Vegetarian Mushroom & Quinoa Burgers

Here’s a detailed recipe for Vegetarian Mushroom & Quinoa Burgers that combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with the nutritious benefits of quinoa. This recipe is designed to be flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare. Vegetarian Mushroom & Quinoa Burgers are a delightful and tasty vegetarian fast food dish.

Vegetarian Mushroom & Quinoa Burger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flaxseed meal (mixed with 1/2 cup water, let sit for 5 minutes for a flax egg)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Optional Toppings

• Avocado slices
• Tomato slices
• Lettuce or arugula
• Vegan mayo or aioli
• Pickled onions

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa:

• Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are tender. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.

Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed mushroom mixture, flaxseed meal (flax egg), breadcrumbs, and soy sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Form Patties:

• Shape the mixture into patties using about 1/2 cup of the mixture for each burger. You should be able to make about 4-6 patties depending on size.

Chill:

• Place the formed patties on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Cook the Patties:

• You can either bake or pan-fry the patties:
  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Serve:

• Serve your mushroom and quinoa burgers on buns with your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or vegan mayo.

Tips

• For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro into the mixture.
• These burgers can be frozen; just ensure they are well-wrapped before freezing.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on variations of Mushroom and Quinoa Burgers, including a Mediterranean twist, vegan cheese alternatives, mushroom options, and air fryer instructions.

Variations of Mushroom and Quinoa Burgers

1. Mediterranean Twist

To give your mushroom and quinoa burgers a Mediterranean flair, consider adding the following ingredients:

• Feta Cheese: Use a vegan feta alternative for creaminess.
• Olives: Chopped Kalamata olives add a briny flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley for an aromatic touch.
• Spices: Use cumin and coriander to enhance the flavor profile.

2. Asian-Inspired Version

Create an Asian twist by adding:

• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: For umami flavor.
• Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil can add depth.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions for freshness.
• Serve with Sriracha Aioli: Combine vegan mayo with Sriracha for a spicy dip.

3. Southwest Style

For a Southwest-inspired burger:

• Black Beans: Substitute some quinoa with black beans for added protein.
• Corn: Mix in corn kernels for sweetness and crunch.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can brighten the flavor.
• Chipotle Powder: Add chipotle powder for smokiness.

Vegan Alternatives to Cheese

If you want to add cheese-like flavors without dairy, consider these vegan alternatives:

• Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle on top or mix into the burger for a cheesy flavor.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: Use as a spread on the bun.
• Cashew Cheese: Blend soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a creamy spread.

Different Types of Mushrooms

You can use various types of mushrooms in your burgers:

• Shiitake Mushrooms: For a rich umami flavor.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Use whole caps as burger patties or chopped in the mixture.
• Button Mushrooms: Commonly used and easily available.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Delicate flavor that adds texture.

Making Mushroom and Quinoa Burgers in an Air Fryer

To prepare your mushroom and quinoa burgers in an air fryer:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Form Patties: Shape your burger mixture into patties as usual.
3. Air Frying:

• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

1. Serve: Assemble with your favorite toppings.

These variations and tips will help you create delicious and unique mushroom and quinoa burgers that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences! Enjoy experimenting with flavors!

Enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Mushroom & Quinoa Burgers! They are nutritious, filling, and perfect for any meal!