Black Bean Burgers
Hearty, flavorful, and satisfyingly firm black bean patties that don't fall apart. Seasoned with smoky spices and served on a soft brioche bun, this is the ultimate veggie burger for any cookout.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Black Beans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse and drain the canned black beans thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. This crucial step removes excess moisture, preventing mushy burgers.
- Allow the beans to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
Create the Patty Mixture
- In a large bowl, add the slightly cooled, dried black beans. Mash about two-thirds of the beans with a potato masher or fork, leaving the rest whole for a better texture.
- Add the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, large egg, cumin powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl.
- Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense.
Form and Chill the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking.
- Form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your brioche buns, as they will shrink a little during cooking.
- Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape while cooking.
Cook the Burgers
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer before you add the patties.
- Carefully place the chilled patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to crowd the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until a dark golden-brown crust forms. Flip carefully with a thin spatula.
- Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt it.
Assemble and Serve
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the inside of the brioche buns in a dry pan or on a grill until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise or your preferred sauce on both halves of the toasted buns.
- Place the cooked black bean patty on the bottom bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion.
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides like fries or a salad.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drying the beans by baking them is the secret to a firm, non-mushy burger patty. Don't skip this step!
- 2For a smokier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke or 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the mixture.
- 3Don't press down on the patties while they are cooking, as this can squeeze out moisture and make them dry.
- 4These patties are perfect for meal prep. Form them and store raw between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- 5If the mixture feels too wet, add panko breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the egg with a 'flax egg' (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use a vegan Worcestershire sauce and vegan mayonnaise and cheese.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Serve on gluten-free buns.
SpicySpicy
Add 1 finely minced jalapeño or 1-2 tablespoons of canned green chiles to the bean mixture for an extra kick.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped and sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated carrots into the patty mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Black beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness to help with weight management, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This burger provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy
Being free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat, black bean burgers are a heart-friendly alternative to red meat burgers. The fiber and potassium in beans also contribute to cardiovascular health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in black beans are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy without the sharp spikes and crashes associated with simple sugars.
Frequently asked questions
A single black bean burger, including the bun and standard toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, contains approximately 550-650 calories. The patty itself is around 250 calories.