I don’t do many product reviews here but thought it was time for one. I have been eying GardenBurger’s Gourmet GardenSteaks for awhile now and decided to give them a shot. At $5.99 for two it wasn’t an easy choice but I thought maybe they’re worth it. Now anyone who reads this blog or know me otherwise knows veggie burgers are my junk food. I usually down two of them once, sometimes twice if I’m feeling edgy, a week. Served up with a heaping side of tater tots or a couple baked potatoes they are quite pleasing. I decided to go along with the tropical vibe the box said I would encounter with these particular patties I would have a fried plantain with them and since I had a fesh pineapple handy that was in need of being devoured I should cook up a couple slices of it along side as well.
These are pretty hefty patties and I thought twice about having both but decided to not go hungry and threw both in the pan along with a slice of pineapple for each. I am not a directions follower, that “cook 6 minutes each side and serve” crap is worthless. Good things come to those who wait and I cook a veggie burger for no less than 45 minutes, on low, flipping about every 5 minutes. I know you may think that’s burning them but no, that’s getting some amazing flavor from a patty. I would be changing nothing in my cooking regiment with these. I brought them to a good sizzle, turned down the heat to low and checked back every few minutes. I served them up with the aforementioned plantain and on two fresh, homemade buns with lettuce and tomato. They have a good texture and aren’t very mushy. I could taste the chunks of ginger and noticed large flakes of coconut. I did, however, find them to be a bit on the sweet side and decided to forgo the sliced pineapple since it lent only more sweetness. Still, a bit sweet for me as a veggie burger. If I did try these again I would add a bit of heat with some peppers instead of the pineapple slices and use mustard instead of the Vegenaise I typically use.
Two of these at a time are a bit much but I toughed my way through them both, and the fried plantain, which is always a tasty treat. Next time I’ll be spreading the box over a couple nights.
I saw two other varieties when I bought these, a black bean and a Tuscan flavor. The Tuscan is not vegan, the Hula is. I am unsure about the veganess of the Black Bean variety but if it is it will be tried next.
