Black Bean Burgers
Black bean burgers are hearty, plant-based patties made from mashed black beans combined with spices, onions, and oats or breadcrumbs for binding. They develop a crispy exterior and tender interior when pan-fried, offering a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian main dish. Perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings and buns, they serve as a versatile, comforting meal.
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Calories: 250kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Fork or potato masher
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup oats or breadcrumbs gluten-free oats if desired
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar brightens flavor
Instructions
- Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans thoroughly. Place them in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining. This creates a hearty base for your burger mixture.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the mashed beans, then sprinkle in the oats or breadcrumbs. Mix everything together until well combined, forming a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Pour in a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavors. Mix again until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering and slightly fragrant. Carefully place the chilled patties into the skillet, leaving space between them.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Use a spatula to gently flip each patty and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is equally crispy and the patties are heated through.
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. They should be crispy on the outside and tender inside, ready to be served on buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped cilantro or a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder. These burgers can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet until crispy before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 500mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg