22 Minutes Black Bean Burger
A flavorful, protein-packed black bean burger seasoned with smoky chipotle and spices, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal.
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet
- 1 Potato masher
- 1 Box grater
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons (set)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked black beans rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup yellow onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo diced
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan option
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil for cooking
- Hamburger buns and desired toppings for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Bean Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, grated onion, minced garlic, diced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher, gently press the beans until they mostly break down but still retain some chunkiness for texture.
- Bind the Ingredients: Add the egg to the mixture and fold it in carefully with a spatula until evenly incorporated. Next, fold in the panko breadcrumbs, which will help bind the patties and provide structure.
- Shape the Patties: Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into six evenly sized patties. The mixture should feel slightly moist but hold together well. If the mixture feels too loose, chill the patties in the fridge for about 20 minutes to help firm up.
- Cook the Burgers on Skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, lowering the heat if needed to avoid burning. Cook until the burgers develop a nicely charred crust and are heated through.
- Alternative Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C). Lightly brush each patty with olive oil and spray the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the patties for 8 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 4 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the cooked patties on hamburger buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or chipotle mayo. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
This recipe shines thanks to the balance of smoky chipotle and savory spices that complement the creamy texture of black beans. Grating the onion rather than chopping helps release moisture and sweetness, which keeps the patties tender and flavorful. If the mixture feels too wet to shape, chilling it briefly makes forming easier and prevents the burgers from falling apart during cooking. For a vegan version, the flax egg substitute works well but results in a slightly softer patty, so just extend cooking time a bit. Remember to use panko breadcrumbs to get that ideal light, crispy texture—regular breadcrumbs can make the burger dense. Lastly, using a cast-iron skillet or grill ensures a beautiful charred crust that adds irresistible flavor and texture.
