If you have been searching for the ultimate homemade veggie delight, your journey ends here with the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe. This burger is a vibrant fusion of smoky chipotle peppers, hearty black beans, and a symphony of spices that come together in every tender, perfectly cooked patty. It’s a recipe that offers a rich texture, packed full of flavor, and is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes these black bean burgers so special. From the creamy black beans that form the base, to the chipotle peppers adding a smoky warmth, every element is carefully chosen to create harmony in every bite.
- 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed: The hearty foundation providing protein and fiber with a creamy yet chunky texture.
- â…“ cup grated yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the patties, helping bind flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic depth that lifts the taste.
- 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, diced: Imparts a smoky, spicy kick essential for delicious complexity.
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce: Enhances flavor intensity with a rich, smoky tang.
- 1 tablespoon tamari: Adds a savory, umami boost with a gluten-free twist.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Introduces a mild acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth to the seasoning profile.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Essential for elevating all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the patties together without overpowering.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Gives the burgers a light, crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing: Helps create a beautiful sear and keeps the patties moist during cooking.
- Cooking spray, if grilling: Prevents sticking on the grill while allowing for a smoky char.
- Hamburger buns, for serving: The cozy vessel for your masterpiece burger build.
- Desired fixings, for serving: Lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles, or your favorite sauces to personalize every bite.
How to Make Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Black Bean Patties
Gather all your ingredients and in a large bowl, combine the black beans, grated onion, minced garlic, diced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a potato masher to mash everything together until the mixture is cohesive but still has some bean chunks visible for texture. This ensures each bite is perfectly hearty and satisfying.
Step 2: Add the Binder and Bread Crumbs
Next, crack in the egg and sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the mixture. Fold everything gently with a spatula until well combined. The egg works as a natural binder, while the panko gives just the right amount of structure, so your patties hold their shape without becoming dense.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture evenly and form it into six patties. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky to handle, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the patties, making them much easier to shape and cook.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush each patty lightly with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are heated through. Alternatively, if you’re grilling, spray the grates with cooking spray and grill the patties for 8 minutes on the first side and then flip for 4 minutes on the other side, achieving that perfect smoky char.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Place each black bean patty onto your favorite hamburger bun, add your desired fixings, and dive into a burger experience that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
How to Serve Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings you choose can elevate your black bean burger to something truly unforgettable. Fresh slices of ripe avocado add creaminess, crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, and tangy pickles bring a burst of flavor. Don’t forget a dollop of smoky chipotle mayo or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pairing your burger with the right sides rounds out the meal. Think sweet potato fries sprinkled with sea salt, a fresh kale slaw to cut through the richness, or even a bright, zesty corn salad. These sides complement the earthy and smoky notes of your black bean patties perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve your burgers on toasted pretzel buns for a chewy twist or wrap the patties in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can also stack extra layers with grilled veggies, melted vegan cheese, or even a fried egg for a luxurious, hearty sandwich that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed patties gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp while ensuring the insides stay moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to keep the patties binding nicely.
What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular bread crumbs work fine. You could also try crushed cornflakes or oats, which add a different but delightful texture.
How spicy is this burger?
This burger has a gentle smoky heat from the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can make patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. This makes it super convenient for busy nights or entertaining guests.
What other beans can I use?
While black beans are ideal for their flavor and texture, you can experiment with pinto or kidney beans for a slightly different taste and color if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe very soon. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together with its irresistible flavor and comforting texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a tasty new way to enjoy burgers, this recipe delivers every time—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Print
Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Black Bean Burger Recipe delivers a flavorful, protein-packed vegetarian burger that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Made with black beans, smoky chipotle peppers, and fragrant spices, these patties are tender yet hold together well. Cooked on the stovetop or grilled, they offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers, served on your favorite buns with fresh fixings.
Ingredients
Black Bean Burger Patties
- 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- â…“ cup grated yellow onion
- 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
For Cooking and Serving
- Cooking spray, if grilling
- Hamburger buns, for serving
- Desired fixings (lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, etc.), for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Bean Patties: In a large bowl, combine the cooked black beans, grated yellow onion, minced garlic, diced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, ground cumin, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a potato masher to mash the ingredients together until the mixture holds and contains some chunky texture from the beans.
- Add Egg and Bread Crumbs: Add the large egg and panko bread crumbs to the mashed bean mixture. Fold them in gently until fully combined to form a slightly sticky mixture that will hold together when shaped into patties.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties. If the mixture feels too wet and is difficult to handle, place the patties in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes to firm up before cooking.
- Cook the Patties (Stovetop Method): Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with extra-virgin olive oil. Add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are heated through.
- Alternatively, Grill the Patties: Preheat a grill and lightly spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Grill the patties for 8 minutes on the first side and then flip and cook for 4 minutes on the second side until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Serve: Place the cooked black bean burgers on hamburger buns and add your favorite fixings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, or condiments, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using chipotle peppers in adobo adds a smoky and spicy flavor; adjust quantity to your heat preference.
- If vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or other binder alternatives.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit entirely.
- Chilling patties helps them hold together better during cooking.
- Store leftover patties wrapped in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
