Here’s a simple and flavorful veggie burger recipe that combines the best elements from various sources to create a delicious and satisfying meal at home.
This veggie burger features a blend of beans, grains, and vegetables, providing a hearty texture and rich flavor. It’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Ingredients
For the Veggie Burger Patties:
- Flax Egg:
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup water
- Beans:
- 3 cups cooked black beans (about two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
- Nuts/Seeds:
- 1 cup cashews or sunflower seeds (finely chopped)
- Grains:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice or quinoa
- Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- Binders:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- Spices:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Easy Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- A few shakes of black pepper
To Serve:
- Burger buns of your choice
- Lettuce or arugula
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Optional: Vegan cheese slices
Instructions
Prepare the Flax Egg:
- In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens.
Mash the Beans:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a potato masher until mostly smooth but still chunky.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the chopped cashews, flax egg, cooked rice/quinoa, parsley, shredded carrots, green onions, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt to the bowl with the mashed beans. Mix until well combined.
Form Patties:
- Using about half a cup of the mixture per burger, shape into patties about three-quarters of an inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill for Firmness:
- Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
Cooking Options:
- Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about five minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill patties for about six minutes on each side.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry patties in batches for about ten minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Assemble Your Burgers:
- Place cooked patties on buns and top with lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, and a drizzle of burger sauce. Add vegan cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Cooked Rice or Quinoa: This helps bind the mixture better than leftover grains.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming patties; adjust spices and salt as needed.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add unique toppings like avocado, pickled jalapeños, or specialty sauces to enhance flavor.
Tips for Making Flavorful and Nutritious Veggie Burgers
- Use a Variety of Vegetables: Incorporate a mix of vegetables to enhance flavor and nutrition. Sautéing ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers before mixing them into the burger can add depth through caramelization [1].
- Add Beans, Legumes, and Whole Grains: These ingredients provide protein and fiber. Black beans, lentils, quinoa, and bulgur are excellent choices that also help bind the patties together. Ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture [1].
- Incorporate Nuts and Seeds: Adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or seeds (like sunflower seeds) can improve texture and provide healthy fats. They also help hold the burger together [1].
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on spices! Use a mix of herbs and spices that complement your ingredients, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs. Tasting the mixture before cooking allows you to adjust flavors as needed [1].
Making Veggie Burgers Perfect for Grilling
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Use sticky grains like short-grain brown rice or quinoa to help bind the patties together, preventing them from falling apart on the grill [5].
- Chill the Patties: Refrigerate the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps firm them up and makes them less likely to disintegrate during cooking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a cast iron skillet on the grill can also help keep burgers intact while imparting a smoky flavor [3].
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Start with medium-high heat to achieve a good sear, then reduce to medium-low heat to cook through without burning [3].
Creative Ways to Use Mushrooms in Veggie Burgers
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Use finely chopped sautéed mushrooms (like shiitake or portobello) as a base for your burger mixture to add umami flavor and moisture [5].
- Mushroom Caps as Patties: Large portobello caps can be grilled or roasted and used directly as burger patties for a hearty option.
- Mushroom Powder: Incorporate dried mushroom powder into your burger mix for an intense flavor boost without adding bulk.
Making Budget-Friendly Veggie Burgers
- Use Inexpensive Ingredients: Beans, lentils, and grains are typically affordable sources of protein and can form the base of your burgers.
- Bulk Cooking: Prepare large batches of veggie burgers and freeze them for later use, saving time and money.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Use seasonal or on-sale vegetables in your recipes to keep costs down while ensuring freshness.
- DIY Instead of Store-Bought: Making your own veggie burgers allows you to control costs compared to purchasing pre-made options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Veggie Burgers
- Overloading with Beans: While beans are nutritious, too many can lead to a mushy texture. Balance them with grains and vegetables for better consistency [2].
- Skipping Seasoning: Many people underestimate the importance of seasoning; bland burgers can be unappetizing. Be generous with spices and herbs [1].
- Not Chilling the Mixture: Failing to chill formed patties can result in burgers that fall apart during cooking.
- Using Dry Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are moist enough; dry components can lead to crumbly patties.
- Neglecting Texture: Aim for a mix of textures by including crunchy vegetables or nuts alongside softer ingredients for a more satisfying bite [2][5].
By following these tips, you can create delicious veggie burgers that are not only flavorful but also nutritious, budget-friendly, and perfect for grilling!
This veggie burger recipe is designed to be flavorful and satisfying while being easy to prepare. Enjoy your delicious homemade veggie burgers!