Save Hearty, flavorful black bean burgers with a crispy exterior and tender center are perfect for a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegetarian or vegan meal.
I first made these black bean burgers on a weeknight when I needed a quick, filling dinner that everyone would enjoy. The crispy outside and tender inside won over the whole family instantly.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Red onion: 1/2 small, finely chopped
- Carrot: 1 small, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground flaxseed (or chia seed): 2 tbsp + 6 tbsp water (egg replacer)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil (or other vegetable oil): 2 tbsp
- Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free (optional)
- Lettuce leaves: as needed (optional)
- Tomato slices: as needed (optional)
- Avocado slices: as needed (optional)
- Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Flaxseed Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mash Beans:
- In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Flaxseed:
- Stir in the thickened flaxseed mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Rest Mixture:
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to absorb moisture.
- Form Patties:
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
- Serve:
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Save Making these together with my family has become a weekend tradition. Everyone loves shaping the patties and choosing their toppings for burger night.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, fork or potato masher, nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons and cups are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains soy if using soy sauce. Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns. Always check all labels for allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each burger without bun or toppings delivers 210 calories, 6 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Save With easy prep and endless topping options, these burgers are sure to please. Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I bind the patties without eggs?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water acts as an effective egg replacer, helping hold the black bean mixture together during cooking.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of these patties?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and a touch of black pepper combine to give a smoky and slightly spicy depth.
- → Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free oats and buns along with tamari instead of soy sauce ensures a gluten-free version.
- → What cooking method yields the best texture?
Pan-frying the patties in olive oil over medium heat creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender center.
- → How can I vary the heat level of these patties?
Add chopped jalapeño or chipotle to the mixture for an extra kick of spice tailored to your preference.