Making homemade black bean burgers is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat burgers. They’re packed with protein and fiber, and you can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Homemade Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mash the Black Beans
Place the drained and rinsed black beans in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they’re mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. - Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, cilantro or parsley, soy sauce or tamari, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the mashed beans. Mix well to combine. - Add the Egg or Flax Egg
Add the egg (or flax egg) to the mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed. - Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a patty. Make sure the patties are compact and firm. - Cook the Patties
Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Serve
Serve the black bean burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles, and condiments like mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise. You can also serve them on a bed of greens or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Tips and Variations
- Add extra veggies: Grated carrots or zucchini can be added to the mixture for additional nutrients and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Try different beans: You can use chickpeas or kidney beans as an alternative to black beans.
- Make them ahead: The patties can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade black bean burgers! If you have any specific preferences or dietary requirements, feel free to let me know, and I can help customize the recipe further.
