These flavorful vegan black bean burgers are a hearty, wholesome alternative to traditional burgers, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.
Naturally gluten-free and low in saturated fat, they’re easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and fully customizable with fresh veggies and sauces, they satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
Equipment
- 1 small bowl (for chia/flax egg)
- 1 sieve (for rinsing beans)
- 1 food processor or blender (for mixing ingredients)
- 1 frying pan (for cooking burgers)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 15 oz / 270 g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup 60 g sunflower seeds
- ⅔ cup 60 g rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp 30 g tomato paste
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari gluten-free if needed
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ large onion 65 g, chopped
- 3 chia eggs or flax eggs 3 tbsp ground chia/flax + ¼ cup water
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- ¾ tsp sea salt adjust to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
Optional/To Serve:
- Oil for frying
- Vegan barbecue sauce or Sriracha
- 4 burger buns regular or gluten-free
- Fresh veggies: lettuce tomato, cucumber, onion, avocado
- Vegan cheese or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Chia or Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of ground chia seeds (or flax seeds) with ¼ cup of water. Stir thoroughly and set aside for at least 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken into a gel-like consistency. This will act as a binding agent for the burgers, helping them hold their shape without eggs. If you only have whole seeds, pulse them briefly in a spice grinder or blender before using.
- Rinse and Dry the Beans: Open a 15-ounce can of black beans and pour them into a sieve. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium or canning liquid. Once rinsed, allow them to drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures the burgers won’t become too wet or mushy.
- Process the Oats and Sunflower Seeds: In a food processor or blender, combine ⅔ cup of rolled oats and ½ cup sunflower seeds. Pulse until they form a coarse, crumbly mixture. This mixture will act as the base of your burgers, providing structure, a slight crunch, and a nutty flavor. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture to remain.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the following to the food processor with the oats and sunflower seeds: Drained black beans 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari 3 minced garlic cloves ½ large chopped onion Thickened chia or flax eggs 2 tsp onion powder 2 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp red pepper flakes ¾ tsp sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp chopped parsley Pulse the mixture just until ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should still have some texture and not be completely smooth. Over-blending will create a paste-like consistency, which may make the burgers too dense.
- Shape the Burger Patties: Using clean hands, scoop the mixture and form it into 4 even-sized patties. If the mixture feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more oats. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together. Press the patties lightly with your palms to ensure they are firm and compact, but not too tight.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom lightly. Allow the oil to heat for a minute or two until it shimmers. This ensures the burgers will develop a golden-brown crust and not stick to the pan.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties gently into the hot pan. Cook each side for about 6–7 minutes, or until the edges start to firm and a golden crust forms.Avoid moving them around too much; let the heat do its work. If desired, after flipping, brush a layer of vegan barbecue sauce or Sriracha on top to add moisture, color, and extra flavor.
- Optional Oven Finish: For an extra firm interior, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the partially cooked patties to a lined baking sheet, lightly brush with oil or sauce, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. This step ensures burgers hold together well, especially if they are intended for meal prep.
- Assemble the Burgers: Slice your burger buns and lightly toast them if desired. Place a cooked patty on each bun and top with fresh ingredients such as lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber, onion rings, avocado, or vegan cheese. Add a spread or dressing of your choice to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately alongside oven-baked potato wedges, vegan onion rings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These burgers can also be wrapped and refrigerated for lunch or stored in the freezer for future meals. Enjoy the satisfying combination of crunchy exterior, tender interior, and wholesome flavors in every bite!
Notes
- These vegan black bean burgers are versatile; feel free to adjust spices or add herbs to suit your taste.
- Sunflower seeds can be substituted with walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor.
- Using gluten-free oats and buns makes the recipe completely gluten-free.
- If the mixture feels slightly sticky, it will firm up during cooking; add a small amount of oats if too wet.
- Brushing patties with vegan barbecue sauce or a light drizzle of oil while cooking enhances flavor and juiciness.
- To make firmer patties, cook on the stovetop first and finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- These burgers can be customized with your favorite toppings, sauces, and sides to create a complete meal.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Burgers
Achieving the ideal texture in a black bean burger requires a few simple techniques.
Rinsing and drying the beans thoroughly removes excess moisture, preventing soggy patties.
Pulse the oats and seeds just enough to create a coarse base—too fine and your burgers may become dense.
Chia or flax eggs act as a natural binder, but if your mixture feels dry, a teaspoon of water at a time helps.
Cooking over medium heat ensures a crisp exterior without burning, and brushing with sauce adds flavor and a visually appealing glaze.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Pairing Ideas
These burgers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve on lightly toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, pickles, or vegan cheese for a classic burger experience.
For extra indulgence, try them with a homemade vegan Thousand Island or garlic aioli.
They also go beautifully alongside oven-baked potato wedges, roasted sweet potato fries, or a crisp garden salad.
You can even turn them into a salad bowl by chopping the cooked patty and adding it to quinoa, greens, and your favorite dressing.
Storage Tips: Keep Burgers Fresh Longer
Cooked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To prevent them from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper between layers.
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked or cooked patties for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to retain their crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the patties mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can cook dry beans until soft before using. Ensure they are fully cooked and well-drained to prevent soggy patties.
2. Can I make these burgers oil-free?
Absolutely! You can pan-fry them in a nonstick skillet or bake them in the oven with a light coating of cooking spray for a lower-fat version.
3. How can I make the burgers firmer?
For firmer patties, pan-fry first and then finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes. This helps them hold together and improves texture.
4. Are there any good substitutes for sunflower seeds?
Yes, you can replace sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds. These alternatives add unique flavors while maintaining the burger’s structure.
5. Can I meal prep these burgers for the week?
Definitely! Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a skillet or oven before serving to maintain crispness.
