Vegetarians: having a problem with veggie burger recipes

[JanMichael]

Everything I am trying is coming out pretty mushy, even after pan searing. Any suggestions?

We are trying to get away from pre-made processed foods-

[jobycom]

1. What are you making them with? Have you tried baking them?

Even the store bought veggie burgers come out firmer when baked.

[JanMichael]

2. portebello mushrooms and french lentils

We are thinking about adding some oatmeal, or bread crumbs--

Trying to get away from over priced store brands, even though they are good-- we are trying to get more involved, and stay gluten free.

[jobycom]

3. Portebellos will probably always be mushy.

You probably need a binder and some type of grain to soak up the juices. Oatmeal or rice, like you said. Ground flaxseed might work, too, since it has an egg-likeeffect. Are you using a recipe of just making it up?

I used to make them with spinach and tofu, but you had to really drain the tofu--practically dry it out, and I think I used a little cheese to bind them together. They were soft, but not exactly mushy.

[surrealAmerican]

4. I think you're on the right track with the oats or crumbs.

It's probably just too moist. You might try some "textured soy protein" or chickpea flour for that purpose, if you want to add a bit of protein to the burgers.

[LeftyMom]

5. I like the nut-based recipes.

Bean or mushroom ones will have high water content just because beans and mushrooms have high water content. The nut burgers can be pretty dry as long as you have a good binder.

[JanMichael]

6. what do you use for a binder?

We are thinking a beaten egg, and quick cooking oats-

[LeftyMom]

7. The one I use is kind of like this:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/OMG-Good-Nut-Burgers/Detail.aspx

The tahini or other nut butter (unsweetened natural peanutbutter also works) is the binder.

[flvegan]

8. I've recently discovered the delight of using flax seeds as a binder.

Have you ever tried that in any of your baking/cooking travels?

[LeftyMom]

9. Did you mean to ask me?

Honey Agave nectar, I've made things *for you* with flax as a binder. That pumpkin bread I sent a few giftmases back, for sure.

[flvegan]

10. I did.

I didn't know it was in there. You don't send the ingredients list with it. You send food, I eat. It's simpler that way.

[LeftyMom]

12. I would if you wanted.

But I figured you had your hands full just hiding everything from your roomie long enough to get it to eat it all.

BTW, do you want one of those big bags o' cheddar daiya? If you do, LMK so I can send it while it's freezing cold out- it'll save me tons on shipping.

[jobycom]

11. See, no one listens when I suggest that.

:rofl:

I use flaxseed in a lot of things. It's a good binder, it also has a good flavor, and ground flax seeds have a nice energy boost to them. Try them in smoothies.

[flvegan]

13. Can someone tell me what the above post says?

:rofl:

[Zomby Woof]

16. Flax is a good source of Omega-3's, isn't it?

[flvegan]

17. Absolutely! Nice point to make.

[AwakeAtLast]

14. I watched an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"

I know, I know, Guy Fieri.

But - one of the places featured on the episode I watched was famous or their veggie burger. It is in California. I tried to find a link, but could not.

Anyway, I remember they talked about using a lot of black beans in them. There were other things of course, but that's the first I had seen someone use black beans. They described it as "very meatlike". I'm not a veggie burger fanatic, mostly because I don't like mushrooms and that is what a lot of people use the most.

Hopefully this was helpful!

:hi:

[pink-o]

15. I just buy Boca burgers...

20 grams of protein, no fat no carbs. You get to add that later, with the avocado and the bun.B-)

[tblue]

18. Had the same problem and never tried it again.

My husband tried it with that box mix you add tofu to. Same thing. Mushy, wet and messy. But, next time I would use much less liquid/oil/eggs than the recipe says, and add more of those wet ingredients very gradually. If you find a good recipe that works, please share it, ok? Thanks and good luck.