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.
I first made these black bean burgers for a summer barbecue when we needed a hearty plant-based option. Everyone loved how flavorful they were, and the crispy crust was a huge hit.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, 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): 2 tbsp + 6 tbsp water
- 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: 2 tbsp (or other vegetable oil)
- Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free (optional)
- Lettuce leaves: as desired (optional)
- Tomato slices: as desired (optional)
- Avocado slices: as desired (optional)
- Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: as desired (optional)
Instructions
- Mix flaxseed:
- In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water and 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 vegetables and seasonings:
- Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans. Mix well.
- Combine flax mixture:
- Stir in the flaxseed mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Rest mixture:
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- Shape patties:
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook burgers:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 or 6 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Save My kids love building their own burger creations with these patties. They enjoy adding extra avocado and a little spicy ketchup for a fun family dinner night.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, fork or potato masher, nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons and cups
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce or tamari) and may contain gluten if using regular oats or buns. Always check labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per burger (without bun or toppings): Calories: 210, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 9 g
Save With simple ingredients and easy steps, these black bean burgers are fantastic for quick weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients help bind the black bean patties?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water acts as an egg replacer and binder to hold the patties together tightly.
- → How can I make the patties gluten-free?
Use gluten-free oats and buns, and substitute tamari for soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → What spices give these burgers their flavor?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper provide a balanced smoky and mildly spicy flavor.
- → Can these burgers be grilled instead of pan-fried?
Yes, chilling the patties for 30 minutes before grilling helps them hold their shape and achieve a firmer texture.
- → What toppings complement these bean patties well?
Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and vegan mayonnaise or ketchup add great texture and moisture.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook these patties?
Preparation and cooking together take about 30 minutes, with 15 minutes for mixing and forming and 15 minutes for frying.