vegetarian chicken-style burger (Printable version)
Juicy plant-based patties with a crispy coating and savory seasonings for bold, classic flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Patties
01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 3.5 oz firm tofu, pressed
03 - 1 medium carrot, grated
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
→ Coating
13 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
14 - 2 large eggs, beaten or 1/4 cup aquafaba for vegan option
15 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
→ Serving
16 - 4 burger buns
17 - 4 lettuce leaves
18 - 4 tomato slices
19 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
20 - Mayonnaise or vegan mayo, to taste
21 - Pickles, optional
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine chickpeas and pressed tofu in a food processor; pulse until coarsely blended without pureeing.
02 - Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl. Incorporate grated carrot, finely chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. Stir until thoroughly integrated.
03 - Divide the mixture evenly into 4 portions. Form each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
04 - Arrange flour on one plate, beaten eggs or aquafaba in a shallow bowl, and panko breadcrumbs on a separate plate.
05 - Coat each patty lightly with flour, then immerse in egg or aquafaba, and finish by pressing into panko breadcrumbs for a uniform crust.
06 - Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
07 - Lightly toast the burger buns for enhanced texture.
08 - Spread mayonnaise on toasted buns, layer lettuce, cooked patty, cheese slice, tomato, and pickles as preferred.
09 - Serve burgers immediately while patties remain hot and crisp.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Easy to make with common grocery store finds
- Ready from scratch in under 40 minutes so it fits busy nights
- Satisfies that comfort food craving without any meat
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
02 -
- Packed with protein and fiber for lasting energy
- Freezes beautifully so you can prep ahead
- Easily adaptable for vegan or gluten free needs
- The smoked paprika is everything here and it took me several trials to find the right one.
03 -
- Toast burger buns every single time for a pro finish and even more crunch
- Use a food processor but stop pulsing as soon as the mixture comes together for the best burger bite
- If baking instead of frying brush each patty with oil before baking and flip halfway for maximum crisp