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Black Bean Burger Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

This flavorful Black Bean Burger recipe offers a delicious and hearty vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers. Made from seasoned black beans combined with aromatic spices, fresh lime, and optional cheese, these burgers are pan-seared to a golden brown with a tender, moist interior. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, they can be baked or skillet cooked and are easily adaptable for vegan diets using flaxseed as an egg substitute.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup bell pepper, small dice (or substitute poblano pepper or half a jalapeno)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne or ½ teaspoon chili powder), more to taste
  • Zest from one small lime
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans black beans, rinsed, drained well (approx. 3 cups cooked), patted dry
  • 1 egg (or ¼–⅓ cup ground flaxseed for vegan option)
  • Optional: ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or vegan cheese)
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup scallions, chopped
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative as desired)

Cooking Oils

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (used for sautéing and frying)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped garlic, and the optional diced bell pepper (or substitute). Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, tender, and golden, about 8 minutes. Then add cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and chipotle powder, sautéing for another 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  2. Mash Black Beans: Add the drained and patted dry black beans to the skillet along with the lime zest and lime juice. Stir well and mash the mixture with a potato masher until mostly mashed but still slightly chunky for texture. Taste and adjust salt and heat level as needed. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor to desired texture.
  3. Mix Binding Ingredients: If making vegan, stir in ¼ to ⅓ cup ground flaxseed and mix thoroughly. If not vegan, let the mixture cool slightly then add the egg, optional grated cheese, chopped cilantro, scallions, and bread crumbs. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread crumbs or flaxseed to absorb moisture. If mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs to achieve a firmer consistency.
  4. Form Patties: Using clean, damp hands, form the mixture into 4 large patties or 5-6 smaller ones, pressing firmly and smoothing the edges. If patties are soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
  5. Cook the Burgers: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-sear the patties for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through, ensuring the egg cooks completely. Alternatively, place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray or brush tops with olive oil, then bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optionally, top patties with cheese near the end to melt.
  6. Storage: Store cooked black bean burgers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
  7. Reheating: Reheat burgers in an oven, toaster oven, or on a grill until warmed through. This makes them ideal for meal prepping and enjoying later.

Notes

  • To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with ¼ to ⅓ cup ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes to gel) as a binding agent.
  • For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • You can adjust the heat level by varying the chipotle powder or substituting with cayenne or chili powder.
  • The mixture can be mashed by hand or pulsed briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.
  • Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold together and reduces crumbling.
  • These burgers are versatile and pair well with traditional burger buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/black-bean-burger-recipe/