Black Bean Burgers Recipe
A Best Black Bean Burger is the ultimate answer to a satisfying meatless meal. Hearty, smoky, and easy to make, this burger will impress vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Packed with bold spices and charred to perfection, these patties are delicious with classic fixings or a dollop of chipotle mayo for extra kick.
Must-Have Ingredients for Best Black Bean Burger
- Black beans – The star ingredient brings hearty texture and earthy flavor to each bite.
- Yellow onion – Adds moisture and a subtle sharpness to balance the richness.
- Garlic cloves – Infuse the patties with savory depth that complements the beans.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo – Deliver smoky heat that makes this burger unforgettable.
- Adobo sauce – Enhances the smokiness and binds the flavor together.
- Tamari – Adds umami and a hint of saltiness for well-rounded taste.
- Balsamic vinegar – Brightens the flavor with a subtle tang.
- Ground cumin – Warms up the spices with an earthy undertone.
- Egg – Binds the patties so they hold their hearty shape.
- Panko bread crumbs – Keep the burgers light yet firm with a satisfying bite.
How to Make the Best Black Bean Burger
Start by mixing the beans with onion, garlic, chipotles, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mash everything until the mix sticks together while leaving some beans chunky for texture.
Fold in the egg and panko until the mixture is well combined. Form into six patties with your hands. If the mixture feels too wet, chill it briefly to help it hold.
Heat a cast-iron skillet with a brush of oil and cook the patties for about five minutes per side until both sides are beautifully charred. Alternatively, grill them over medium-high heat, brushing with oil and grilling until crisp outside yet moist inside.
Serve on toasted buns with your favorite fixings. Ketchup and mustard are classics, but chipotle mayo or guacamole will take things up a notch.
Tips & Twists for the Best Black Bean Burger
For an extra boost of texture, try adding finely chopped nuts like walnuts to the mixture. If you want a vegan version, a flax egg works well—just cook the patties a bit longer for a firmer bite. Keep your beans slightly chunky when mashing; this gives the burger a rustic feel and keeps it from turning mushy.
Play with toppings—sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or caramelized onions make every bite a delicious adventure. For an added layer of flavor, toast your burger buns before serving.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Keep leftover black bean patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, wrap each cooked patty individually and store in a sealed bag for up to two months.
Reheat chilled or frozen patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in a 375°F oven until hot and slightly crispy. This keeps them tasting just as good as when freshly made—ready for a quick, tasty meal anytime!
Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ⅓ cup grated yellow onion about ½ medium
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
- 1 large egg**
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Cooking spray if grilling
- 3 cups cooked black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo diced
- Hamburger buns for serving
- Desired fixings for serving
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Combine the black beans, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until it holds together but retains some texture. Add the egg and gently fold with a spatula until evenly incorporated, then fold in the panko crumbs. Shape the mixture into six patties with your hands; if the mixture feels too wet, chill it for 20 minutes or mash the beans more thoroughly. Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, brush lightly with olive oil, and cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side until each is well-charred and heated through, adjusting the heat if needed. Alternatively, preheat a grill to 400°F, brush the patties with olive oil, spray the grates, and grill for about 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side. Serve on buns with your chosen fixings.
Notes
For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons warm water and let thicken for 5 minutes). Vegan patties may require slightly longer cooking to firm up.
For a gluten-free alternative, consider using a quinoa burger recipe instead.
