an incredible plant-based patty. It absorbs flavours beautifully, crisps up to perfection, and holds its shape under layers of toppings. When coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried, it develops a crunchy crust that pairs beautifully with the sticky, spicy teriyaki sauce.
For the best texture, pressing the tofu beforehand removes excess moisture. This helps it crisp up when cooked, creating a more substantial and satisfying bite. A simple dredging process, coating in cornflour, dipping in egg or vegan milk, and rolling in sesame seeds, ensures an even, crunchy crust. Pan-frying the tofu on all sides ensures an evenly crisp exterior, while keeping the inside tender.
Crafting the Perfect Spicy Teriyaki Sauce
The Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger wouldn’t be complete without its signature sauce. Above all, a well-balanced teriyaki sauce is essential for this burger. This version has just the right blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes. Soy sauce and mirin form the umami-rich base, while sugar adds a necessary sweetness. Garlic and red chilli bring a fiery kick, elevating the sauce beyond a standard teriyaki glaze. The cornflour slurry thickens it into a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the crispy tofu.
To ensure the best results, cook the sauce until it just starts to thicken. Too thin, and it won’t coat the tofu well. Too thick, and it becomes sticky rather than glossy. Lastly, adding the crispy tofu back into the pan and basting it in the sauce allows every inch to absorb the bold flavours, ensuring every bite is packed with bold teriyaki flavour.
The Power of Charred Pineapple
The addition of pineapple might seem unusual, but it’s a crucial element in the Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger. This burger needs a touch of sweetness to balance the heat, and charred pineapple does just that. Fresh pineapple caramelises beautifully when cooked, bringing out its natural sweetness while adding a hint of smokiness. This sweetness offsets the heat from the sriracha slaw and the spicy teriyaki sauce, creating a well-rounded flavour experience.
For the best results, cook the pineapple slices in a dry pan over medium-high heat until they develop a golden-brown char. This encourages natural caramelisation without making the fruit mushy. Adding it to the base of the burger ensures the juices infuse into the bun, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
Building a Sriracha Slaw with a Kick
A burger as bold as the Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger needs a slaw that can stand up to it. This sriracha slaw brings creaminess, crunch, and just the right amount of heat. The blend of red and white cabbage provides structure, while carrot adds a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar and sriracha give it a tangy-spicy punch, perfectly complementing the rich teriyaki tofu and charred pineapple.
The secret to a great slaw is balance. The mayonnaise softens the heat, while the vinegar keeps it fresh and lively. Tossing everything together in advance allows the flavours to meld, creating a slaw that enhances every bite of the burger. Meanwhile you can get on with the rest of your burger prep!
Assembling the Ultimate Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger
Now comes the best part, bringing everything together. A lightly toasted pretzel bun is the ideal base, sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without becoming soggy. After that, the next step is layering a charred pineapple slice on the bottom bun. This acts as a flavourful foundation, infusing the bun with sweet and smoky juices.
Next, place the crispy, sesame-crusted tofu, ensuring it’s generously coated in the spicy teriyaki sauce. Spoon any extra sauce over the tofu for maximum flavour. Then, pile on the sriracha slaw, letting it spill over the sides for a vibrant, crunchy finish. Finally, crown it with the top bun and get ready to enjoy an explosion of taste and texture.
Customising Your Burger
One of the best things about the Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger is its adaptability.
- If you love extra heat, add more fresh chilli to the teriyaki sauce or an extra spoonful of sriracha to the slaw.
- If you’d prefer a milder version, simply reduce the spice levels by omitting the chilli or using a gentler hot sauce.
- Looking for more crunch? Consider adding pickled red onions or a handful of crispy fried shallots
- Fancy a hit of freshness? Add thinly sliced radishes or cucumber.
- For a richer, creamier touch, a spread of vegan aioli or a slice of avocado works beautifully.
- Swapping the pretzel bun for a classic sesame bun or a whole wheat option allows for even more personalisation.
Pairing Suggestions: Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger
To round out the meal, pair the Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger with sides that complement its bold flavours. Crispy sweet potato fries add a satisfying crunch, while a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad keeps things light and refreshing. For drinks, a homemade iced green tea or a tangy kombucha, for instance, pairs beautifully with the burger’s sweet and spicy notes.
Looking for More Plant-Based Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed making this plant-based burger and are on the hunt for more vegan recipes, look no further!
- Hoisin Tofu Stir Fry: Crispy tofu coated in a deliciously sticky hoisin glaze.
- Chipotle Tofu Tacos: Crispy tofu, sticky chipotle glaze and a bright pineapple glaze all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
- Aubergine Katsu Burger (Eggplant): Golden, crispy aubergine katsu is the star, nestled in a soft brioche bun with a zingy, crunchy cabbage slaw.
Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger
This meat-free burger is an absolute banger! It’s packed with crispy, sesame-crusted tofu, tossed in a spicy teriyaki glaze, charred pineapple and a vegan sriracha slaw. I promise you that even the most avid of meat eaters will love it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
For the slaw:
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise (regular or vegan)
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- ¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced
- ¼ white cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped
For the tofu:
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 1 large egg, beaten (or vegan milk)
- 6 tbsp sesame seeds (I used black and white)
- 280g block extra-firm tofu
For the teriyaki sauce:
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 4 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped
For the burger:
- 3 burger buns (preferably pretzel)
- vegetable oil
- 3 fresh pineapple slices
Instructions
- Whisk the mayonnaise, rice vinegar and sriracha in a large bowl. Add the red and white cabbage, carrot, red onion and fresh coriander and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat then refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the burger.
- Prepare your dredging station by placing the cornflour, egg and sesame seeds into 3 separate bowls.
- Divide the tofu into 3 slices and pat dry with kitchen towel. Dredge each slice in the cornflour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the egg, turning to coat. Allow any excess to drip back into the bowl then coat each slice in sesame seeds. Set aside.
- Onto the teriyaki sauce. Dissolve the cornflour in the water. Add the soy sauce, mirin and sugar and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Working in batches (if necessary), toast your burger buns in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat then set aside.
- Wipe out any lingering crumbs then add a splash of oil to the same pan set over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple slices and cook until browned and beginning to char on both sides, then set aside.
- Clean the frying pan then return it to the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of oil.
- Add the sesame-crusted tofu slices and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until the sesame seeds are golden and crisp, then use tongs to prop the slices on their sides to sear the edges until crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute should suffice.
- Transfer the tofu to a plate and wipe out the pan. Heat a splash of oil then add the garlic and chilli. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant, then add the teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened, then return the tofu to the pan and baste it in the sauce.
- To assemble, place the pineapple slices on each of the bottom buns. Top with the teriyaki tofu, with some extra sauce spooned on top, then lots and lots of that delicious slaw then. Finish it off with the top bun then tuck in and enjoy!
6 responses
This looked amazing! Do you think I could use all purpose instead of corn flour?
Thank you! Yes, absolutely 🙂
This recipe is amazing! Perfect summer burger! And so easy to make
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for you review 🙂
The best (veggie) burger ever!
I’m so glad you think so!