Black Bean Burgers are the perfect vegetarian alternative with a crisp exterior, and tender center that is flavored heartily.
A classic Burger is perfect for family dinners and cookouts. This Black Bean Burger is a great low-cholesterol and vegetarian alternative. For more burger alternatives, try Turkey Burgers and Portabello Mushroom Burgers.
Sabrina’s Black Bean Burger Recipe
Whether you’re vegetarian, looking for a low-fat burger option, cutting out red meat, or just want to try something different, this Black Bean Burger recipe is the perfect alternative to beef burgers. The black bean patty is easy to make with bell peppers and onions included in the mix as well as garlic and spices for amazing flavor. Enjoy them along with your favorite burger sides like French Fries , Sweet Potato Fries, or Potato Salad. I’ve included directions below on how to air fry these, so be sure to check that out.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 green bell pepper , finely diced
- 1 onion , finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper , optional
- 16 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed well
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
To Assemble:
- 4 large sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 leaves green lettuce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 pickle chips
- 1 large tomato , cut into slices
- 4 slices red onion
Instructions
- Add the vegetable oil to a large heavy skillet on medium heat.
- Add the bell pepper and onion.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the bell peppers are softened.
- Stir and cook until the liquid from the pan has evaporated.
- Add in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper (optional) and stir; cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from the heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a potato masher or a fork, mash the beans until broken down into a chunky paste.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the bowl along with the egg and mix well until well combined.
- Add in the bread crumbs one spoonful at a time and mix until the mixture holds together well and can be formed into patties that hold their shape.
- Divide the mixture into four patties.
- Add vegetable oil to the pan on medium-high heat.
- Cook patties in the skillet for 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
To Assemble:
- Add butter to the hamburger buns and toast them buttered side down in the pan on medium heat until the cut sides are golden brown.
- Spread the mayonnaise on the buttered sides of the bun.
- On the bottom piece of the bread layer the lettuce, then top with the black bean burger.
- Top with cheese, pickles, tomato and red onion before adding the top of the bun onto the burger.
- Serve with your favorite french fries and summer salad like cole slaw or potato salad.
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note
To make these patties vegan, I follow this easy recipe to make a flax “egg”. Mix together 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons warm water. After whisking the flax egg together, you can add it to the patty mixture and make as usual.
Table of contents
Can these be made in Advance?
Yes. You can make these patties ahead of time and freeze them cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months. After prepping the patties, put them in a gallon-sized ziplock bag with parchment paper between the patties so that they don’t stick together. If making ahead to store in the fridge, they will keep for 3-4 days.
How to Store
- Serve: Don’t leave sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store: To keep leftover burgers, let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results, separate the patty from the rest of the sandwich, then serve with fresh bun and burger toppings.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer bag or another freezer container to keep frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can reheat the patties on the stovetop.
Air Fryer Method
- Drain and rinse the black beans, then use a potato masher to mash them.
- Add the seasoned vegetables and one egg and stir to combine. Then slowly mix in the breadcrumbs to finish the patty mixture.
- Form the mixture into patties just like usual.
- Then brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, and spray them with an additional layer of oil.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve on toasted buns with your choice of toppings.
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