Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Vegan black bean burgers are a healthy and delicious alternative to meat burgers. Made with black beans, spices, and vegetables, easy and vegan!

These vegan black bean burgers start with a base of black bean patties made from mashed black beans combined with a variety of seasonings and binders. The patties are then cooked until they develop a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior. 

These black bean burgers are entirely plant-based and vegan, making them suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle or seeking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. They offer a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional meat-based burgers, plus they are delicious and easy to make!

Why do you need to make these vegan black bean burgers?

First of all, these plant-based burgers are high in fiber and protein. Black beans, the star ingredient of these burgers, are an excellent source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and supports heart health, while protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall well-being.

Black beans are a nutritional powerhouse, providing an array of vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for maintaining energy levels, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting optimal functioning of various bodily processes.

Compared to traditional meat burgers, homemade vegan black bean burgers are significantly lower in saturated fat and naturally cholesterol-free. 

Vegan Black Bean Burgers Ingredients

The ingredient list to make these Vegan Black Bean Burgers may seem a little long, but it’s mostly due to spices to add flavor. 

To make the black bean patties you will need:

• Canned black beans: Black beans provide a robust and meaty texture to the patties. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans before using them in the recipe. Alternatively, you can use red kidney beans, or dry black beans which you need to soak overnight and then cook until tender before using in the burgers. We love canned black beans as they are much more convenient and can be easily grabbed to cook.
• Olive oil: This healthy oil is used for sautéing vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
• Red pepper: A vibrant and sweet vegetable that contributes a delightful crunch and adds a pop of color to the patties.
• Onion: Choose a yellow or white onion, as they lend a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the patties when cooked. The onions also add moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
• Garlic adds a savory and aromatic element to the patties. The garlic infuses the mixture with its distinctive flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Oat flour acts as a binder and absorbs excess moisture from the ingredients. It helps hold the patties together and adds a subtle nutty flavor. You can make it yourself by simply grinding rolled oats in a food processor. 
• Walnuts: Finely ground walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and contribute a rich, earthy taste to the patties. They also offer additional nutritional benefits such as healthy fats and protein.
• Flax seeds: Ground flax seeds mixed with water create a “flax egg” that acts as a binding agent. This vegan substitute helps hold the patties together and adds moisture. Flax seeds are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Vegan mayonnaise is used to provide creaminess and moisture to the mixture. It enhances the texture of the patties and adds a tangy note.
• Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the patties. It helps enhance the overall flavor profile and adds a familiar taste reminiscent of traditional burgers.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying base for the black bean patties. You can further customize the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or other seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

To flavor the black bean patties you will need a blend of spices that complement the natural richness of the beans. Here are the spices commonly used to season and enhance the black bean patties:

• Cumin is a warm and aromatic spice that adds earthy and slightly nutty undertones to the patties.
• Chili Powder adds a mild to moderate level of heat and a complex flavor profile to the patties.
• Garlic Powder provides a concentrated burst of garlic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic. It adds a savory element to the patties, complementing the other spices and ingredients.
• Smoked paprika lends a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the black bean patties. It adds depth and complexity, providing a hint of smokiness reminiscent of traditional grilled burgers.
• Salt and Pepper are fundamental seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients in the black bean patties. Salt helps bring out the natural flavors and balances the overall taste, while pepper adds a subtle touch of spiciness and complexity.

To flavor the black bean patties, combine the spices in the desired proportions according to your taste preferences. You can start with approximately 1 teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, along with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning amounts to suit your personal preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.

To assemble these delicious vegan black bean burgers, in addition to the black bean patties, you will need the following ingredients:

• Burger Buns: Opt for soft and sturdy burger buns that can hold up to the hearty black bean patties and toppings. You can choose store-bought vegan burger buns or consider making your own homemade vegan burger buns for an extra special touch (we have a great recipe for homemade vegan burger buns). Homemade buns allow you to customize the size and texture to perfectly complement the patties.
• Lettuce: Select your preferred variety of lettuce, such as crisp iceberg lettuce, tender butter lettuce, or nutrient-packed spinach leaves. The fresh, vibrant leaves of lettuce provide a refreshing crunch to the burger.
• Avocado is a creamy and nutrient-rich addition to the black bean burger. Simply mash a ripe avocado, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, and spread it over the black bean patty. The rich, buttery texture and mild flavor of avocado perfectly complement the savory patties.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice a red onion to add a touch of pungent sweetness and a hint of crunch to your burger. For added flavor, you can lightly cook the onion slices in a pan until they become slightly charred, enhancing their caramelized flavor and adding a smoky element to the burger.
• Burger Sauce of choice: Choose a burger sauce that suits your taste preferences, we recommend buying a vegan sauce in the store for convenience. You can easily make your own sauce at home by using vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or a combination of these. The sauce adds moisture, tanginess, and an extra burst of flavor to the burger.

Of course, you could choose to add or remove ingredients, like using tomatoes instead of avocado or adding pickles for a savory kick. 

How to make Vegan Black Bean Burgers

To make these vegan black bean burgers start by preheating the oven to 160°C / 320°F.

Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water, ensure they are well-drained, and pat them dry using a towel. Spread the beans evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes to dry a bit of the moisture. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool down.

In a bowl, combine ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let them soak for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use 2 small eggs instead of flax seeds, if you are vegetarian.

In a pan, heat the oil and add the sliced onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Remove any excess liquid from the pan and transfer the cooked vegetables to a food processor. Add spices, oat flour, ground walnuts, flax seeds (or egg), mayonnaise, and ketchup. Stir or pulse the mixture briefly until the ingredients are well combined. Add the beans and pulse again to achieve a coarse mixture that can be shaped. If preferred, you can also use a potato masher to mash the mixture.

Using a measuring cup or your hands, scoop about ⅓ cup of the bean mixture and shape it into a patty. Place the formed patty on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent it from sticking. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until you have a total of 6 patties.

Now it’s time to cook the bean patties. You have two options: using a grill pan or cooking them in the oven. If you choose to use a grill pan, preheat it over medium heat and cook the patties for approximately 10 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and heated through. Alternatively, if you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 190°C / 375°F and bake the patties for 10 minutes on each side.

Cut the burger buns and lightly toast them on a grill pan.

Slice the red onion into rings and cook them in a pan until slightly charred on both sides.

To assemble the burgers, spread burger sauce (or mayonnaise/sauce of your choice) on the bottom bun. Add lettuce and place a bean patty on top.

In a separate bowl, mash a ripe avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper to season it. Spread the mashed avocado over the bean patty, creating a creamy and flavorful layer.

Drizzle some additional burger sauce on top. Finally, add a few slices of toasted red onion and cover with the top half of the burger bun.

Serve and enjoy.

Serving suggestions

Feel free to customize the burger with additional toppings, such as tomato slices, pickles, or vegan cheese, according to your preference.

Serve the burgers alongside your favorite side dishes or enjoy them on their own.

For a lighter option, serve the black bean patty on a bed of mixed greens or your favorite salad base. Toss the salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, avocado chunks, and toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Storage tips

Baked bean patties will wait in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – then simply heat them in a pan or in the oven. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

As the black bean patties keep really well, you can easily make them as part of your weekly meal-prep – keep them refrigerated until you are ready to use, and you can have a meal ready in minutes!

More similar recipes:

• Homemade Vegan Burger Buns
• Vegan Hummus Chickpea Burger
• Vegan Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
• Homemade Vegan Garlic Naan Bread

This recipe is sponsored by Hofer Slovenija.