Best Black Bean Burger Recipe

Get ready for your new go-to veggie burger! This Best Black Bean Burger is smoky, hearty, just the right amount of spicy, and satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or whipping up a weeknight meal, this black bean burger promises big flavor and texture that stands out among homemade veggie burgers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This straightforward ingredient list is designed for maximum impact and minimum fuss. Each element in the Best Black Bean Burger brings a special something—flavor, texture, or a pop of color—to make every bite utterly crave-worthy!

• Black beans: The foundation! They offer plant-based protein, fiber, and creaminess—all crucial for burger structure.
• Grated yellow onion: Adds moisture and a sweet-savory punch, blending seamlessly into the patties.
• Garlic: Infuses the burgers with irresistible aromatic depth.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo: They bring unmistakable smoky heat and a hint of tang—don’t skip these for signature flavor.
• Adobo sauce: Adds an extra layer of richness and spice from the same can as your chipotles.
• Tamari: A touch of umami and saltiness; swap for soy sauce if that’s what you have.
• Balsamic vinegar: Gives a gentle, balancing sweetness and depth to the black bean mixture.
• Ground cumin: Lends gentle earthiness and warmth, enhancing all the savory notes.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning—these basics wake up all the flavors!
• Large egg (or flax egg): Binds everything together; use a flax egg for an easy vegan swap.
• Panko bread crumbs: They pull everything together, add texture, and help create that classic burger bite.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For brushing—helps you achieve a crave-worthy crust, whether stovetop or grill.
• Buns and burger fixings: Serve with your favorite buns and all the best toppings for a picture-perfect plate.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Best Black Bean Burger is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be afraid to play matchmaker with flavors, textures, and even dietary needs—this burger will rise to the occasion every time!

• Vegan version: Replace the egg with a “flax egg” for a 100% plant-based patty that’s still totally satisfying.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko or another gluten-free binder—this swap keeps the burger delicious and safe for all.
• Different beans: Try pinto beans or kidney beans for a fun riff on the original; each brings subtle differences in flavor and bite.
• Spice mix-ins: Play with smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a bit of grated jalapeño for added heat or smokiness.

How to Make Best Black Bean Burger

Step 1: Mash and Mix Your Base

In a large bowl, toss in your black beans, grated onion (remember to leave excess liquid behind!), minced garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grab a potato masher and get in there—mash until the mixture starts to hold together but still has plenty of chunky bits for good texture. This step sets up your Best Black Bean Burger for a fabulous bite and mouthfeel!

Step 2: Add Bindings and Form Patties

Add your egg (or flax egg, if vegan) and gently fold with a spatula to combine. Sprinkle in the panko and fold again. The mixture should feel cohesive and moist—if it’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes or mash the beans a bit more. Now, shape into 6 generous patties with your hands, pressing just enough to form sturdy rounds.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

For the skillet method, heat a cast-iron pan over medium and brush with olive oil. Lay down the burgers and cook about 5 minutes a side until charred and golden, lowering the heat if they darken too quickly. Prefer to grill? Preheat your grill to 400°F, brush patties with oil, spray the grates, and cook 8 minutes on the first side and 4 on the second. Either way, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once your Best Black Bean Burgers are sizzling and golden, nestle them into your favorite buns and pile high with toppings. Every bite is smoky, satisfying, and just a little bit spicy—absolute magic!

How to Serve Best Black Bean Burger

Garnishes

Load up your Best Black Bean Burger with vibrant garnishes—fresh avocado slices, spicy pickled onions, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a dollop of creamy chipotle mayo or vegan aioli. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cilantro or microgreens for that extra pop of freshness!

Side Dishes

These burgers shine with classic sides like oven-baked sweet potato fries, crisp coleslaw, or roasted corn salad. For something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the smoky richness of your burger beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bun! Try serving these burgers open-faced atop a bed of greens, stuffed into pita pockets with slaw, or even crumbled over grain bowls for a fun black bean burger bowl. Cut sliders for parties or wrap in lettuce for a low-carb twist—the options are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Black Bean Burgers keep really well! Once cooled, store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make a fantastic quick lunch throughout the week, and the flavors only deepen overnight.

Freezing

Black bean burgers are freezer champs! Cool them completely, then place a piece of parchment between each patty and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp at the edges—or for a quick fix, pop them in the microwave for about a minute. From frozen, it’s best to thaw before reheating for even warmth and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to fire up the grill (or stovetop!) and enjoy the Best Black Bean Burger soon. Every bite of this flavorful, satisfying patty tastes like a celebration—you’ll love how easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing it is. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!

Best Black Bean Burger Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 51 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 burgers 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

These Best Black Bean Burgers are packed with flavor and texture, making them a delicious and satisfying meatless option for any meal.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup grated yellow onion*
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, diced
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large egg**
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Additional:

• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
• Cooking spray, if grilling
• Hamburger buns, for serving
• Desired fixings, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mash the Bean Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chipotles, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mash until the mixture holds together with visible bean chunks.
2. Add Egg and Panko: Fold in the egg, then add the panko and combine well.
3. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 patties with your hands, ensuring it holds together.
4. Cook the Burgers: Either cook in a skillet or grill the patties until charred and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve on buns with desired toppings.

---

Notes

• *Grate the onion on the large holes of a box grater. Add the wet onion pulp to the black bean mixture, leaving excess liquid behind.
• **For a vegan option, replace the egg with a ‘flax egg’. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• If looking for a gluten-free option, try the Quinoa Burger recipe.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg