This vegan burger recipe combines hearty ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying burger that is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

Ingredients

For the 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 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 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 Black 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.

Best Toppings for a Vegan Burger

To elevate your vegan burger experience, consider these delicious toppings:

1. Avocado or Guacamole: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
2. Pickled Red Onions: Provides a tangy crunch that complements the flavors.
3. Sautéed Mushrooms: Adds umami and a meaty texture.
4. Vegan Cheese: Melts beautifully and enhances flavor.
5. Fresh Greens: Spinach, arugula, or lettuce for freshness.
6. Tomato Slices: Juicy and refreshing, perfect for balancing flavors.
7. Cucumber Slices: Adds a crisp texture and refreshing taste.
8. Chipotle Sauce: Adds a smoky kick to your burger.
9. Coleslaw: Offers crunch and creaminess, especially with a vegan mayo base.
10. Hummus: A flavorful spread that adds protein and creaminess.

Making Gluten-Free Vegan Burgers

To ensure your vegan burgers are gluten-free:

• Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free options.
• Incorporate Oats: Use gluten-free rolled oats as a binder instead of breadcrumbs.
• Choose Gluten-Free Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, or millet can replace grains that contain gluten.
• Check Labels: Ensure all sauces and condiments are gluten-free.

Easy Vegan Burger Sauces to Try

Here are some quick and flavorful vegan burger sauces:

1. Classic Vegan Burger Sauce:

• Mix 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and a splash of pickle juice for tanginess.

Spicy Vegan Mayo:

• Combine 1/2 cup vegan mayo with 1 tablespoon sriracha for a spicy kick.

Avocado Dressing:

• Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic powder, and salt for a creamy sauce.

Tahini Sauce:

• Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until smooth for a nutty flavor.

BBQ Sauce:

• Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for a smoky sweetness.

Making Kid-Friendly Vegan Burgers

To create vegan burgers that kids will love:

• Mild Flavors: Avoid strong spices; use mild seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder.
• Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the patties.
• Tasty Toppings: Offer toppings like ketchup, avocado, or cheese that kids enjoy.
• Serve with Dips: Pair burgers with dips like hummus or ranch dressing to make them more appealing.

Quick Vegan Burger Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Here are some quick vegan burger recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes:

Black Bean Burgers:

• Mash 1 can of black beans and mix with cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, spices, and form patties. Cook on a skillet until crispy.

Chickpea Burgers:

• Mash 1 can of chickpeas with tahini, garlic powder, lemon juice, and oats. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden.

Lentil Burgers:

• Combine cooked lentils with diced onions, carrots, breadcrumbs, and spices. Shape into patties and grill or bake.

Mushroom & Quinoa Burgers:

• Sauté chopped mushrooms and mix with cooked quinoa, flaxseed meal (as a binder), and spices to form patties.

Sweet Potato Burgers:

• Mash cooked sweet potatoes with black beans, oats, and spices; form into patties and bake or pan-fry.

These tips and recipes will help you create delicious vegan burgers that cater to various tastes and dietary needs! Enjoy your cooking!

This vegan burger recipe is designed to be flavorful and satisfying while being easy to prepare. Enjoy your delicious homemade vegan burgers!