Homemade Black Bean Burger
Homemade Black Bean Burger builds a vegetarian main around ounce can black beans, spices, and sauce for a filling meal with bold flavor.
About This Recipe
Homemade Black Bean Burger gets its personality from spices, texture, and a well-built sauce or base.
Cook the aromatics first, then add the main ingredient gently so it keeps its shape.
Ingredients
- ✓15 ounce can black beans (, drained and rinsed)
- ✓1/2 green bell pepper
- ✓1/2 small onion
- ✓2 cloves garlic (, peeled)
- ✓1 large egg (*, beaten)
- ✓2/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ✓1 Tablespoon chili powder
- ✓1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ✓salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)
- ✓4 hamburger buns
- ✓desired burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, etc.
- ✓1 cup mayonnaise
- ✓2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ✓1 Tablespoon adobo sauce ((from can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce))
- ✓2 teaspoons lime juice
- ✓salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Main vegetable or legume: Cook until tender while keeping enough shape.
- Spices: Bloom spices in oil so the flavor spreads through the dish.
- Sauce base: Tomato, yogurt, or broth gives the recipe body.
- Fresh finish: Herbs, citrus, or onion can brighten the final plate.
Instructions
- 1
Black Beans: Place rinsed and drained black beans in a bowl. If needed, blot them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Place in a large bowl and mash well with a fork.
- 2
Veggies: Use a food processor to mine the bell pepper, onion and garlic. Transfer veggies to a fine mesh strainer and use the back of a spoon to press out excess moisture. (If it's too wet, the burger wont hold together as well.)
- 3
Combine: Add the strained vegetable mixture to the bowl with the black beans. Add the chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add beaten egg and mix. Stir in bread crumbs.
- 4
Form Patties: scoop mixture into 4 even sized patties, forming them and pressing flat with your hands.
- 5
To Grill: Cook on well oiled grill over medium heat, for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- 6
Stovetop: Cook over medium heat in a greased grill pan or skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- 7
Oven: Bake at 375 degrees F on a lightly oiled baking sheet, for 8-10 minutes on each side.
- 8
Assemble: Serve burgers on a bun or lettuce wrap and top with a spoonful of chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, or any desired toppings!
- 9
Chipotle Mayo Sauce: Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Bloom spices before adding the main ingredient.
- Keep vegetables or paneer from overcooking.
- Taste the sauce before serving.
- Finish with herbs, citrus, or a little extra spice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Extra vegetables: Add peppers, spinach, peas, or cauliflower.
- Creamier sauce: Stir in yogurt, cream, or coconut milk at the end.
- Spicier version: Increase chili, ginger, or garam masala.
- Fresh finish: Add cilantro, lemon, or sliced onion before serving.
What to Serve With Homemade Black Bean Burger
Serve Homemade Black Bean Burger with fries, pickles, coleslaw, potato salad, or onion rings.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently so the center stays tender and the sauce does not dry out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Flat spices: Spices need oil and heat to open up.
- Overcooked vegetables: Vegetables or paneer can lose their shape if boiled hard.
- Thin sauce: Simmer until the sauce coats the main ingredient.
- No fresh finish: Herbs or citrus can lift rich vegetarian dishes.
FAQ
Can I make Homemade Black Bean Burger ahead?
Yes. Many vegetarian curries and mains reheat well.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Increase fresh chiles, chili powder, or hot sauce gradually.
What should I serve with it?
Rice, naan, roti, salad, or yogurt sauce are good choices.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate airtight and reheat gently so the sauce stays smooth.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Sodium: 1603 mg
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g