Description
Craving a hearty, plant-based burger that’s packed with flavor and fits a low-carb lifestyle with some tweaks? These Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers are your perfect solution! Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the low-carb versatility of cauliflower rice, these burgers are spiced with paprika, cumin, and coriander for a smoky, savory kick
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers. Each ingredient adds to the savory, hearty, and veggie-packed magic.
- Sweet Potatoes (1½ pounds, peeled and diced): Provide a sweet, creamy base.
- Cauliflower Rice (4 cups): Adds low-carb bulk and texture.
- Sesame Seeds (⅓ cup): Bring nutty flavor and slight crunch.
- Garlic Cloves (2): Infuse savory, aromatic depth.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky warmth.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Brings earthy, spicy notes.
- Ground Coriander (½ tsp): Adds subtle citrusy flavor.
- Kosher Salt (1¼ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Black Pepper (¾ tsp, freshly ground): Adds subtle heat.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the patties together.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Helps form the patties (use almond flour for keto).
- Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Adds structure (use almond meal or pork rinds for keto).
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Used for pan-frying.
- Mayonnaise (4 Tbsp): Creates a creamy, spicy topping.
- Hot Sauce (2 tsp): Adds a spicy kick to the mayo.
- Avocados (2, peeled and pitted): Provide creamy, rich topping.
- Lemon Juice (2 Tbsp): Brightens the avocado topping.
- Green Onions (½ cup, thinly sliced): Add fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Lettuce Leaves (4): Provide crisp, low-carb crunch.
- Kaiser Rolls (4, halved): Serve as the burger base (use keto buns for low-carb).
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap with butternut squash or pumpkin for a similar texture (lower carbs slightly).
- Cauliflower Rice: Use broccoli rice or finely chopped zucchini for variety.
- Flour/Bread Crumbs: Replace with almond flour and crushed pork rinds for keto/gluten-free versions.
- Egg: Use a flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water) for vegan.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt (non-keto) or vegan mayo for dairy-free.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust to taste or use sriracha, chili paste, or omit for mild flavor.
- Kaiser Rolls: Use keto-friendly buns (e.g., almond flour buns), lettuce wraps, or portobello mushroom caps for low-carb/keto.
- Add-Ins: Include ¼ cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or shredded carrots (non-keto) in the patty mixture.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne or chili powder to the patty mix for extra heat.
- Vegan Version: Use a flax egg and vegan mayo; ensure buns are vegan-friendly
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Place 1½ pounds peeled and diced sweet potatoes in a medium pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 12–15 minutes until very tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Tip: Dice sweet potatoes into small pieces for faster cooking; ensure they’re soft for easy pureeing.
Step 2: Form the Patty Mixture
- In a food processor, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, 4 cups cauliflower rice, ⅓ cup sesame seeds, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, 1¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¾ tsp black pepper. Puree until smooth.
- Add 1 large egg and pulse to combine.
- Add ¼ cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup bread crumbs; pulse just until evenly incorporated.
Tip: Don’t over-process after adding flour and crumbs to avoid a gummy texture.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 even portions and form into round patties, about ½-inch thick.
Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking; chill patties for 10 minutes in the fridge if they’re too soft to handle.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
- Heat 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and firm.
Tip: Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding; use a spatula to flip gently to maintain shape.
Step 5: Prepare Toppings
- In a small bowl, whisk together 4 Tbsp mayonnaise and 2 tsp hot sauce.
- In another small bowl, mash 2 avocados with 2 Tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
Tip: Adjust hot sauce to taste for desired spice level; mash avocado to your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
- Spread the spicy mayonnaise on the bottom half of each of 4 kaiser rolls (or keto buns).
- Top each with a lettuce leaf, a cauliflower sweet potato patty, a dollop of avocado mixture, and ½ cup sliced green onions (divided evenly).
- Place the top half of the bun on each burger and serve immediately.
Tip: Toast buns lightly for extra texture; assemble just before serving to keep buns crisp.