Cabbage and Tofu Patties with Mushrooms and Bell Peppers

These Cabbage and Tofu Patties are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a satisfying dish. With the added flavor of mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic, these patties are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. They are easy to make and packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice for any meal. Serve them with a simple dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Preparation Time:

  • Active Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 28-35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

  • 250g tofu, drained and crumbled
  • 1/2 small cabbage, finely shredded
  • 30g mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 40g bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 15g garlic, minced
  • 20g green onions, finely chopped
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (for the mixture)
  • Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tofu:
    • Drain the tofu well and crumble it into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Finely shred the cabbage, chop the mushrooms, bell peppers, and green onions, and mince the garlic.
    • Add the shredded cabbage, chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and green onions to the bowl with the crumbled tofu.
  3. Mix the Ingredients:
    • Add the beaten eggs, corn starch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to the tofu and vegetable mixture.
    • Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when formed into a patty.
  4. Shape the Patties:
    • Form the mixture into small patties, about the size of the palm of your hand.
  5. Cook the Patties:
    • Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Fry the patties in batches, cooking each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 8 minutes per batch.
    • Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a splash of soy sauce or your favorite condiment to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the cabbage and tofu patties hot, with the dipping sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the patties with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.
  • These patties also pair well with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger dressing.

Cooking Tips:

  • If the mixture is too wet, add a little more corn starch or breadcrumbs to help bind the patties.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Tofu: Provides plant-based protein and is a good source of calcium and iron.
  • Cabbage: Rich in vitamins C and K, and provides fiber for digestive health.
  • Mushrooms: Low in calories and a good source of antioxidants.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: Yes

Storage:

  • Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain crispiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • These patties are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
  • The combination of tofu and eggs makes them high in protein and filling.
  • They are versatile and can be served as a main dish, side dish, or snack.

Conclusion: Cabbage and Tofu Patties are a flavorful and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. The combination of vegetables, tofu, and eggs creates a balanced meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Try these patties with the simple dipping sauce for a tasty, nutritious meal that everyone will love!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
    • Yes, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  2. What can I use instead of tofu?
    • You can substitute tofu with cooked quinoa, mashed chickpeas, or grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture).
  3. Can I make these patties vegan?
    • Replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp flax/chia + 3 tbsp water per egg) to make them vegan.
  4. Can I freeze these patties?
    • Yes, freeze the cooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
  5. What other vegetables can I add to these patties?
    • You can add grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach for more variety and nutrition.
  6. Can I use a different starch instead of corn starch?
    • Yes, you can use potato starch or flour if you don’t have corn starch.
  7. How can I make the patties spicier?
    • Add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped fresh chili to the mixture.
  8. Can I use other sauces for dipping?
    • Yes, these patties go well with a variety of sauces like sweet chili, soy-ginger, or even a simple yogurt-based dip.
  9. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
    • Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. You can add more corn starch or even some breadcrumbs if needed.
  10. What can I serve with these patties for a complete meal?
    • Serve with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.