Vegan Bean Burger
A hearty and flavorful vegan burger made from black beans, spices, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. Pan-fried to perfection and served on a toasted bun, it's a satisfying and healthy plant-based meal ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the flax egg and bean mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed meal and 3 tbsp of water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- In a large bowl, add the rinsed and drained black beans. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until about half are broken down, leaving some texture.
- Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans.
Form the patties
- Pour the thickened flax egg into the bean mixture.
- Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- If the mixture is too sticky, you can chill the patties for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
Cook the bean burgers
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and heated through.
- During the last minute of cooking, you can toast the burger buns in the same pan or a separate toaster.
Assemble and serve
- Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a slice of red onion.
- Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a firmer patty, you can bake the drained beans on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to dry them out before mashing.
- 2Don't over-mash the beans. Leaving some whole beans provides a better texture.
- 3These patties are great for meal prep. Form them and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month.
- 4Feel free to add other spices like chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- 5For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the bean mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free buns or in a lettuce wrap.
spicySpicy
Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture for a spicy kick.
healthyHealthy
To reduce oil, bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes per side.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Make smaller, slider-sized patties and serve on mini buns. Omit the raw onion if preferred.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Black beans and whole wheat buns provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full longer.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
This burger offers a solid source of protein from black beans, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, without the saturated fat of meat.
Heart-Healthy
Being free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat, this vegan burger is a heart-friendly option compared to traditional red meat burgers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this vegan bean burger is a healthy choice. It's high in fiber and plant-based protein from the black beans and uses a whole wheat bun for complex carbohydrates. It's also low in saturated fat compared to traditional beef burgers.
