Craving those iconic White Castle sliders but want a plant-based version? This recipe captures the essence of the classic burger using textured vegetable protein and other flavorful ingredients. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
If you're not familiar with textured vegetable protein (TVP), it's a high-protein meat substitute made from soy flour. You might also need to look for liquid smoke, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Both can be found in the health food or specialty sections of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For White Castle Hamburger Recipe
Textured vegetable protein: A high-protein meat substitute made from soy flour.
Hot water: Used to rehydrate the TVP.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic taste.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor.
Liquid smoke: Gives a smoky, grilled flavor.
Slider buns: Small buns perfect for sliders.
Diced onions: Adds texture and flavor.
Vegan cheese: Plant-based cheese slices.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the onions and TVP mixture.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When rehydrating textured vegetable protein (tvp), make sure to use hot water to speed up the process. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to fully absorb the liquid. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of vegetable broth to the water. This will infuse the tvp with additional savory notes, enhancing the overall taste of your vegan sliders.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
textured vegetable protein (tvp) - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great plant-based alternative.
hot water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor to the lentils compared to plain hot water.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and offers a similar umami flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with fresh onions: Fresh onions add a more intense and natural onion flavor.
liquid smoke - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a smoky flavor without the need for liquid smoke.
slider buns - Substitute with whole grain slider buns: Whole grain buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular slider buns.
diced onions - Substitute with caramelized onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the tvp mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hamburgers soggy.
Transfer the cooled tvp mixture into an airtight container. If you have multiple servings, consider using separate containers or dividing the mixture with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Store the tvp mixture in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures that the flavors remain fresh and the texture stays optimal.
For longer storage, place the tvp mixture in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Freeze the tvp mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
To reheat, warm the tvp mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover assembled hamburgers, wrap each one individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their shape.
Store the wrapped hamburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
For freezing assembled hamburgers, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen hamburgers, remove the plastic wrap and wrap them in aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap each slider in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
- Place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tvp mixture is warmed through and the vegan cheese is melty.
Microwave Method:
- Place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Skillet Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Place the sliders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly warmed.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Place the sliders in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the tvp mixture is heated through and the vegan cheese is melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sliders in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they don’t overcook.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Bowl: Use this to combine the textured vegetable protein and hot water, allowing the TVP to rehydrate.
Skillet: This is essential for cooking the diced onions and the TVP mixture.
Spatula: Handy for stirring the TVP mixture and ensuring it cooks evenly.
Measuring cups: These will help you measure out the TVP and hot water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke.
Knife: Necessary for dicing the onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for dicing the onions.
Stovetop: Required to heat the skillet and cook the ingredients.
Serving plate: Use this to assemble and serve the sliders once they are ready.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the tvp ahead: Rehydrate and season the tvp in advance to save time during cooking.
Pre-dice onions: Dice the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-sliced cheese: Buy vegan cheese that is already sliced to save prep time.
Toast buns simultaneously: While cooking the tvp mixture, toast the slider buns in the oven to streamline the process.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch of the tvp mixture and freeze portions for quick future meals.

White Castle Hamburger Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- 1 cup Hot water
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 4 Slider buns
- 1 cup Diced onions
- 4 slices Vegan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine TVP and hot water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
- 2. Add soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke to the TVP. Mix well.
- 3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent.
- 4. Add the TVP mixture to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Place the TVP mixture on the slider buns. Top with vegan cheese slices.
- 6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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