Black Bean Burger

Name: Black Bean Burger
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp coconut oil (plus more for cooking); 1 yellow onion (finely diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 15-oz can black beans (drained); 1 cup quinoa (cooked); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup sunflower seeds; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 tsp cumin (ground); 1 tsp chili powder; Sea salt (to taste); 6 hamburger buns (split in half); 1 tomato (sliced); 6 slices cheese (vegan, regular (optional)); 1 red onion (sliced); 6 lettuce leaves; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 sweet potatoes (peeled if desired, cut into 8 wedges each); sea salt (to taste)

Published on 10.16.2020 by Jen Hansard

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black bean burger with crispy sweet potato wedges

There are so many black bean burgers on the market these days, yet I've tried more bad versions than good. So, I created my own black bean burger recipe. It's crispy on the outside, super filling, flavorful, and perfect for the next cookout or game day feature. It's also vegan, and full of good-for-you benefits.

simply plated black bean burger with sweet potato wedge fries.

Vegan Black Bean Burger Recipe

Let me breakdown my recipe as well as provide a few tips along the way for easy baking/storage. I use coconut oil in this recipe, because it withstands a higher heat than olive oil. Feel free to swap with avocado oil to avoid any coconut flavoring.

If you want more perfectly shaped patties, use the rimmed part of a wide mouth mason jar lid to shape them. I use this method in my vegan hash cakes recipe from our Seasonal Cleanse, and they turn out beautifully! Definitely don't skip the fridge/freezer rest time. This ensures the patties don't fall apart while cooking. Nobody wants crumbly burgers!

Why Choose a Vegan Burger

Burgers are an American staple at many BBQs, birthday parties, game day gatherings, and more. Yet they honestly leave me feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. I like the idea of a burger, yet want something that can delight my tastebuds without the negative side effects. The black beans and cooked quinoa give this burger a great texture, while the spices bring in a flavorful punch.

Though this homemade black bean burger recipe does take some time to prepare, it is well worth it. Store bought vegan burgers are often full of really processed ingredients, as well as tons of sodium. This vegan option offers real, whole food ingredients that actually taste good.

Freeze/Prep Ahead Options

Because this black bean burger recipe takes a bit to make, I usually double or triple the batch so that I can freeze them. Just follow steps 1-3, then put the frozen patties in freezer safe storage until you're ready to cook. They don't even need to thaw before cooking, just make sure add a few extra minutes per side in the skillet to cook through.

These vegan burgers can also be made a day or two in advance. If I know a block party is coming, I'll make a batch a few days ahead, so they're ready to go.

vegan black bean burger loaded with fresh toppings, a gluten free bun, and sweet potato wedges.

Plant Based Toppings

If you want to make these burgers 100% vegan, that includes the toppings. To add in a creaminess without the cheese, I like to toss on a few slices of avocado. An avocado crema is also a great addition, to give creaminess + a little tang. Or try my vegan kale slaw recipe for a delicious crunch topping. Vegan pesto is another flavorful addition to spice up this black bean burger. And don't forget the perfect fresh toppings, like lettuce, purple onion, and tomato.

If you need a gluten free bun option, check out this recipe from my friend Danielle Walker. I like to make a batch of these and freeze them, so I have one on hand for my next black bean burger!

Cookout-Worthy Sides

While this black bean burger recipe is the main feature of a cookout, we all know that sides play a vital role in a delicious meal. Check out these fresh sides that are both yummy and healthy!