Asian Tofu Burgers with Chili Lime Pineapple

For tofu lovers, these Thai-influenced burgers won’t disappoint. The heat of the grill actually amplifies the natural sweetness of the pineapple, making it a contender for one of the best burger toppings around.

2 - 350 g (12 oz) blocks extra-firm tofu, chopped
1/3 cup (80 mL) wheat germ
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp (10 mL) minced ginger
2 Tbsp (30 mL) reduced sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp (15 mL) sesame oil
1 Tbsp (15 mL) sweet chili sauce or chili garlic sauce
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) curry powder
6 pineapple rings
Zest of 1 lime
1/4 tsp (1 mL) chili powder, or to taste
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) sea salt
Grapeseed oil for grilling
6 whole grain buns (optional)
4 Tbsp (60 mL) hoisin sauce

Place tofu in food processor container; blend until pulverized and beginning to stick together. Add wheat germ, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili sauce, and curry powder to container and pulse until everything is mixed together. Form mixture into 6 equal-sized patties.

Pat pineapple rings dry with paper towel and brush both sides with a light coating of oil. In small bowl, stir together lime zest, chili powder, and salt. Season both sides of pineapple with chili mixture.

Preheat grill to medium. Brush tofu burgers with oil and grill for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Grill pineapple rings for 2 minutes per side, or until they have developed grill marks. If using buns, heat them on the grill for 1 minute, or until toasted.

Serve tofu burgers topped with hoisin sauce and grilled pineapple.

Serves 6.

Each serving contains: 220 calories; 13 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 25 g total carbohydrates (13 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 412 mg sodium

source: "Veggie Burgers", alive #370, August 2013