Description
These delicious and easy black bean burgers are a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers. Made with mashed black beans, spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and bound together with breadcrumbs and egg, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, ensuring some chunks remain for texture to keep the patties hearty.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the mashed beans. Stir in the breadcrumbs, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg and mix well until all ingredients are combined into a uniform mixture.
- Form Patties: Divide the bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a firm patty. If the mixture sticks to your hands, slightly wet them with water to make shaping easier.
- Cook the Patties: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill them or bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Place the cooked patties onto buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set to gel for 5 minutes).
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties.
- Try customizing the spices by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for a different flavor kick.
- These patties freeze well — cook them fully, let cool, then freeze for up to 1 month.
- Serve with a side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
