Gluten Free Cheddar Tofu Burger
Burger night just got a serious upgrade, and you won't miss the beef for a single second. Extra-firm tofu gets pressed until it's dense and sturdy, then soaked in a tamari-based marinade spiked with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder before hitting a hot skillet. The result is a deeply golden, savory patty with real chew and a smoky edge that holds up beautifully under a melted slice of cheddar. One of the trickiest parts of eating gluten-free at the burger joint is the bun situation, but this recipe calls for gluten-free buns right from the start, so there's no substituting or second-guessing. Butter lettuce, fresh tomato, and optional mayo round everything out into a fully loaded stack that looks and eats like the real deal. It comes together in under an hour and serves four, making it a solid weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for anyone at the table who needs to skip the gluten. Crispy, cheesy, and completely satisfying — this one earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the patties
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For serving
- 4 gluten free burger buns
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Drain the tofu and cut the block crosswise into 4 equal slabs, each about 3/4 inch thick. Lay the slabs in a single layer on a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and set a heavy pan or cast iron skillet on top. Press for 30 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible — the slabs should feel noticeably firmer and drier.
- 2
In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the tamari, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Add the pressed tofu slabs and turn to coat on both sides. Let them sit in the marinade for at least 5 minutes while you heat the pan.
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