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A simple step-by-step guide that will help you master the art of crafting the best veggie burger. WFPB, vegan, and oil-free!
Let me start by saying the perfect veggie burger is not one that resembles meat. The whole point of going plant-based is to get away from meat. So, creating the perfect veggie burger is different for everyone.
The popularity of plant-based diets has skyrocketed, leading to increasing demand for healthier meat alternatives like veggie burgers. A good veggie burger can rival its meaty counterpart in flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
But, creating that veggie burger can sometimes feel like a pain, and for good reason. Homemade veggie burgers tend to fall apart, are dry or mushy, and lack the flavor and texture most people expect and want from a burger. Let’s face it, they just SUCK sometimes!
I get it and would never make an excuse for crappy recipes. But, is important to remember a couple of things before making your desired plant-based patties. And, you also need to have realistic expectations. This is not meat so yes, the texture is going to be different. So, don’t expect the same experience you had with a beef burger, turkey burger, or anything else that came from dead flesh.
So, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to explore more plant-based options, I’m going to guide you through the process of creating a veggie burger that will have everyone coming back for more.
Let’s do this!
Table of Contents
Start with a Solid Base
The foundation of any great veggie burger lies in its base ingredients. A combination of legumes, grains, and vegetables creates a satisfying texture and provides essential nutrients. Popular options include black beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms. Be sure and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix for your taste preferences.
The Flavor Profile
To elevate the taste of your veggie burger, it’s crucial to build a well-balanced flavor profile. A good place to start is by sautéing a mirepoix – onions, celery, and carrots. And, I like to toss in some garlic. It creates an amazing and fragrant base. Herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika, oregano, or smoked paprika for a depth of flavor are excellent. Fresh herbs like cilantro, rosemary, or parsley can also lend a refreshing touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasonings to create a unique taste sensation.
Texture Matters
Texture plays a vital role in a veggie burger’s overall enjoyment. Too dry and it falls apart. Too wet and squeezes out through the bund when you try and take a bit. BLAH! Achieving the perfect balance between a tender interior and a crispy exterior is always the goal. Consider incorporating ingredients like breadcrumbs, brown rice, quick oats, whole wheat flour, or panko to bind the mixture together. These ingredients not only add texture but also help absorb excess moisture.
NOTE: use quick oats as they will hold the burger together much better than regular rolled oats.
Binding Agents
The binding agents are essential for ensuring your veggie burger stays intact during cooking. Common binding agents include flax eggs (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water), chia seeds, mashed potatoes, tapioca flour, or even your favorite nut butter. These ingredients help hold everything together and prevent your burger from crumbling.
The Power of Seasoning
Seasoning your veggie burger mixture adequately is crucial for maximizing its flavor. Salt, pepper, soy sauce, and miso paste are all great choices. Remember, you won’t get sick eating this burger raw like you would regular beef. So, taste the mixture as you go and adjust the seasoning as you wish. Remember that flavors can intensify during cooking, so a well-seasoned mixture will result in a flavorful final product.
Let It Rest
I can’t stress this enough! Give your burger a break and let it rest. Allowing your veggie burger mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping and cooking allows the flavors to meld together, and it also helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape patties that hold their shape. So, back off and give your mixture some space.
Cooking Methods
Veggie burgers can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, baking, pan-frying, or even air frying. And, you don’t need oil! I like to bake my veggie burgers and then finish them off on the grill to get that smoky flavor. If you want a crispy exterior toss the burgers into a heated nonstick skillet after baking.
Dress It Up
Once your veggie burgers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Choose whole grain or artisanal buns, or experiment with lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps for a low-carb option. And, get creative with your toppings. Classic options like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions work well.
But, the secret of going from good to great with your veggie burger is sauces! And, when it comes to sauces the creamier the better.
Here are a few of my favorite sauces and toppings for giving my veggie burgers a flavor boost:
- cashew mayo
- Mississippi comeback sauce
- vegan sriracha mayo
- vegan thousand island dressing
- guacamole
- the best vegan cheddar cheese sauce
If you want more sauces and spread CLICK HERE for an incredible list of oil-free dressings.
Veggie burger recipes
Crafting the best veggie burger is an art that requires attention to detail and experimentation, but it’s not impossible or difficult. By combining quality ingredients, balancing flavors, and perfecting your own cooking method, you’ll be able to create a veggie burger that surpasses everyone’s expectations.
Here are a couple of my favorite recipes that are super easy and delicious!
- Barbecue Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers (Vegan)
- The Easiest Vegan Black Bean Burgers
What to serve with veggie burgers
Don’t forget the sides, they’re just as important to creating a wonderful veggie burger experience.
- Crispy Homemade Baked French Fries (Oil-free)
- Crunchy Baked Cajun Fries (Oil-Free!)
- Crunchy Baked Onion Rings
- Oil-Free Oven Roasted Potatoes
- The Best Classic Vegan Potato Salad (Oil-Free)
- Vegetarian BBQ Baked Beans
- The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese
- Easy Vegan Coleslaw
Remember, the journey to burger land takes time but it sure is one amazing ride and totally worth it!
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The Easiest Vegan Black Bean Burgers
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5 from 1 review
Looking for a quick and delicious plant-based burger you can throw together? These quick and easy vegan black bean burgers are simple, delicious, and healthy.
- Author: Shane Martin
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 burgers 1x
- Category: Vegan Main Dishes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
UnitsScale
- 1 can (15-ounce) of black beans, drained and rinsed (low-sodium or no salt added)
- 1 Tablespoon ground flax seeds + 3 Tablespoons of warm water
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs (whole wheat, panko, etc.)
Suggested Toppings
- cashew mayo
- sliced avocado
- salsa
- lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make a flax egg by combining the ground flax and warm water and stirring until well combined. Set aside and begin preparing the black bean burgers.
- Microwave black beans in a large bowl for 1 minute.
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Using a potato masher or fork, mash until black beans until they are finely mashed.
- Add the bread crumbs and the flax egg then mix until everything is well combined.
- Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup begin forming the burger patties. I was able to get 4-5 burgers from the mixture.
- Place the patties on the lined sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the burgers and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and firm.
- Serve the black bean burgers with your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition info is burger patties only using no salt added black beans.
Play with the flavor and seasonings. Consider this recipe a simple road map and starting base for delicious veggie burgers. Get creative and feel free to use your favorite spices. A few of my favorite flavors are cilantro, oregano, and basil.
Get saucy. Lightly brush the burgers with BBQ sauce or sriracha while cooking to add another level of flavor to these burgers.
Set your black bean burger mixture in the fridge. I like to let it sit in the fridge for up to an hour before cooking the burgers. It’s not necessary but the mixture firms up nicely. This is good if you want to grill them or the mixture seems a little wet.
Pan fry or grill your black bean burgers after baking. If you’re like me, I like a nice char on my veggie burgers. Toss them on the grill or in a hot nonstick skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side. Very nice.
Make ahead. This recipe is excellent for making ahead of time. You simply put the mixture together in a large bowl, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also pre-make the patties, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and store them the same way.
Get umami with it! Umami is one of the five basic tastes and it’s usually described as the savory characteristic of broths and cooked meats. But, you can also add that essence to veggies and plant-based foods very easily. Skip the table salt and use a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to the mixture.
Do I have to use bread crumbs? The short answer is “no.” If you are gluten-free one option is oats. They are my go-to for replacing bread crumbs. Toss them into a food processor and pulse them a few times making coarse oat flour. It works very well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 134
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 9.9 mg
- Fat: 1.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.9 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
