Description

Craving a delicious, vegetarian burger that’s packed with bold flavors and holds up perfectly on the grill or skillet? The Best Black Bean Burger, rated 4.96 from 225 votes, is your answer! These patties combine mashed black beans, smoky chipotle peppers, and savory spices, delivering a charred, hearty burger that pairs perfectly with classic fixings or a zesty chipotle mayo

Ingredients

To make the Best Black Bean Burger for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this satisfying dish:

Cooked Black Beans (3 cups, drained and rinsed): Hearty, protein-rich base.
Yellow Onion (⅓ cup, grated, about ½ medium): Adds moisture and savory depth.
Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Provides aromatic flavor.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (2, diced): Brings smoky, spicy heat.
Adobo Sauce (2 tbsp): Enhances smoky, tangy flavor.
Tamari (1 tbsp): Adds savory, umami depth.
Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp): Contributes subtle sweetness and tang.
Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds warm, earthy notes.
Sea Salt (½ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Provides a mild kick.
Large Egg (1): Binds the patties (see vegan option in notes).
Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Helps hold the patties together.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for brushing during cooking.
Cooking Spray (if grilling): Prevents sticking on the grill.
Hamburger Buns (6): Sturdy base for serving.
Desired Fixings: Ketchup, mustard, chipotle mayo, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, etc.

Substitutions and Variations:

Black Beans: Swap with pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp warm water, set for 5 minutes) for a vegan version (see notes).
Panko: Replace with gluten-free panko, crushed crackers, or oats.
Tamari: Use soy sauce (if not gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a milder flavor.
Chipotle Peppers: Substitute with ½ tsp chipotle powder or smoked paprika for less heat.
Add-Ons: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or cilantro for extra texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko, tamari, and buns (check labels).
Spicy Kick: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The black beans provide protein and structure, while the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce add smoky heat. The egg (or flax egg) and panko bind the patties, and the fixings elevate the burger experience, making this a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for vegetarian or vegan diets.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cooked black beans (drained and rinsed), ⅓ cup grated yellow onion (discard excess liquid), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced chipotle peppers, 2 tbsp adobo sauce, 1 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Use a potato masher to mash until the mixture holds together but retains some visible black bean chunks.

Tip: Grate the onion on the large holes of a box grater, leaving excess liquid behind to avoid a soggy mixture.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Add 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan) and fold with a spatula until combined.
Fold in 1 cup panko bread crumbs.
Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 equal patties. The mixture should be cohesive but slightly wet.
If too wet to handle, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes or mash the beans more.

Tip: Form patties gently to avoid breaking them, and aim for uniform size (about ½-inch thick) for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Skillet Method: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush lightly with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
Grill Method: Preheat an outdoor grill to 400°F. Lightly brush patties with olive oil and spray grill grates with cooking spray. Grill for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side (6 minutes for vegan patties).

Tip: For skillet cooking, use medium heat to achieve a nice char without overcooking; for grilling, ensure grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Serve

Place each patty on a hamburger bun and top with desired fixings (e.g., ketchup, mustard, chipotle mayo, guacamole, lettuce, tomato).
Serve hot.

Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the charred exterior and juicy interior at their best.