Introduction
Easy Black Bean Burger
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers, look no further than this Easy Black Bean Burger recipe from Love and Lemons. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these black bean burgers are simple to make and perfect for grilling or skillet cooking. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these burgers are sure to please!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Black Beans
3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
Onion
⅓ cup grated yellow onion (about ½ medium)
Garlic
2 garlic cloves, minced
Chipotle Peppers
2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, diced
Adobo Sauce
2 tablespoons adobo sauce
Tamari
1 tablespoon tamari
Balsamic Vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Sea Salt
½ teaspoon sea salt
Black Pepper
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Egg
1 large egg
Panko Bread Crumbs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Cooking Spray
Cooking spray, if grilling
Hamburger Buns
Hamburger buns, for serving
Desired Fixings
Desired fixings, for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10-12 minutes
Total Time
25-27 minutes
Yield
6 servings
Enjoy these delightful black bean burgers as a nutritious meal option, topped with your favorite condiments and served in fresh hamburger buns!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
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. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until it holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans.
Incorporate Egg and Bread Crumbs:
Add the egg to the mixture and fold it in using a spatula until well combined. Fold in the panko bread crumbs until the mixture is cohesive.
Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a patty. If the mixture is too wet to handle, refrigerate it for 20 minutes to firm up.
Cook the Patties:
For Skillet Cooking:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush it with a little olive oil. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, adjusting the heat as necessary.
For Grilling:
Preheat an outdoor grill to 400°F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil and spray the grill grates with cooking spray. Grill the patties for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side.
Serve:
Place the cooked patties on hamburger buns and add your desired fixings.
Notes
About Cooking Methods:
You can choose between skillet cooking or grilling based on your preference and available equipment.
Adjusting Texture:
If the mixture feels too wet or loose, chilling it will help in forming the patties.
Serving Suggestions:
Feel free to customize your burgers with toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, or your favorite sauces for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Mashing Black Beans
To achieve the right texture for your black bean burger, use a potato masher to mash the cooked black beans. This allows for some chunks to remain, which adds texture to the patties while ensuring they hold together.
Incorporating Ingredients
When blending in the egg and panko bread crumbs, use a spatula to fold them into the bean mixture gently. This method helps maintain the integrity of the black beans while ensuring the mixture is cohesive.
Forming Patties
Divide the mixture into equal portions to maintain uniformity in cooking. Shape each portion into a patty, and if the mixture is too wet, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to allow it to firm up for easier handling.
Cooking in a Skillet
For skillet cooking, preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush it with olive oil. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as necessary to achieve a charred exterior without burning the patties.
Grilling Patties
If grilling, preheat the grill to 400°F and lightly brush the patties with olive oil. Make sure to spray the grill grates with cooking spray for better non-stick performance, then cook for 8 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other.
FAQ
Can I make the black bean burger mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to form the patties and cook them within a day for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko bread crumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips as a substitute, although the texture may differ slightly.
Are there any alternatives to the egg for binding?
Yes, if you need an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or another binding agent like applesauce or mashed banana.
How can I add more flavor to my black bean burgers?
Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or fresh herbs like cilantro. You can also mix in diced bell peppers or corn for a different flavor profile.
Can these burgers be frozen for later use?
Absolutely! Form the patties and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
The Easy Black Bean Burger is a delicious and satisfying plant-based option that can easily be customized to suit your taste. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Enjoy the versatility of this burger by pairing it with your favorite toppings and sides, making each meal a unique experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Quinoa Veggie Burger
Combine cooked quinoa, grated carrots, and zucchini with spices for a hearty, nutritious burger option.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger
Mix mashed sweet potatoes with black beans and spices for a naturally sweet and nutritious alternative.
Lentil Burger
Create a protein-packed patty using cooked lentils, oats, and chopped vegetables, seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
Mushroom and Herb Burger
Combine finely chopped mushrooms, herbs, and spices with breadcrumbs for a flavorful and umami-rich burger.
Chickpea Burger
Mash chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, and spices to create a creamy and zesty patty that’s easy to prepare.
Cauliflower Burger
Pulse cauliflower in a food processor and mix with eggs and seasonings to form a light yet filling burger perfect for a low-carb diet.
