Vegetarian
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Flavorful and hearty meatless burgers made with black beans and spices. These hold their shape well and are perfect for grilling.
Watch it madeJ. Kenji López-Alt · 24:53
Ingredients
- Black Beans (rinsed)2 cans (15 oz each)
- Breadcrumbs1/2 cup
- Onion1/2 small
- Green Bell Pepper1/2 medium
- Egg1 large
- Cumin1 tsp
- Chili Powder1 tsp
- Burger Buns4
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread black beans on a baking sheet to dry out for 10 minutes.
- Sauté finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
- In a food processor, pulse the beans, sautéed veggies, cumin, chili powder, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Form the mixture into patties and grill or pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Assemble burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
Common questions
Can I substitute the egg in these black bean burgers?
Yes. For binding, use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, or 2 tablespoons mashed potato. Let the mixture sit 5 minutes before forming patties. Expect a slightly softer texture than with egg.
How long does it take to make spicy black bean burgers from start to finish?
Plan on about 35 to 45 minutes total. Drying the beans takes 10 minutes, sautéing the vegetables 5 to 7 minutes, mixing 5 minutes, and cooking the patties 8 to 10 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Why are my black bean burgers falling apart?
Usually the mixture is too wet or too coarse. Dry the beans well, don’t skip breadcrumbs, and pulse only until combined, not puree. If it still feels loose, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more breadcrumbs and chill 15 minutes.
How should I store leftover black bean burger patties?
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them separated by parchment for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven so they stay crisp.
What are the best ways to serve spicy black bean burgers?
Serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and a cooling sauce like mayo, yogurt sauce, or avocado crema. They also work well over salad, in lettuce wraps, or with sweet potato fries for a complete meal.