Save Hearty, flavorful black bean burgers with a crispy exterior and tender center are perfect for a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegetarian or vegan meal. Quick to prepare and full of satisfying texture, these burgers make a delicious main dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
I first started making black bean burgers when searching for tasty plant-based options that wouldn&t compromise on texture or flavor. Over time, I found this simple mix of pantry staples creates burgers that everyone enjoys, even the most devoted carnivores in my family.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g), drained and rinsed
- Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Red onion: 1/2 small, finely chopped
- Carrot: 1 small, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground flaxseed (or chia seed) + water: 2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, mixed (egg replacer)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil (or other vegetable oil): 2 tbsp
- Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free, optional
- Lettuce leaves: optional
- Tomato slices: optional
- Avocado slices: optional
- Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: optional
Instructions
- Prepare flaxseed mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mash beans:
- In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
- Add ingredients:
- Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well.
- Combine binders:
- Stir in the flaxseed mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Rest mixture:
- Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- Shape patties:
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook patties:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Save My kids love helping to shape the patties, and we enjoy building our burgers together around the kitchen table. These burgers have become a favorite for family night because everyone can add their own toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these burgers with sweet potato fries, a green salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal. Stack with avocado, lettuce, tomato slices, and your preferred vegan condiments for extra flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy (soy sauce/tamari) and may contain gluten, depending on your choice of oats and buns. Always check labels to avoid cross-contact with allergens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Chill shaped patties for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps them firm up. Leftover cooked burgers keep well in the fridge for 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
Save These black bean burgers come together quickly and hold up beautifully for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Enjoy building them just how you like.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve a crispy exterior on black bean patties?
Cooking the patties in hot olive oil over medium heat for several minutes per side ensures a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside tender.
- → What acts as a binder in the patties?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water serves as a natural binder, helping to hold the ingredients together without eggs.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free oats and buns along with tamari instead of soy sauce, the dish can be adapted to gluten-free diets.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of these patties?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder bring warmth and depth, complementing the earthiness of the black beans.
- → Are there suggestions for serving these patties?
Serve on whole wheat or gluten-free buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and vegan mayonnaise for a complete meal.