How to Make the Perfect Black Bean Burgers
American · Medium · 30 min · 4 servings
These smoky homemade black bean burgers are so satisfying and flavorful that they have converted many skeptics to the joys of vegan eating. This vegan recipe creates patties with a perfectly crispy crust and a tender interior that holds together beautifully in a bun.
Why this recipe works
This Black Bean Burgers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bean Mixture
Drain and rinse the black beans then spread them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and pat dry thoroughly. Mash the beans in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining for a satisfying bite.
Step 2: Mix the Patty Dough
Add the diced onion, breadcrumbs, rolled oats, soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the mashed beans. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until a firm dough forms that holds its shape when pressed.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1 inch thick. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the vegan patties from falling apart during cooking.
Step 4: Cook and Serve
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the black bean patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side without pressing down until a deep golden crust forms. Serve on toasted buns with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite vegan condiments.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- rolled oats → cooked quinoa for extra protein and a slightly different binding texture
- breadcrumbs → almond flour for a gluten-free vegan burger patty option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the beans adequately before mashing which adds too much moisture and results in patties that are too wet to hold together while cooking
- Skipping the refrigeration step before cooking which is essential for the patties to firm up and maintain their shape in the hot pan
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 16g protein, 62g carbs, 12g fat, 12g fiber.
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