August 31, 2010
(last updated September 30, 2025) 
These baked vegan tofu burgers come together with minimal fuss and effort, yet they’re reliably tasty. They feature wholesome ingredients—tofu, tahini, ground oats—and form a patty that’s tender, yet firm, and very satisfying.
No-fuss and no-fail, these are the only vegan tofu burgers that I make at home.
One of my pet peeves about homemade vegan burgers has always been the cost benefit analysis. Many recipes require a lot of steps, only to yield a burger that’s…fine?
With all of the good, store-bought vegan burger options these days, the bar is set high for homemade versions. They’re usually cheaper and often more nutritious, but for me, the real question is whether they deliver on that important overlap of good flavor and minimal effort.
My tofu burgers feature ingredients that I nearly always have at home for other recipes. These include tofu, tahini, nutritional yeast, and ground flax seeds. I can decide to make them and have them on my dinner table in less than an hour, and the leftover patties keep nicely for nearly a week.
These are the low-stress, homemade burgers that I’ve always wanted yet failed to achieve with lots of other ingredients and methods. The fact that they’re protein-rich and nutritious only makes me appreciate them more.
Managing texture expectations
The number one compliant that I hear about vegan burgers is that they’re crumbly, rather than firm.
I understand this criticism, especially if you’re accustomed to omnivorous burgers that hold their shape easily over a hot grill.
For the sake of managing expectations, I’ll say this: my tofu burgers are not grillable. They’re not especially firm or dense, and if you’re not careful right after you bake them, they could break on you (though they probably won’t go so far as to crumble).
This doesn’t mean that the burgers feel delicate or lack substance. I think they’ve got a nice, hearty texture, and they do have some firmness, especially after they’re stored in the fridge for a day or two.
Because the tofu-burgers are baked, they also have a pleasantly crispy exterior after they emerge from the oven.
In other words, the burgers are neither mushy nor crumbly, but they’re not going to resemble, say, an Impossible or Beyond burger. For me, this is fine! The ultra meat-like texture should be left to the pros.
In the meantime, let tofu be tofu, let oats be oats, and let them both make a great, easy little burger.
How to make baked vegan tofu burgers
First things first: while I’ve given you the assurance that you won’t need to chop, dice, or sauté to make the tofu burgers, they do call for grinding rolled oats into a coarse flour. The oats help to bind the burgers together and add a nice dose of soluble fiber to the recipe.
I like to use my food processor to grind the oats that get folded into the burgers. I always have rolled oats at home for overnight oats and other breakfasts, so it makes sense for me to use them in this recipe.
However, I understand that cleaning your food processor might be a mark against this recipe’s ease and simplicity. Plus, not everyone has a food processor.
For this reason, you have the option to use oat flour that’s store-bought in the recipe, too. This is noted on the recipe card!
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Get your oven ready for baking the tofu burgers by preheating it to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
NB: The tofu burgers themselves are oil-free, but I personally like to spray (or lightly drizzle and then brush) the parchment or foil with some avocado oil. I also lightly brush or spray the tops of the burgers before baking.
I like how the tiny amount of avocado oil helps the burgers together become crispy and prevents sticking, but you can omit the oil if you prefer.
Finally, I like to lightly press my block of extra firm tofu, which is the type needed for the recipe. No need to use a tofu press or even two plates for this; a light press is all that’s needed. I put the block of tofu between some tea towels and press gently, yet firmly to wring out some of its moisture, and then I move on.
Step 2: Grind your oats
Add your rolled oats to your food processor. Process them for about a whole minute, or until they’re ground into a coarse flour (it’ll look a little like oat bran).
Go ahead and transfer the ground oats into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, skip this step and add your store-bought oat flour to a mixing bowl instead.
Step 3: Mix the burgers
Crumble your tofu into the mixing bowl with the oats. Add all of the other burger ingredients: ground flax, tahini, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and onion and garlic powder.
Use your hands to mix this into a dense, sticky mixture. It should be relatively uniform, but you may still see small pieces of tofu throughout. This is OK. When you try to squeeze it into a ball or shape it into a patty, it ought to hold its shape well.
Step 4: Shape and bake the burgers
Speaking of that, shape the burgers into four nice, round patties. They should be about 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in diameter and about 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick. You can choose to make six smaller (slider sized) burgers if you like.
Transfer the burgers to your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, filling them once halfway through baking so that they brown evenly.
Once baked, the burgers should be golden and crispy on each side.
Step 5: Rest
Let the burgers rest for at least 15 minutes before enjoying them. I personally think they’re best on day two, after they’ve firmed up in the fridge overnight, but you don’t have to wait that long. Just allow them some time to cool before placing them onto buns (or however you want to serve them).
Serving suggestions
I love serving the burgers traditionally, on a bun with ketchup, mustard, or homemade vegan mayo. They’re also delicious topped with grilled onions or mushrooms—talk about a plant-forward burger!
I’ve also used the tofu burgers as a simple, add-on vegan protein for bowls. I love legumes, but even I get tired of lentils and chickpeas in my grain bowls and salads. A veggie burger topping can be a really nice change of pace.
Finally, for a more Mediterranean-inspired treatment, the tofu burgers are great in a pita pocket with quick pickled cucumber slices, tomato slices, or a few generous spoonfuls of vegan tzatziki—or all of the above.
Simple, Foolproof Tofu Burgers (Vegan)
Author –Yields: 4 burgers
Ingredients
- Avocado oil or avocado oil spray (for coating your baking sheet and baking the burgers)
- 16 ounces extra firm tofu (450 g)
- 2/3 cup rolled oats (70 g; substitute 1/2 cup / 60 g oat flour)
- 1 tablespoon ground flax meal
- 2 tablespoons tahini (substitute cashew butter or almond butter)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (flakes or powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Lightly spray the sheet or brush it lightly with avocado oil.
- Use tea towels or paper towels to wrap and press the tofu firmly. Aim to remove as much excess moisture as you can with gentle pressing. Set the tofu aside.
- Transfer the rolled oats to a food processor fitted with the S blade. Process for 60 seconds, or until the oats are ground into a meal. If substituting oat flour, skip this step and proceed to step 3.
- Transfer the ground oats or oat flour to a large mixing bowl. Add the tofu, ground flax, tahini, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and tamari. Use your hands to mix everything well, until you have a sticky, dense, and evenly incorporated mixture.
- Shape the burgers into four round patties. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spray the tops of the burgers with additional avocado oil.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake the burgers for 20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through their baking time, or until both sides are a nice, golden brown. Allow the burgers to rest for 15 minutes after you remove them from the oven, then serve them as desired or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
The burgers can be frozen for up to 8 weeks. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and enjoying.
If you need a new vegan burger recipe that’s refreshingly unfussy, you’re tired of bean burgers, or you’re hoping to replace a commercial meat-like burger with something more nutritious, tofu burgers will be your new BFF.
Hope you love them!
xo
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Categories: Main Dishes,
Vegan Basics
Method: Oven
Ingredients: Tofu
Dietary Preferences: High Protein, Vegan
Recipe Features: Meal Prep
Method: Oven
Ingredients: Tofu
Dietary Preferences: High Protein, Vegan
Recipe Features: Meal Prep
Leave a Comment
I did these just a moment ago. I fried one to test and when I flipped it it really disintegrated in a thousand particles. I guess there isn’t enough liquid to bind. How can I remedy because its not a bright idea to dump all nine.
Thanks.
Joe
Hey Joe,
Seeing as ‘Gena’ never answered..im curious what did you end up doing to salvage your burgers? I was thinking of making these then read your comment-started thinking..perhaps some mashed avocado? Nut butter? Mashed beans..but really you are then making a new recipe.
Hi Kim. I wasn’t able to respond when Joe first commented, but I plan to retest these and make sure that the binding of the burgers really works out. If not, I’ll make some adjustments and update the recipe accordingly.
Joe, I’m sorry that you had this experience. The burgers held together when I made them, but that doesn’t mean that the recipe doesn’t need some improvement. Adding some tahini or extra liquid would likely help to bind them better. I plan to retest these, since they’re an older recipe, which may give me more insight into what happened. And I’m sorry that my response comes too late to salvage your batch.
These look amazing! I love the combo of tahini and nutritional yeast. Thanks for the recipe!
I made these burgers today – yum! Thanks for sharing.
Yum. That recipe looks really good. I never thought to combine oats and tofu in a burger.
So sorry to hear about your trials and tribulations. Loss of internet is a stinker. I know how easy it is to become hooked. Being dumped by email is almost worse, but as you so wisely say, this disrespectful (and downright cowardly) method of departure is a clear indication of what the person is really like – no great loss.. As my friend Andrew so inelegantly says, “Scrape the shoe, and move on”… (dog owners will get the reference!) I prefer the Feng Shui approach of clear the clutter out of your life to make room for the good stuff to come in.
Hugs and wishing you strength to deal with your tougher days.
xx Kate
I just thought I’d let you know I tried and loved these! I just baked them in the oven and they still got a great crust and held together perfectly. With the short ingredients list they are so easy too ๐ Thank you.
These are my new favorite things, I’ve already made them twice, the first time the entire batch may have been consumed over the course of just one day… I must have made mine smaller than yours though because I got 8 and I also realized after the fact that I used only 1/2 cup of oats and 14oz of tofu, but I doubt they could have been all that different. yum
do you think it would be possible to bake these in a pan? almost like a tofu casserole and then cut it into slices?
Um, not sure. You’ll have to try it and tell me!
Oh my goodness, they actually held up on the grill? That is wonderful! The flavor combo must have been a bit cheesy almost I would think.
my world would fall apart without the computer or internet. but yes i enjoy unplugging from time to time too.
lovely looking burgers!
Ug, good riddance to that guy!
Sorry to hear about your troubles – these burgers look perfect, though. And just in time for labor day bbqs!
Oh Time Warner, how I love thee and thine “2 weeks out” appointments.
Jeez Gena, that does not sound fun. I agree with you – I like to feel connected to what’s going on, always. And then have the freedom to step away from connectivity IF I CHOOSE TO, not be forced into a disconnected black hole involuntarily.
I’m wishing you much luck with the modem.
Thanks Gena! I was craving something with avocado ;). I’ve had a few internet breakdowns in my day. Scary sometimes how we are attached to our computers both for work and play.
I just saw this recipe and whipped them up for breakfast – yumo! We just sold our 2 family cars for scrap and the day they were hauled off, the propane tank ran out on the grill. As soon as we figure out how to transport a propane canister safely on a bike, we’ll be grilling these babies! Thanks Gina.
P.S. I tried your yam/chick-pea burgers and they were so delicious!!! I ate the whole batch one Saturday afternoon/night BUT I did use mashed chick-pea because I couldn’t find the flour and within minutes (even though I soaked them overnight) the chick-peas made me look about six months pregnant. I’ve never done well on those… Any other suggestions? I did love them so but I can’t go through that again!
Delaney,
I can’t think of a bean sub in those burgers, sadly. Have you tried Bean-Zyme? It’s the vegan version of Beano.
G
Dumped over email, so cold. I’m sorry. Sometimes I long for the days when we couldn’t text or email. Remember when we were little and if someone called for you and you weren’t home, they just left a message? I kinda miss that. I hope things turn around really fast. You have a lot going on.
Oooh, not sure what to tell you, Delaney. These are really meant to be bean burgers, so if you don’t eat beans, it’s a toughie! Have you tried Bean-Zyme, the vegan alternative to Beano? It’s awesome.
Those veggie burgers look delicious! I cant wait to try them out! Anything with oats in it wins me over! =)
Oh Gena! (((HERE))) is a big hug from halfway around the world. I’m sorry you are having such a rough time. Doesn’t it seem like sometimes all the you know what hits the proverbial fan all at the same time? You’ve been having a really gross couple of days, but if anyone can bounce back in style it’s you! I’m glad your mom was able to cheer you up and get you back on the right track. ๐
I’m like you, no matter how stressed out I get I still like being plugged in all day long. I like keeping on top of my work and staying ahead of it all. We’ve got that in common!
I love the look of those burgers! I LOVE burgers so I’m always up for new recipes.
Sounds like a tough week. Time Warner should get on it and get you back online asap. Glad you were able to publish this post. It sounds like you were able to enjoy the unwanted tech isolation – it can do us all a bit of good ๐
Sounds like a perfect veggie burger, to me!
dumped over email – jesus. like many said, that sucks. i’m sending many virtual hugs to you gena!
the tofu burger looks fantastic. tofu + tahini alone sounds fantastic. mmm…
Eh, it’s OK. The nice thing about being treated so shabbily is that it instantaneously erases all admiration you felt for the person.
Hey Gena!
I have a request: raw chocolate lava cake, or vegan, gluten free angel food cake.
Just some suggestions!
Good luck with the computer troubles!
xo
~Julia
Thanks Julia! I’m actually not a big fan of sweets (unlike other rawbies, I don’t have a passion for raw dessert making), but if the impulse hits me, which I’m sure it will at some point, I’ll have these filed away ๐
the burgers look fantastic!! I have always wondered how to turn tofu into a veggie burger- question answered, thanks!
So sorry about your Internet issues ๐ I used to do internet support via phone for Comcast and it was so horrible to hear about people’s problems, and not be able to send someone out RIGHT AWAY.
Do you have a business plan with Time Warner? We actually had to void some contracts with Comcast for people that had residential service and were constantly calling us saying that they ran businesses or did a ton of work stuff via their home service, and that their internet was always out. So lame…
Sorry about your series of unfortunate events ๐
Just know that you are so inspiring with the foods you create! Those burgers look awesome.
Hey Gena,
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been having a bit of a rough time. I hope Time Warner knows whats best for them by showing up!
On the plus side, your burgers look amazing and I can’t wait to try them! Sending you positive thoughts ๐
I’ve had more than my fair share of meltdowns when it comes to technology. Last summer in particular, I nearly broke down when my computer, camera, and HRM all broke within a week.
I’ve had some phone breakdowns. Always chalked it up to being hyper-sensitive til I got a call one day from my high-powered boss (30 page resume, 5 books) from the Amsterdam airport. She was in hysterics over a matter I can’t even remember now (a missed connection, I think); I only recall that I had to solve the problem from Boston. And I thought to myself, “Wow, even brilliant people with PhDs can go a bit crazy when life doesn’t go according to plan.” A great life lesson. At least my hysterical breakdowns are between me and a few (OK, more than a few) customer service reps along the way.
Hyper-sensitive is literally the last thing anyone would say about me, so believe me, it’s the technology failures — not us!
While I don’t really like Tofu burgers – I prefer a thick tasty black bean burger with seasoning! ๐ But, I can relate with the being plugged in thing for sure. I even have a hard time unplugging when I’m out hiking or climbing. If I get a signal, chances are I’m using my iPhone to stay connected.
C,
I’m with ya! In fact, was gonna respond to averie’s comment above by saying how much I prefer bean-ful burgers ๐ But I was still excited for this recipe challenge, and its a nice alternative.
G
I can’t wait to make these burgers for a potluck- thanks for the recipe!
Ah Im so sorry! the whole combination of events totally sucks. Good luck getting it all figured out. The burgers look great!
My husband and I have been enjoying tofu once a week as of late and I want to try a new recipe each week. I think this will be the one for next week! Do you think it will be okay with firm pressed tofu instead of extra firm?
Oh, definitely.
I’m so sorry about your internet! I can’t imagine not having mine either. Good luck with that.
Those tofu burgers look yumm-o! And agree, everything’s bettah with avo!
Good luck with the cable guys…maybe Jim Carrey will show up at your door ๐ Yummy burgers! I LOVE avocado and eat it on almost everything.
Oy geez. I totally understand about your internet situation. I try to disconnect myself from the computer screen as much as I can but it’s SO hard. Hope you get it back soon.
These look awesome and I love how simple they are! *Saved*
That stinks about the internet. I’ll admit that I’ve become way too dependent on technology. Without a computer/tv/phone, I would probably just sit and stare at the wall! I’m sorry about your hectic week hope everything resolves itself soon ๐
I am the same way as you. Sometimes I appreciate ‘unplugging,’ but all the work I do is online and I love doing all the little, easy, mindless tasks while watching a movie with Dan or sitting outside on the porch with a cup of coffee.
I’m sorry about all the difficulties you’ve been facing!! Have you thought about purchasing a wireless card? We have one in the rare instance our internet goes down – it has happened in the past and trust me when I say it wasn’t pretty. My husband decided there and then to get the wireless card and have it on standby!
It’s also useful for traveling!
“I had fifty dollars stolen from my wallet. I got dumped (over email). And itโs that time of the month.”–HUGS!!!!!!!!
And the whole internet thing and being reliant and dependent. Well, it’s like having a car. Could we all probably get along with one IF we had time to restructure our life to make it feasible? Yes. But if it just breaks down or does out with no notice, 17 things are now disrupted in a very big way. I totally feel your pain!!
And the cable companies are legal crooks but that’s another story! Grrr. Not a fan of them!
I too find relaxation in checking my email and staying connected. I do like to unplug too but have to force myself to. My natural tendency like yours is to stay in the know and in the loop!
Oh I ordered that book recommendation from Amazon,thanks…no promises when i will read it all, but it’s on it’s way ๐
The burgers, lovely!!! without being too heavy, dense, bean-laden. Great work, of course!!!
HANG in there hon!!!
๐
I think you are right in the freaking out part, I would be a mess if I did not have any access to the internet. Or I would spend my entire life in Starbucks using their wifi.
Those burgers look delicious, I am gonna try making them but swapping the celery for sauteed mushrooms as I hate celery from the days of insisting the only food I could eat was celery due to it being so low in calories.
Oooh. Glad the celery days are over.
How incredibly frustrating when a service you actually *need* for work is unavailable. Getting dumped is the worst, and by email is such a disrespect. I’m glad you let it spill out and got a quicker fix! Hugs to you.
My time of month just arrived, too… but knock on wood, this week has started out well. I hadn’t been in the habit of buying tofu until the past two weeks, and I love the brand I’ve been buying- it’s a sprouted soybean tofu. Really creamy and neutral tasting, great in smoothies and spring rolls- now I’ll have to try in burgers!
Aww Gena, being upset was totally justified ๐ Those were a lot of things to happen to you all in a day or two. Look at you though, seeing the positive and enjoying a quiet moment this morning ๐
Your a strong, wonderful person!
xoxo
Oh my. I think I feel the same. I refuse to do the facebook or twitter thing because I am already a little worried about how dependent on am on email/blogging, etc.
But like you, the worry with the computer would extend far beyond a blog …but to work, work search, etc etc.
Probably not a good thing.
Manuscript pages? Are you writing something?
Nope. I’m a book editor.
I think we all experience moments like that Gena! I’m glad all will resolve itself this week. These burgers look absolutely delicious!
Ahh so sorry about the internet/modem! ๐
I love that you said everything is made better by avocado – that is becoming my life motto! Good luck with your internet troubles.
These burgers look great. My household happens to not be very tahini-loving. Do you have any recommendations for replacements? Do you think sunflower seeds, soaked and processed, would work?
I don’t know for sure, but I’d wager that unsweetened sunflower seed butter (like Maranatha) would work best as soaking the seeds could add some unwanted moisture. That’s just my guess though.
I think the texture would be nice, but it might not work as efficiently as a binder. I’d say nut butter of some sort is actually a better substitute.
I have had similar meltdowns regarding internet-technician appointments. Like you, I like to be plugged in. These burgers look delicious. I am going to try them with tamari ๐
You poor dear! A break-up over email. That’s the pits!
That tofu burger looks phenomenal–oats are a magical ingredient I’m really learning to appreciate in savory dishes.
I haven’t had internet for about a month now. The first time it got turned off, I freaked out and cried. Now, it kind of feels nice? I have resorted to reading my cookbooks instead of searching the bowels of the internet for the PERFECT recipe for just about anything. And when I’m home, I’m home. No more emails, blogging, work, distraction. I am forced to relax. And it’s been fun. Now, if it goes on too long, I will mutiny my landlord and possibly attack him with a fork to the jugular.
Wow, so sorry about your internet experience, I’d be frustrated too. And wow, so sorry about the trying times – dumped over email? You know what? Good riddance! But I think a breakdown was in order. This is very much reminding me of my last week, hang in there!
I tried and really liked your tofu scramble too and was impressed my egg-loving mother really liked it as well. And I can’t wait to try this burger recipe – thanks! Keep up these great tofu recipes and I just may need a tofu press!
So sorry you have so many crazy things going on right now, but you are a strong, amazing person and I know things will look up for you soon! xoxo
I hope your internet works soon Gena! The burgers look great. ๐
I think you are totally justified in your “breakdown”! You have a lot going on and a gal needs her internet. ๐ I’ve been known to lose it a time or 2 with a frustrating customer service experience. These burgers look fab.
I hope your internet works soon!!!
I know how it feels. When we moved into our house about a month and a half ago, I had to wait 2 weeks to get the internet hooked up. It sucked! Let’s just say I got to know all the baristas at the neighborhood Starbucks really well and vise versa. I made sure that I got all the things that I could get done offline at home so that I would be more efficient with my time at Starbucks!
Good luck! ๐