Delicious homemade black bean burger on a plate with fresh toppings

Best Black Bean Burger

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Black bean burgers are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for satisfying lunch or dinner. Plus, these burgers are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you are a meat lover or a veggie enthusiast, this black bean burger will impress your taste buds.

How to Make Best Black Bean Burger

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • ⅓ cup grated yellow onion (about ½ medium)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)
  • Cooking spray (if grilling)
  • Hamburger buns (for serving)
  • Desired fixings (for serving)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, onion, garlic, chipotles, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Use a potato masher to mash the mixture until it holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans.
  3. Add the egg and fold it in with a spatula until well combined.
  4. Fold in the panko bread crumbs.
  5. Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties. The patties should be cohesive and a little wet. If they’re too wet to handle, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes or mash the beans a bit more.
  6. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush it with a little oil. Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side until charred, adjusting the heat if needed.
  7. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to 400°F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil, spray the grill grates, and grill for 8 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side.
  8. Serve the burgers with hamburger buns and your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Best Black Bean Burger

Serve your black bean burgers on fluffy hamburger buns. You can top them with fresh lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your favorite sauces and condiments. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!

How to Store Best Black Bean Burger

If you have leftover patties, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they will last for up to a month in the freezer.

Tips to Make Best Black Bean Burger

  • Make sure to rinse the black beans well to get rid of the extra salt and impurities.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers if you like it hotter.
  • If you want a gluten-free option, you can replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.

Variation

You can add different spices or ingredients to the black bean mix, like chopped bell peppers or corn for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with various types of bread for serving, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Are black bean burgers healthy?
Absolutely! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option for any meal.

3. Can I cook black bean burgers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.