Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a satisfying, flavor-packed meatless burger, these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are simply unbeatable. Ready in just half an hour, each patty is hearty and full of smoky spices, a little kick, and the perfect bite of freshness thanks to herbs and veggies. They hold together beautifully and can be enjoyed by vegetarians, vegans, and even your most skeptical omnivorous friends. Let’s dive into what makes these black bean burgers truly unforgettable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers is that each ingredient is chosen for both simplicity and its crucial contribution to taste, texture, or color. With a short and easy shopping list, you’re already halfway to dinner!
- Black beans: Give the burgers their hearty, satisfying base and plenty of plant-based protein.
- Bread crumbs: Bind everything together while adding a tender, non-mushy texture.
- Red onion: Provides a crisp bite and a pop of vibrant color and sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings the whole flavor profile to life with herby freshness.
- Garlic cloves: Intensifies the savory, aromatic side of every bite.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and a savory umami quality you’ll crave.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that mimics the grill and draws out the burger flavor.
- Cumin: Lends earthy warmth and complexity to each patty.
- Chili powder: Offers a mild, gentle heat and rich color.
- Black pepper: Provides the tiniest punch of spice.
- Egg (or flax egg for vegan): Helps the patties hold together; use a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Olive oil: For golden, perfectly crisped patties (and a little healthy fat).
- Burger buns & toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.): The perfect finishing touch; bring your favorites to the table!
How to Make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Step 1: Mash the Black Beans
Start by draining and rinsing your black beans, then scoop them into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them up, but be sure to leave a few larger chunks for great texture. The key to Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers is a mixture that holds together but still feels substantial in every bite.
Step 2: Mix in the Ingredients
Next, toss in the breadcrumbs, red onion, cilantro, minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and egg. Fold everything together gently until the mixture is cohesive and sticky. The aroma at this stage is pure magic and gives a sneak peek of what’s to come!
Step 3: Shape Your Patties
Divide the mixture into four or five equal portions depending on how thick you want your burgers. With slightly damp hands, shape each part into a patty, ensuring they’re compact so they stay together in the pan. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—rustic shapes just add character!
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium. Once it’s shimmering, gently lay each patty in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. The Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers patties will develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust while staying soft and luscious inside.
Step 5: Build and Serve
Slide your finished patties onto toasted buns, pile high with your favorite toppings—from crisp lettuce to creamy avocado—and dig right in. The first bite is always met with happy surprise: full-bodied flavor, the perfect chew, and a medley of satisfying textures.
How to Serve Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Garnishes
The right garnishes do wonders for Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers! A layer of fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, thin red onion, or a dollop of tangy vegan mayo adds a personalized finish and plays up flavor contrasts with every bite.
Side Dishes
Your black bean burgers are extra special with tasty sides! Crisp sweet potato fries, a classic coleslaw, oven-roasted vegetables, or a crunchy salad loaded with colorful veggies will make your meal feel just as impressive as any burger joint spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant dinner party, serve your black bean burgers open-faced on toasted sourdough, crown them with a fried egg, or slice them and add to grain bowls or wraps. The flavors stand out every way you plate them, so don’t be afraid to experiment and wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Let the patties cool completely before storing, and place parchment between the layers so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully! Arrange uncooked or cooked patties in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to two months. They’re always handy whenever you need a quick, wholesome meal.
Reheating
Simply reheat leftover patties in a skillet over low-medium heat for a few minutes on each side or tuck them in a hot oven for about 10 minutes. This helps regain their crisp exterior without drying them out, ensuring every bite is just as scrumptious as the first time!
FAQs
Are Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers vegan?
They’re easily made vegan by swapping the egg for a flax egg. The rest of the ingredients are fully plant-based, so this swap makes the burgers just as delicious and satisfying without any animal products.
Can I bake these black bean burgers instead of frying?
Absolutely! Place the shaped patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes per side until golden. Baking is a convenient, mess-free alternative that still delivers great texture and flavor!
What kind of bun works best?
Classic burger buns are always a favorite, but you can also use whole wheat, pretzel, gluten-free buns, or even lettuce wraps if you’re going low carb. Toasting the buns adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep them sturdy with saucier toppings.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure you mash the beans enough so some turn creamy (this is the “glue”!), and don’t skimp on mixing in the breadcrumbs and egg or flax egg. Ensuring the mixture is sticky before you shape the patties means they’ll hold together beautifully while cooking.
Can I add extra veggies or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, corn, jalapeños for more heat, or experiment with different herbs. Changing up the spices is part of the fun and can make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers uniquely yours each time you make them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to upgrade your next meatless meal, there’s really nothing cozier or more crowd-pleasing than Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers. They’re simple, nourishing, bursting with bold flavors, and endlessly customizable. Give them a spot in your weeknight rotation, and see why everyone who tries them raves!
Print
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option for a meatless meal. Packed with protein and spices, these homemade patties are perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- burger buns and desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: Place the black beans in a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.
- Mix Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, red onion, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and the egg. Mix well until fully combined and sticky.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4–5 equal-sized patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve on toasted burger buns with desired toppings.
Notes
- To make vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños.
- Patties can be frozen before or after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
