Ultimate Black Bean Burgers: A Vegetarian’s Dream

Discover the secret to creating black bean burgers that even meat-lovers can’t resist. These protein-packed patties boast a robust texture and complex flavors that will revolutionize your burger game.

Unlocking the Perfect Black Bean Burger

For years, black bean burgers have suffered from a fatal flaw: mushiness. But no more! Our revolutionary technique transforms canned beans into meaty, flavorful patties that hold their shape and satisfy every bite. Here’s how we do it:

The Roasted Bean Revelation

The game-changer? Roasting the beans before mixing them into the patties. This simple step concentrates their flavor and creates a denser, meatier texture that’s leagues beyond traditional recipes.

Texture is King

We’ve cracked the code on achieving the perfect mix of tenderness and bite. Chopped cashews provide a subtle crunch, while chunks of feta or cotija cheese create pockets of salty, creamy goodness throughout each patty.

Flavor Explosion

These aren’t your average, bland veggie burgers. We’ve packed in layers of flavor:

• Sautéed onions, garlic, and poblano peppers form a savory base
• A hint of smoky chipotle adds depth and complexity
• Mayonnaise brings richness and helps bind the patties

Really Awesome Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large poblano pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 1 teaspoon sauce
• 3/4 cup roasted cashews
• 1/2 cup finely crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Cheese for topping, such as pepper jack, cheddar, muenster, or Swiss (optional)
• 6 to 8 hearty hamburger buns, toasted
• Condiments as desired, such as chipotle mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise
• Toppings as desired, such as shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and pickles

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the black beans on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve split open and developed a slightly crunchy exterior. Let them cool a bit before proceeding.
2. While the beans are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and poblano for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the chipotle chile and sauce, cooking for another 30 seconds. Transfer this aromatic mixture to a large bowl.
3. Pulse the cashews in a food processor until they’re in small pieces (about 1/3-inch max). Add these to the bowl with the sautéed vegetables.
4. Once the beans have cooled slightly, add them to the food processor along with the cheese. Pulse until roughly chopped – you want some texture, not a smooth purée. Add this to the bowl with the other ingredients.
5. Now for the binding agents: add the bread crumbs, egg, and mayonnaise to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together with your hands. At this point, you can refrigerate the mixture for up to three days if you’re meal prepping.
6. When you’re ready to cook, form the mixture into 6-8 patties, sized to fit your buns.
7. To cook on the stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned and crisp. Add cheese in the last minute of cooking if desired.
8. To grill: Preheat your grill for two-zone cooking (one side hot, one side cooler). Brush the patties with oil and grill over the hot side for 3-5 minutes per side, adding cheese near the end if you like.
9. Serve your black bean burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments. Get creative – these patties pair well with everything from classic lettuce and tomato to more adventurous toppings like pickled onions or avocado slices!

Make-Ahead Magic

These burgers are perfect for meal prep! The patty mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before cooking. You can even freeze the formed patties for up to 3 months – just thaw for an hour before cooking.

Nutritional Info