Best Black Bean Burger Recipe

If you’re craving a plant-based classic that truly satisfies, look no further than my Best Black Bean Burger. Smoky, hearty, and perfectly crisped on the outside, this recipe has everything you want in a burger—plus it’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and crowd-pleaser tested (trust me, not a single leftover in sight!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Best Black Bean Burger are wonderfully straightforward, but each one is essential to building complex flavor and that perfect burger texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute too much—every element pulls its weight!

• Black beans (3 cups, cooked, drained, and rinsed): These are the star—use canned or home-cooked, but make sure they’re dry so your burgers hold together.
• Grated yellow onion (about ½ medium): The moisture and pungency help flavor and bind the mix; grating also means no big crunchy onion pieces.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a deep aromatic boost in every burger.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo (2 peppers, diced): These bring smoky heat and a hint of complexity you can’t get from powder alone.
• Adobo sauce (2 tablespoons): Extra chipotle flavor, ties everything together with a little tang and spice.
• Tamari (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and salt—use soy sauce if you’re not gluten-free.
• Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweet acidity amps up the flavor and keeps things juicy.
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Warm, earthy notes make the burger sing.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t skimp—the seasoning is key to a craveable burger.
• Large egg (or flax egg for vegan): The egg is your natural binder, but flax egg is a great vegan substitute—see notes below.
• Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): These help the burger firm up and get that inviting, nubby texture. Use gluten-free panko if needed.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For brushing the pan or patties to get that irresistible golden crust.
• Cooking spray (if grilling): Essential to keep those burgers from sticking to the grill.
• Hamburger buns & desired fixings: Go classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or get adventurous—this is your burger, after all!

Variations

One of the reasons I love the Best Black Bean Burger is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to increase the heat or keep things vegan or gluten-free, this recipe adapts so beautifully to whatever cravings or dietary needs you’re working with—have fun with it!

• Vegan version: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (simply mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons warm water and let it thicken). The texture is deliciously moist, though a bit softer than the classic version.
• Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free panko and GF buns to make the burger safe and just as delicious for all.
• Spicy kick: Dice in an extra chipotle pepper or even a jalapeño for extra fire if you love a bold burger.
• Mellow and smoky: Swap the chipotles for 1 teaspoon smoked paprika if you want more smoke and less heat.
• Loaded with veggies: Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the mix for an even earthier flavor and extra nutrition.

How to Make Best Black Bean Burger

Step 1: Combine and Mash the Ingredients

Start by adding the drained black beans, grated onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper to a big bowl. Use a potato masher to gently mash everything together—the goal is not a paste, but a mixture that holds its shape with some chunks of beans left for good texture.

Step 2: Fold in Egg and Panko

Once your base is combined (and looks delicious already!), fold in the egg to help bind, then add the panko until the mixture feels cohesive. It should hold together when squeezed, and be just slightly tacky but not wet. If it feels too loose, refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or mash the beans a bit more.

Step 3: Shape the Burgers

With clean hands, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form each into patties. Take a little extra care pressing the edges so they stay together—the mixture will feel soft but will firm up once cooked.

Step 4: Cook on Skillet or Grill

For stovetop, heat a cast-iron skillet on medium and brush or spray with olive oil. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, until they’re deeply browned and slightly crisp. If grilling, preheat your grill to 400°F, oil the grates well, and cook patties 8 minutes on one side, 4 on the other (a bit longer if you’re using a flax egg). Enjoy those smoky grill marks!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once your burgers are cooked, nestle them into fresh buns, add your favorite fixings—from classic lettuce and tomato to avocado slices or spicy mayo—and dig into the Best Black Bean Burger you’ve ever made!

How to Serve Best Black Bean Burger

Garnishes

Pile your Best Black Bean Burger high with fresh leafy lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, pickled onions, or even a dollop of chipotle mayo. For a real flavor bomb, try a layer of crunchy slaw or a few bread-and-butter pickles—each topping brings a new burst of freshness and texture.

Side Dishes

I love serving these burgers alongside sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a classic tangy coleslaw. They’re also perfect with a crisp green salad or even some homemade baked potato chips—anything light and crunchy helps balance out the rich, smoky patties!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Best Black Bean Burgers open-faced topped with a fried egg (brunch burger, anyone?), or slice thin and layer into a wrap with mixed greens and hummus. Mini slider versions are fabulous for parties, and leftovers make a killer protein-packed salad addition!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover burgers can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful—just reheat as needed!

Freezing

To freeze, place cooked or uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a bag or airtight container. They’ll last up to 2 months—ideal for meal-prep or sudden burger cravings!

Reheating

Reheat your Best Black Bean Burger in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or pop it in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. The exterior crisps back up and the inside turns perfectly warm—avoid the microwave if you want to keep them sturdy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a burger that’s plant-based but never boring, give the Best Black Bean Burger a try. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the bold flavor, endless customization possibilities, and how genuinely satisfying homemade veggie burgers can be. Happy cooking—the next crave-worthy burger is calling your name!

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