Spicy Black Bean Burgers
A satisfying, spicy burger made from black beans and whole grains. These hearty vegan patties are packed with fiber and flavor, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal that's ready in about 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Cook the black beans.
Soak the dry black beans in water overnight. Drain, rinse, and pressure cook with fresh water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and let them cool slightly.
TIPIf you're short on time, you can use two 15-ounce cans of black beans, rinsed and drained well.Prepare the flax egg.
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Set it aside for 5-10 minutes to thicken into a gel-like consistency.
Sauté the aromatics.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
TIPCooking the spices with the onions blooms their flavor, making the burgers more aromatic.Combine the burger mixture.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked black beans. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until about half are broken down, leaving some whole for texture.
- Add the sautéed onion mixture, corn, whole wheat breadcrumbs, the prepared flax egg, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
Form and chill the patties.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty, about 1-inch thick.
- Place the patties on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to help them firm up and not fall apart during cooking.
TIPIf the mixture is too wet to form patties, add a little more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time.Cook the burgers.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chilled patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Serve and enjoy.
Serve the spicy black bean burgers hot on your favorite buns with lettuce, tomato, and other desired toppings.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, leave some of the black beans whole or partially mashed.
- 2Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes is the secret to burgers that don't crumble.
- 3Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mix for extra nutrients.
- 4These patties are great for meal prep. You can form them and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
To make these burgers gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats.
high proteinHigh protein
For an extra protein boost, add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa or a scoop of unflavored plant-based protein powder to the burger mixture.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use two 15-ounce cans of black beans (rinsed and drained) instead of cooking them from scratch.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce or omit the chipotle powder and chili powder to make a milder version for kids. You can also form smaller, slider-sized patties.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Black beans and whole wheat breadcrumbs provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This burger is a great source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans.
Heart-Healthy
Being free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat, these burgers are a heart-healthy choice. The fiber and antioxidants in black beans also contribute to cardiovascular wellness.
Packed with Antioxidants
Black beans are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein, high in dietary fiber from the beans and whole wheat, and uses minimal oil. It's a great nutrient-dense alternative to traditional meat burgers.