Black Bean Burgers are a fantastic, flavorful option for a meat-free meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and spices, these burgers have a satisfying, hearty texture and are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, these black bean patties are great for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or meal prepping. Serve them on a toasted bun with fresh toppings, and enjoy a burger that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Food processor (optional)
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or oats for a gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- Mash the Beans
In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining for texture. - Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cilantro or parsley, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky. - Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each one into a patty about ½ inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to reach the desired consistency. - Cook the Patties
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping, as black bean patties are more delicate than meat-based burgers. - Serve
Serve the patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a slice of cheese or vegan cheese, if desired.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a whole-grain bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a dollop of spicy mayo or chipotle sauce for a Southwestern twist.
- For a lighter option, wrap the patty in lettuce leaves or serve on a bed of greens with a side of salsa or guacamole.
- Garnish with thinly sliced red onion and pickles for a classic burger experience.
Tips:
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg: mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- These burgers freeze well! Prepare and cook them, then freeze for up to 3 months for quick, convenient meals.
These Black Bean Burgers are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your burger cravings in a healthy way. With a crispy outside and tender inside, they’re versatile, easy to make, and delicious with all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking, these black bean patties are sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based burger that everyone will love!
Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Food processor (optional)
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or oats for a gluten-free option
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 large egg or flax egg for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mash the Beans
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining for texture.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cilantro or parsley, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
- Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each one into a patty about ½ inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to reach the desired consistency.
- Cook the Patties
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping, as black bean patties are more delicate than meat-based burgers.
- Serve
- Serve the patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a slice of cheese or vegan cheese, if desired.
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