Tempeh Burgers, 4 Ways
Attention:
This recipe is intended for By The Brook’s pre-marinated tempeh burgers.
For instructions on making burger patties out of plain tempeh blocks, check out the Teriyaki burgers recipe.
Though Option 1 is our go-to, we recommend all four of these methods for cooking our burgers: sear + bake, steam, poach, or grill. Always thaw your tempeh burgers before cooking!
Option 1: Sear & Bake
Preheat the oven to 400˚ and heat a cast iron or oven-safe, heavy sautee pan at medium heat with enough oil to cover the base of the pan. Once hot, sear both sides of the burger about 1-3 minutes each side until golden brown — the burgers can brown quite quickly so keep an eye on it. This step is primarily for color and flavor. Transfer the browned burgers to the oven and bake for about 5-8 minutes they will be fully cooked through (if you have a cooking thermometer, you’re looking for 165˚ on the inside).
Option 2: Steam
Grab a sautee pan with a lid, add your burgers to the pan with a liquid to about halfway up the burgers. You could use water or any kind of stock, and you could also dress up the liquid with some flavors, e.g. soy or Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, etc., but just plain water will do. Bring the liquid to a simmer and put the lid on. Gently simmer your burgers for about 5-6 minutes. Don’t leave the stove area, watching the water level: add a little more liquid if the pan is about to go dry.
After the burger is steamed, we recommend browning it on each side on the grill. You can also do so with oil in a sautee pan or gently with the broiler, or blacken it on a cast iron pan with high heat.
Option 3: Poach
Create your favorite poaching liquid. You might use vegetable stock, soy sauce and water, ginger, vinegar, spices, or herbs. The goal is to compliment the burger profile.
Bring up your broth to a simmer, and drop your tempeh burger into the liquid. Simmer at a steady low heat for about 6-8 minutes, covered. If it boils too hard you may crumble the tempeh. Be gentle.
After the burger is poached, we recommend browning it on each side on the grill. You can also do so with oil in a sautee pan or gently with the broiler, or blacken it on a cast iron pan with high heat.
Option 4: Grill
Set your grill up so it’s hot on one side with a high flame. Sear thawed burgers on the hot side for 1-2 minutes on each side on the hot side — this is for color/char. Then, move burgers to the cooler side of the grill where they can cook through. Close the lid. Keeping the grill around 400-450 degrees, the burgers should be done in 5-10 minutes.