Tri-Color Tofu-Burg Patties with Ginger Soy Sauce (Japanese Tofu Hamburger Recipe)

In Japanese home cooking, the humble hamburger patty is lovingly called Hambāgu (ハンバーグ). When tofu takes the place of meat, it becomes Tofu-burg (とうふバーグ)—a classic Japanese comfort food that’s affordable, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.

Growing up, I remember the kitchen filled with the gentle aroma of pan-fried tofu patties. Tofu-burg was often a budget-friendly, protein-rich meal, yet it never felt like a compromise. It was simply delicious.

Today, I’m excited to share a colorful twist on this nostalgic dish: Tri-Color Tofu-Burg Patties. By adding vibrant vegetables like carrot, edamame, and corn, these tofu hamburger patties are not only eye-catching but also packed with texture and flavor. This recipe is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal (with a simple egg-free swap), and mild enough for kids to enjoy.

Serve these crispy tofu patties with a classic Japanese ginger soy sauce, and you’ll have a comforting, wholesome dish that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even bento boxes.

RECIPE

Servings: 8-10 medium size patties

Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

1 pack tofu
1/2 small carrot
20-25 edamame beans
3 tbsp canned corn
1 egg
3 tbsp potato starch
Frying oil
Sauce:
grated ginger
soy sauce

Instructions:

Drain the tofu
Wrap the tofu in a paper towel and place a weight on top to remove excess water.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Prepare the vegetables
Defrost the edamame beans by pouring boiling water over them, then remove the beans from their pods.
Finely chop the carrot.
Mix the tofu-burg base
In a large bowl, crumble the drained tofu by hand.
Add edamame, carrot, corn, egg, and potato starch.
Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together.
Shape the patties
Divide the mixture and form it into medium-sized patties.
Pan-fry the tofu patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly crispy.
Prepare the ginger soy sauce
In a small bowl, mix freshly grated ginger with soy sauce.
Adjust the ratio to your taste and set aside.
Serve and enjoy
Transfer the tofu-burg patties to a plate and serve hot with the ginger soy sauce on the side for dipping.

ingredients shopping

Recipe is inspired by Ganmodoki, traditional Japanese Tofu dish:

Ganmodoki is a Japanese dish made primarily from tofu. It is often described as a type of tofu fritter or tofu dumpling. The name "Ganmodoki" translates to "mock goose" in English, indicating its origin as a substitute for goose meat.

It has a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tofu provides a soft and creamy interior, while the vegetables add crunch and earthy sweetness. The seasoning enhances the umami taste, making Ganmodoki a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Just same as Ganmodoki, this Tri-Color Tofu Patties are not only delicious but also nutritious. It is rich in protein from the tofu and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, tofu is low in calories and cholesterol, making this Tofu dish is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet.