Tofu Burgers I

The flavor team

The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.

1. Basil + oreganotop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together1,390 recipes

   Shared aroma: estragole (anise, licorice).

2. Sunflower + walnuttop 2% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together129 recipes

   Shared aroma: 2-nonenal (fatty, green).

3. Carrot + leektop 3% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together1,310 recipes

   Shared aroma: coumarin (sweet, hay).

4. Mixed nuts + sunflowertop 3% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together12 recipes

   Shared aroma: coumarin (sweet, hay).

5. Mixed nuts + walnuttop 4% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together36 recipes

   Shared aroma: coumarin (sweet, hay).

Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs

What each ingredient does

Firm tofu

Forms the bulk of the patty and supplies moisture and a soft, crumbly texture.

Carrot

Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness to the patty mixture.

Zucchini

Adds moisture to the mixture, which can make the patties softer if not drained.

Leek or onion

Adds aromatic flavor and sweetness once sautéed.

Breadcrumbs

Coat the outside of the patties, helping them brown and form a crisp surface.

The step that matters

Swap the leek

How well each one fits the dish's main ingredients (tofu, carrot, mixed nuts, sunflower, walnut, basil, oregano):

1. Eggplantfits better
2. Capsicumfits better
3. Lettucefits better
4. Leekthe original

Fit is the average pairing score against tofu, carrot, mixed nuts, sunflower, walnut, basil, oregano. Candidates are from the same food group and used in at least 100 recipes.