Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe

Black beans: These provide the base for the burger, offering a hearty texture and rich flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the mixture together, giving the patties structure.

Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the burgers.

Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the beans.

Chili powder: Adds a bit of heat and smokiness to the patties.

Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the beans.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the burger.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the other spices.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.

For a more cohesive texture, ensure the black beans are well-mashed but still retain some chunks. This balance helps the patties hold together better while providing a satisfying bite.

• black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a great alternative in this recipe.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can help bind the burger mixture and add a slightly different texture, while still keeping it gluten-free if needed.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and add a bit of crunch to the burger.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions for a subtler taste.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a fresh, mild flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for chopped onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, providing a similar flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and can be used if garlic is not on hand.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a similar color and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative to chili powder.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used for a spicier kick, but use it sparingly as it is much hotter than chili powder.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor and can be used as a substitute for cumin.

• cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can be used in place of cumin.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but be mindful of the liquid content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can be used as a vegan binding agent.

• beaten egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can also be used as a vegan binder.

• To store your black bean burgers, let them cool completely after cooking. Place them in an airtight container, separating each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the black bean burgers. After forming the patties but before cooking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to cook from frozen, there's no need to thaw. Simply heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly oil it, and cook the frozen patties for about 7-8 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.

• If you prefer to thaw before cooking, place the frozen black bean burgers in the refrigerator overnight. Cook as per the original instructions, about 5 minutes on each side.

• For reheating cooked black bean burgers, you can use a microwave, oven, or skillet. In the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes. In the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. In a skillet, reheat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the number of black bean burgers you plan to eat immediately.

• Pair your reheated black bean burgers with fresh vegetables, sauces, and buns to enhance their taste and make a delightful meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover black bean burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the burgers with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the black bean burgers in the skillet.
  3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the black bean burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the black bean burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and crispy.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Lightly oil the grill grates.
  3. Place the black bean burgers on the grill.
  4. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix all the ingredients together.

• Fork: Used to mash the black beans until they are mostly smooth.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and chopped onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: For finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.

• Skillet: Used to cook the black bean patties over medium heat.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Small bowl: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

• Measuring cup: For draining and rinsing the black beans.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Drain and rinse the black beans and chop the onion and garlic in advance to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash the black beans and mix all ingredients using a food processor for a smoother and faster preparation.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the skillet while forming the patties to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Opt for store-bought breadcrumbs to cut down on preparation time.