A soft burger, tenderized using tofu, that mirrors the bite of a McDonald’s burger while incorporating complementary spices and ingredients.
After watching the kids eat their meals happily at McDonald’s, I decided that a soft burger was necessary. Standard beef burgers and tasty gourmet burgers from restaurants were a hit or miss, and not always a home run.
Soft Burger ingredients
Tofu – The secret tenderizing agent that transforms our burger into something kids or toddlers can eat, chew and bite into easily. What’s more the tofu is undetectable!
Any tofu works, but what kind of tofu (silken, soft, firm) determines how soft the burger will become. Silken tofu tenderizes burgers most but imparts a mushier texture than desired. Mushier burgers are more delicate and difficult to cook. They are more likely to fall apart when cooking them so being extra careful is necessary.
For this recipe I use 1/2 block (8 oz.) soft tofu for 1 lb ground beef. I recommend against using an entire block of tofu to lessen the mushy factor.
Salt and pepper – Be sure to season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper. Our lazy way: season the pan, place patties down in the pan and season just the top of each patty. This works best if using a griddle or pan.
Diced onion – Gives the burger a nice crunch. Optionally, sauté all or half the onions to bring out their sweetness. Allow sautéed onions to cool down before adding them to the burger mixture.
Vinegar (optional) – Vinegar adds a hint of sourness to the meat, but also extra liquid to the mixture. Sour condiments and garnishes, such as mustard, horseradish, pickles, pickled onions, can also stand-in for that sour kick.
Hamburger garnishes or additions
Really essential, garnishes turn a drab hamburger into a delicious, attractive meal.
- Buttered bun with mayo
- Favorite burger sauce – check out simple, quick hamburger sauces here
- Fried onion rings
- French fries
- Favorite potato, tortilla or nacho chips
- Scallion and red onion jam – Toss slices of red onion with honey mustard, vinegar and diced green onions. Warm in a non-stick pan with a bit of oil to absorb the flavorings in quickly.
- Pickled sliced red onions
- Tomatoes and lettuce
- Sauteed mushrooms – see the recipe here
- Pickles
- Bacon
- Favorite hot peppers
- Chopped nuts
- Chinese pickled mustard greens or pickled radishes
- Julienned pickled carrots and daikon radish
Soft Burger Inspired by McDonalds
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Loading...A soft and delicious burger, tenderized using tofu, that mirrors the bite of a McDonald’s burger while also incorporating complementary spices and flavorings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 soft tofu (8 oz.) or other tofu
- 1/2 onion diced finely
- 1 tbsp. honey (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp. vinegar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to coat the burger
- Topping: American cheese or choice of cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, add tofu and whisk until creamy.
Add all ingredients to the bowl: ground beef, onion, honey, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Mix and combine well.
Gently form patties and make a depression in their centers to offset the puffing process during cooking.
Season each patty with salt and pepper on both sides.
Warm a pan (oiled grill, griddle or skillet) over medium-high heat and place patties. While cooking, discard excess liquid that arises from the burgers. Cook burgers uncovered until golden brown on one side, flip and cook the second side until golden brown.
Lay a slice of cheese over each patty before nearly done. Cover to let the cheese melt. Remove after reaching desired doneness. Well done burgers should have an internal temperature of 160F.
Place burgers on your choice of bread and garnish with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Optionally, you can sauté all or half the onions to bring out their sweetness. Allow sautéed onions to cool down before adding them to the burger mixture.
Informational Resources
