Tofu Hamburger Helper
Oil-free, peppery, classic vegan hamburger helper for everyday home cooking.
For the Tofu Hamburger:
2 tbsp
nutritional yeast
1 tbsp
low sodium soy sauce
12 oz
firm tofu
For the Hamburger Helper:
1/2
white or yellow onion, small diced
3
cloves garlic, small diced
2 1/4 cups
water
1 cup
soymilk
3 tbsp
nutritional yeast
1 tbsp
ketchup
2 tsp
1/2 tsp
paprika
1 cup
elbow macaroni
1 tbsp
cornstarch
1/4 cup
water
1/4 tsp
sea salt, plus more to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
- Mix nutritional yeast and soy sauce in a bowl to form a paste.
- Crumble tofu into small pieces over the paste and gently fold until coated.
- Air fry tofu on parchment at 300°F for 20 minutes, stirring a few times. Switch to dehydrate for about 10 minutes.
- While tofu cooks, dry saute onion in a skillet over medium heat until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add water, soymilk, nutritional yeast, ketchup, bouillon powder, paprika, and macaroni. Cover and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in tofu crumbles.
- Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into skillet to thicken.
- Season with salt to taste and plenty of fresh ground black pepper.
- Serve hot with extra black pepper on top.
• Cook: 35 mins • Total: 35 mins
Makes 4 servings
Kitchen & Pantry Picks
Nutritional yeastSoy sauceSoymilk (plain, unsweetened)PaprikaBlack pepperSkillet or pot with lidAir fryerMixing bowl
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Notes from Craig
Oil-free adaptation inspired by the The Best Vegan Hamburger Helper from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken. Changes include omitting the oil and using air-fried tofu, macaroni noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, homemade low-salt bouillon, extra water for stovetop cooking, and a pepper-forward finish.