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.
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.
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!
- Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Healthy-ish Rice Krispie Treats
- Noodle Salad
- Crispy Potato Wedges
- Fried Plantains
- Homemade Hummus
- Tofu Nuggets
- Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
- Fresh Potato Salad
Black Bean Burger
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 tablespoon 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)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 6 hamburger buns (split in half)
Toppings
- 1 tomato (sliced)
- 6 slices cheese (vegan, regular (optional))
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 6 lettuce leaves
For the Potato Wedges:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 sweet potatoes (peeled if desired, cut into 8 wedges each)
- sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a skillet. Add the onion and saute until softened, about 5-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and add all of the other ingredients in the bowl. Use your hands or potato masher to mash everything together, especially the beans. The mixture will be rather sticky. Taste and add salt, if needed.
- Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Form the burger mixture into 6 balls of equal size. Place the balls spaced about 3” apart on the plate or tray. Flatten gently with the palm of your hand to form a patty about 4-inches in diameter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until firm. (Wrap each burger individually if making ahead and storing in freezer.) If possible, don’t skip this step - it makes it much easier to cook and flip the burgers.
- To cook burgers, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little coconut oil to the pan and let it get nice and hot, about 20-30 seconds. Place the burgers in the hot pan, working in batches, if needed. Cook first side until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. Gently flip the burgers over and cook on the remaining side. If cooking burgers frozen, they will take a few extra minutes to warm through.
- Serve with toppings on a bun with a side of baked sweet potato fries.
For the Potato Wedges:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat oven to 450°. Adjust oven racks so one is closer to the bottom of the oven, and one is closer to the top.
- Toss the sweet potato wedges with the olive oil and arrange in single layers on the baking sheets. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Switch the baking sheets, top to bottom, and continue baking until fries are tender and golden on the edges, an additional 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- These are more delicate than meat burgers, and hold together best after being refrigerated or frozen. Be gentle when turning.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or almond meal for the regular bread crumbs. Serve on a gluten-free bun or bed of leafy greens.
- Nutrition facts don't include the sweet potato fries
Jessica
It's tough to find a good black bean burger when I go out to eat. I'm really excited to have this recipe so I can at least have great ones at home!
Simple Green Smoothies
Maybe you should give this recipe to the restaurants you go to. Ha!
Kat B.
Love the tip about fridge/freezer time! My husband has always been frustrated when trying to grill any kind of vegan burgers I make. That should help a ton and can't wait to try these!
Simple Green Smoothies
It's a great tip that should really help! Let us know how it goes!
Kim
I love black bean burgers and am so glad I found a recipe that isn't mushy. So, so good!
Simple Green Smoothies
I agree, Kim!
Erin
WOW. I really like black bean burgers, and this one hits the mark on flavor and texture. I loaded it up with purple onion, sautéed mushrooms, and wrapped it in lettuce.
Simple Green Smoothies
That sounds so delicious, Erin!!
Kavli Kukreja
I love this recipe! Especially with some grilled mushrooms and on a bed of spinach! Yum!!
Simple Green Smoothies
It's such a great recipe, isn't it?!
Dani Mitchell
I made these last weekend for my family and we really enjoyed them. I like how hearty they are (and not mushy). You really do feel satisfied with them. i added grilled mushrooms and onions... and all my fav condiments and i was a very happy camper!
Simple Green Smoothies
A non-mushy black bean burger is a total game changer!
SGS Rawkstar Erin
So good!
Simple Green Smoothies
Yes it is! 🙂
Erin
My family loves these burgers! Filling, great taste, and I definitely don't miss meat eating these.
Simple Green Smoothies
A favorite recipe in my house, also!
Karen
Accidentally deleted my Let's Eat plan that had this recipe. So glad to see it here - one of my favorites!
Jen Hansard
Awesome! We can resend you the plan... just email us!
Karen
I did in fact get the "Let's Eat" plan & love it! Any future meal plans or cookbooks, especially vegan, in the future? I did the Fresh Start cleanse too & the food was so delicious it's almost spoiled me for eating anything else.
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Karen,
Great question! A little bird told me Simple Green Smoothies might be coming out with more seasonal options for Let's Eat. So keep your fingers crossed + an eye out!
Cheers 🙂
JAN
We are in Mexico a lot. Can I substitute something else for the sun dried tomatoes? I am sure I can't buy them there.
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Jan,
Of course! I love adding fresh tomatoes to these burgers in place of sun-dried!
Cheers 🙂
Marisa saucedo
Hi Jan!
I live in Mexico and you can find dried tomatoes at any Walmart, Costco, Sams, HEB, organic food stores, organic food markets, etc.
SGS Rawkstar
Thanks for sharing, Marisa!
Mariane cuisine
Looks so good ! I have to test it out for my blog !
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Mariane,
If you post this recipe to your blog, we'd love to hear what you think! Make sure and share the link!
Cheers 🙂