Here is a very quick and healthy chicken burger steak which we use ground chicken and tofu to make the patties. In Japan this dish is called Tofu Hambagu, however my husband pointed out that people may misunderstand it as “vegetarian” dish, so I changed the name since it contains ground chicken. If you are not a big tofu fan, you might be surprised that you won’t probably noticed the use of tofu here. It’s healthier and much more economical than just chicken only. Despite being a low calorie healthy dish, the meat patties are juicy and have great flavor. Pour soy sauce base glaze on top right before you serve. I served the chicken burger steak with salad, rice, and miso soup – very light and healthy dinner.
I want to thank Alyssa of Mom De Cuisine for passing me the blog award! Thank you Alyssa!
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Ingredients:
- 5 oz (142 g, about 2/3 package) regular tofu (not silken)
- 3/4 lb ground chicken thigh
- 3 green onions
- 3 Shiitake mushrooms, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. corn starch
- 10 Shiso leaves, chiffonaded
- 1 Tbsp. corn starch
- 1 Tbsp. sake
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. Konbucha (or substitute with salt)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. water
- 2 Tbsp. sake
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp. Konbucha (or substitute with salt)
Instructions:
- Drain the tofu for 15 minutes like below. We just need 2/3 of tofu so keep the 1/3 in an air tight container filled with water. It can be kept in the fridge for a few days or you can use the remaining tofu to make tofu miso soup.
- Meanwhile, cut Negi, Shiitake mushrooms, and ginger and put them in a large bowl. Add tofu and egg yolk and mix all together using hands. Add Seasonings and continue to mix with hands.
- Pinch off 2 inch from the mixture and make meatballs. Toss each ball from one hand to the other hand repeatedly about 5 times in order to release the from air inside the balls. Burger steaks will crack while cooking if the air inside is not released. Then make oval shape patties (see a picture below). The top shouldn’t be completely flat (a bit more round). The tofu will release water if you wait, so start cooking the patties soon.
- In a non-stick frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Put the patties on one by one. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on one side. Do not turn over until browned. After you turn over, lower heat to medium low and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat the process for the 2nd batch if you couldn’t fit all the meat patties in the frying pan. After you are done with cooking the patties, go to the next step.
- In a smaller frying pan, bring Sauce Seasonings to a boil. Then stir in corn starch mix. Make sure corn starch mix is dissolved completely. When the sauce gets thicken, pour the sauce over the steak.
- In a smaller frying pan, bring Sauce Seasonings to a boil. Then stir in corn starch mix. Make sure corn starch mix is dissolved completely. When the sauce gets thicken, pour the sauce over the steak.
- Garnish with shiso leaves.
)
Enjoy!
Hi, I'm Nami. Thanks for stopping by Just One Cookbook. You can read little bit more about me 
{ 70 comments… read them below or add one }
This burger must be very moist with added tofu, i must try in a quick lunch one day. Thanks for sharing Nami.
These look so good! A great alternative to hamburgers – healthier and more economical! I am bookmarking this to try. And your photos are gorgeous!
love this! so healthy!
Nami, this patties look fabulous! I’m not a big fan of tofu, but the combination with chicken ground make them just appealing!
I’ve been wanting to make these! I think it’s about time
Looks delicious!
Nami, your chicken hamburgers will be another dish I’m going to test very soon! They look so delicious and guiltless, I want them now! Maybe you should send me you weekly shopping list so that I a prepared to make your beautiful dish as soon as I see it
Adding tofu to ground meat is something I do very often: it always makes the patties/balls softer (especially when made with very lean meat). The presence of shiitake is very surprising. I can imagine how interesting and complex they must make these patties. Changing the name was a wise and creative decision!
I have the world’s BIGGEST tofu fan and would eat it without being asked
Why don’t more people use it? Especially in burgers, yum! (or in ma pao tofu, yum!!) Great burger too, much different to the American ones despite it still being called a ‘burger’!
I’ve been wanting to use more tofu, this is great! I think my kids would really love this one. Thanks for sharing!
These look beautiful and I love the look of that glaze, I could put that on anything. I like the idea of adding the tofu to the chicken. As usual very nice photos.
Suzi
Nami these look so good. What a great alternative to a regular burger. We dont eat a lot of red meat in our house so this is wonderful!
Great idea to combine tofu and chicken! These burgers look so tasty!
Yum this is one of my favorites to make at home, sometimes I do tofu with canned salmon or tuna too. Yours looks so fancy with the glaze and shiso garnish, I normally just eat with soy sauce. =) Great job Nami!
Chicken and tofu, two of my favorite things in the world to eat! I saw the photo and thought the sauce on top was ponzu, my mouth started to water right away… You know I have been making a lazy person’s sandwich by using 2 slices of toasts, a few slices of turkey, mayo, ponzu sauce and fried onions. So yum!
Great recipe Nami. I don’t use tofu much but think I should give it a try after seeing this.
Way healthier than beef, and I love a good chicken burger. I’m sending this recipe to a couple of my children that I know will love this too. Thanks a bunch Nami!
I never thought to mix tofu with meat to make patties! YUM!
WOW! What a healthy tofu burger
I was looking at the magazine two days ago and I saw a tofu burger recipe but yours definitely looks better. Looks so yummy!
This looks AMAZING! I’ve mixed tofu with ground pork and hubby had NO idea. Believe it or not, he’s actually requested that I made a tofu dish for him….go figure!
I have never cooked with tofu before. I love chicken burgers though, so this is a great way to stretch it. They sound wonderful!
I love tofu all the time combined with chicken in soups & salads.You idea of making patties out of them is superb & healthy Nami. And what a beautifully arranged plate my friend!My husband LOVES ground chicken ..he is into kebabs all the time, these patties with tofu will please him certainly. Tofu will make these super moist and creamy..I m making this soon for him..thanks for sharing!
What a great coincidence! I’ve just made a tofu dish as well!
You know I love tofu and we always eat them fried crispy. I like the idea of adding them to the meat to make patties.
Your chopstick holders are cute!
What a fantastic looking meal Nami – as you know, I am not a big tofu fan, so this is a perfect way for me to make use of it.
Mandy
Have a happy day.
These look so good, Nami! I make Hamburg Steak w/tofu, but never thought about using it with ground chicken! What a great idea!! I like that you add the shiitake mushrooms to add extra meatiness. You always make the best stuff
Again, your photos are beautiful, I love the colors!!
I’ve never tried this dish before, but sounds like very good. Maybe I should give this recipe to Douglas with “hint hint” ; )
This sounds delicious, what a great combination and I bet the texture is just perfect. I absolutely love your flavors, Nami! I’ll be trying this one!
Love this one Dear,
I sure the tofu must have made this burger soft and silky in texture….
Yummmm… Such a healthy dish.
lovely combination for the burger
Wow this looks fantastic! What a great idea
i love the idea of combining tofu and chicken. I would imagine it makes it taste lighter. Happy Wednesday!
These are gorgeous AND sound so tasty! A great way to introduce tofu to my family without them even knowing
Loved your guest blog, too~
I would have never thought of that! I am sure that the hamburger steak is more tender and juicy combined with the tofu and yes, it really is more economical. I am especially intrigued with the seasoning as it is so new to me to flavour meatballs that way.
The shiso makes it look extra fresh. This is the first year that I grow shiso in a pot and mine looks very different. It’s purple and a bit prickly. Yours is prettier.
Healthy and delicious looks like an impossible combination but you made it possible through this post. I know of a similar recipe which is called Mushroom burger,usually its made out of entirely mushrooms but being me I added a small amount of beef on it, it will be posted soon.
As always your food looks amazing! Im trying this one next.
Mmmmm yummmm! I love chicken burgers, but these sound even better! They look so moist and I love that dressing! Very healthy (yet delicious) dinner!! Bookmarked!
These look so good and I know I’d love these for dinner with all of those delicious flavors! I like that it combines tofu and chicken and that sauce on top is just perfect. I must try!!
this looks amazing and my kid will love it. this is going to become a regular on our menu!
One of my favourite recipes!! I have been looking for this dish for a while. Now I can make it at home ^^
i love mixing chicken and tofu for my boys. Makes the patties (or balls) wonderfully moist! Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving those kind comments.
Can’t wait for a baking post from you soon 
Happy weekend! – Shaz
Tofu with chicken is a brilliant combo and love the way you make it !
I can honestly say I have never tried tofu in my life. Maybe because it has such a negative image? However, if there was a recipe I would try it in, I think it may be this one!
Nami, we should eat more of this burger than the red meat. More healthy. Looking good!
Chicken tofu burger steak must be very soft and tender! Will try this when free. Now won’t be cooking that often, busying with all the cleaning up, moving things and unpacking (hate all these!). We only move in when everything’s done.
Have a great day!
Hi Nami,
Love the look of your dish! I love to mix tofu in my meat patties as it gives texture n moistens. Hey, your salad looks so great! Can you pls share your secret? Michelle
Hi Michelle! I think this salad was Trader Joe’s Herb Salad Mix. In case you don’t live in the US, Trader Joe’s is a grocery store that I often go to. After I took this picture, I sort of regret that I didn’t pour any dressing on it. My kids have their favorite dressing so I usually don’t add dressing when I serve.
Thanks, Nami. I’m from Singapore and I find it hard to present my salad in such pretty manner. Congratulations on your award! Michelle
What an amazing idea!! Coming from someone who loves burgers but is trying to not eat red meat, these are PERFECT. Thanks for sharing
These are mighty delicious looking burgers. Never would I thought that they are made with tofu..very beautiful presentation, and photos…Have a wonderful day Nami!!!
Nami! This looks delicious. I’ll have to try this with the boys this weekend. They’re going to love it. I’m so glad you came by my site so I could come visit you here. I know I’m going to love all your stuff! I’ll let you know how I do with your eggplant/ponzu recipe. It’s on the menu for next week!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
What a gorgeous meal! That sauce looks out of this world. I’m not a huge tofu fan, but if it’s mixed with chicken I think there’s a much better chance of me liking it!
Delicious looking meal! I bought 3 boxes of firm tofu from costco. I generally breakfast scramble and I don’t like stir fried tofu. I think I will use the remaining to make your burgers. Oh nami, they look so gorgeous. The entire plate is inviting,loving the fresh salad too!
Love the combination of ground chicken and tofu. You take such beautiful photos!
These look really delicious and healthy! I must say I have not bought ready made burger patties since I started learning how to cook because making your own is not difficult and you know exactly what is in the burger patties!
Wow! I have never been a fan of tofu, but I have never thought to mix it with another protein. This recipe sounds great and like a great opportunity for my to test out tofu in my house again!
HI Nami! Phew, finally got in – it must have been my IE
Anyway I love Japanese style burgers and yours look delicious! You know, I have not made homemade burger patties for such a long time!
Love chicken and tofu burgers. Your pictures make it look very filling and delicious, with lots of nutritious ingredients. Love it! Sure to be a hit with the whole family too, since kids love burgers!
Love tofu in meat patties, it makes it really moist and tender!
hi nami, I love this new recipe so healthy…my hubby is asking me to make healthy recipes and I know where I can find one…here =)
How did I miss this awesome recipe? I LOVE it! I have to try swapping out breadcrumbs and parmesan for tofu, it seems like the perfect way of getting a juicy burger, without the added calories!
I love anything with tofu in it. Tofu is so versatile and adding it to meat is fantastic. Your tofu burgers look very healthy and delicious! I would have to make lots of these at our house.
I really must try this recipe!! i am in love with it already:) thank you for sharing this.
I used turkey in these as well. Big hit.
Hi Furbear! Thank you for letting me know. I’m glad you liked this recipe!
IS there a subsitute for Konbucha, that I can put in this recipe? or can I leave Konbucha out?
Hi lele! You can leave the konbucha out. Maybe add 1/4 tsp salt more.
konichiwa! i just recently discovered your site and was intrigued by this recipe… combining ground chicken and tofu was a great idea…tried it out last night with my own little twists and they turned out so tender and light….i’ll be making this again, for sure. by the way, i think a really great alternative to konbucha, is powdered dashi–i even managed to find a brand that didn’t contain any msg. anyways, arigato for the inspiration!
Hi Akiko-san! Thank you for trying this recipe! Substitute of MSG-free dashi powder is a great idea! I’m glad you found MSG-free dashi powder. I can find it but I heard it’s not available everywhere yet. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for trying!
Hi Nami, I’m a new fan of yours
I just cooked this this morning and my wife and toddler really enjoyed it! I think it speaks alot to your taste in ingredients that I actually made several mistakes in preparing it, but it still turns out delicious anyway. Thank you for this great website!
Also I can’t believe no one mentioned that they have kung fu panda tofu at your area… that’s impressive
Hi Andi! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and writing your feedback! I’m glad to hear your family enjoyed it.
Ha! Kung Fu Panda tofu! Yeah it’s the promotional one for the movie I think. That was the only kind available during that time. Today I get the same brand of tofu and it has now The Croods. I don’t even know what it is, but I think it’s a new kids movie. I tried to get one without, but expiration was too close.
Hey! I’ve just finished making this dish! PERRRFECT!! I hate regular tofu, but you know? I don’t mind it at all here! a little bit variation that I made : I added a little bit more sugar, and omit all the sake and mirin (I don’t have it here in Indonesia
), and substitute it with salty soy sauce and pepper, and a little bit of worchestire sauce. oh, and I don’t use a different pan, I use the pan that still have the used-oil-and-goodness from the hambaagu. it tastes just like steak sauce, so yummy!!! Thank you very much for this idea, I love it I love it I love it!!!
Hi Paw! Thank you so much for trying this recipe! I’m so happy that you could still make this dish with a great substitution option. Thank you so much for writing your feedback. I really appreciate it!