How to Make the Perfect Chickpea and Quinoa Protein Patties
American · Medium · 35 min · 6 servings
These golden pan-fried patties combine two complete protein sources, chickpeas and quinoa, into a hearty and satisfying vegan burger alternative. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and pair beautifully with any sauce or bun.
Why this recipe works
This Chickpea and Quinoa Protein Patties recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa cooled
- 3 tbsp chickpea flour
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 0.5 medium red onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp tahini
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mash the Chickpeas
Place the drained chickpeas in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until roughly textured with no whole chickpeas remaining but do not puree to a paste. You want visible texture and small chunks throughout the mixture.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooled cooked quinoa, chickpea flour, cumin, finely diced red onion, and tahini to the mashed chickpeas. Mix everything together thoroughly and season generously with salt and pepper. If the mixture feels too wet to hold shape, add another tablespoon of chickpea flour.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and firmly press each into a round flat patty about one inch thick. Place on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
Step 4: Pan Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous layer of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side without pressing them down, until a deep golden crust forms. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chickpea flour → oat flour or breadcrumbs for binding though it will add a slightly different texture
- tahini → almond butter or sunflower seed butter for similar binding and creamy fat content
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not chilling the patties before cooking which causes them to fall apart and crumble in the pan
- Cooking on too high heat which burns the exterior before the center is warmed through and set
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 14g protein, 38g carbs, 8g fat, 8g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →