Vegan Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Black beans: These provide the base for the burger, offering a hearty texture and protein.

Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the mixture together, giving the patties structure.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the burgers.

Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its pungent and aromatic qualities.

Chili powder: Brings a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beans.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the other seasonings.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the patties, giving them a nice, crispy exterior.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it reaches a consistency that can be easily shaped. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before cooking can help them firm up and maintain their shape better in the skillet.

• black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and earthy flavor, making them a good alternative for black beans in vegan burgers.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can be ground slightly to mimic the texture of breadcrumbs and help bind the burger mixture.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the burgers.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile and is easier to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild heat and smoky flavor, which can complement the other spices in the burger.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can add a unique twist to the spice profile of the burgers.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the burgers.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle spiciness without altering the color of the mixture.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking the burgers.

• Allow the black bean burgers to cool completely after cooking. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the patties soggy.
• Place the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. This step helps to keep them from sticking together.
• Freeze the patties on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This initial freezing step, known as flash freezing, ensures that the patties maintain their shape and texture.
• Once the patties are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the black bean burgers have been stored.
• When ready to use, you can cook the patties directly from frozen. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and browned.
• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled patties in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat refrigerated patties in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the black bean burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the black bean burgers in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and have a nice, crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: Place the black bean burgers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the black bean burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the black bean burgers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and have grill marks.

• Food processor: Used to combine and pulse the black beans, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well mixed but still slightly chunky.

• Skillet: Used to cook the patties over medium heat until browned and heated through.

• Spatula: Used to flip the patties in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and olive oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Knife: Used to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Mixing bowl: Used to hold the black beans after draining and rinsing them, before transferring to the food processor.

• Can opener: Used to open the can of black beans.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine black beans, breadcrumbs, and spices by pulsing in a food processor.

Pre-chop ingredients: Finely chop onion and garlic in advance to save time during preparation.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned black beans to skip the soaking and cooking process.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper ahead of time.