Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from black beans.
- Crisp on the outside with a tender, flavorful center.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
- A satisfying vegan option for burgers and sandwiches.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
black beans, drained and rinsed
breadcrumbs
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
soy sauce
tomato paste
ground cumin
smoked paprika
chili powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil
burger buns
lettuce
tomato slices
avocado slices
Directions
- In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly mashed but still slightly chunky.
- Add breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into burger patties of equal size.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until crispy and heated through.
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Place the cooked patties on the buns and top with lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add finely chopped mushrooms for a deeper, savory flavor.
Include grated carrots or zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra texture.
Add a tablespoon of barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Use oat flour or ground oats instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking.
Reheating on skillet: Warm patties over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
Reheating in oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I bake these black bean burgers instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why are my black bean burgers falling apart?
The mixture may need more breadcrumbs or a binder to help it hold together.
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes, but chilling the patties for about 30 minutes before grilling helps them stay firm.
Are black bean burgers healthy?
Yes, they are high in fiber and plant-based protein while being lower in saturated fat than traditional beef burgers.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What toppings work best with black bean burgers?
Popular toppings include avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and vegan cheese.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans work perfectly. Just rinse and drain them well before using.
How do I make the burgers spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mixture.
What sauces pair well with black bean burgers?
They taste great with vegan mayo, chipotle sauce, barbecue sauce, or avocado crema.
Conclusion
This Vegan Black Bean Burger is a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a crispy exterior, hearty texture, and endless topping possibilities, these burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a healthier burger alternative, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
PrintVegan Black Bean Burger
This Vegan Black Bean Burger is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying with a crisp exterior and tender center. Made with black beans, spices, and simple pantry ingredients, it’s a delicious plant-based alternative perfect for burgers and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 burger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Place the black beans in a large bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly mashed with some texture remaining.
- Add breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Divide the mixture and form it into four equal burger patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes on each side until crisp and heated through.
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Place each cooked patty onto a bun.
- Top with lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, or preferred toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chilling the patties for 20–30 minutes before cooking can help them hold together better.
- Finely chopped mushrooms can be added for deeper savory flavor.
- Grated carrots or zucchini can add moisture and nutrition.
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice can be mixed in for additional texture.
- Uncooked or cooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months with parchment paper between them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
