Easy Vegan Black Bean Burgers, no chopping required! Super firm, packed with flavor, and way better than boxed. Gluten free option!
Thou hath no fury like a burger that won't stick together. These extra easy black bean burgers are freaking FIRM.
The story behind these perfect patties is a simple one. I wanted a veggie burger recipe that was actually easy. For those times when you could think of nothing worse than chopping an onion. When mincing garlic feels like climbing Everest.
When whipping out the food processor sounds about as fun as folding your cousin's step mom's laundry.
And can we all agree that chopping onions without contacts in is equally as bad or worse than putting the big fitted sheet back on your bed? Like you know the end result is going to be amazing, but getting there is quite difficult.
How to make vegan burgers from scratch
When I say easy, I mean easy. These homemade bean burgers are made in one bowl with no chopping nor food processor required. Cleanup is a breeze!
I also love that these gems are packed with plant protein and fiber. Hallelujah!
- First, make a flax egg to help bind the burgers. A black bean burger without egg is possible!
- Then mash the beans in a mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs, spices, and flax egg.
- Form into 6 patties. Pan fry on a skillet in a bit of olive oil (my favorite) or bake in the oven. Enjoy on a bun with toppings! I love lettuce, tomato, onion and guacamole. Plus sweet potato fries, duh.
Key ingredients and tips
No chopping onions or garlic, no dirtying the food processor. These vegetarian black bean burgers require just a few pantry staples couldn't be simpler!
- Canned black beans: the foundation of our homemade black bean burgers. I like canned for convenience (be sure to drain and rinse), but you could also cook your own dried beans and use about 2 ½ cups.
- Panko breadcrumbs: breadcrumbs help the burgers bind together and create a nice firm texture. You can use gluten free panko if needed! Regular or Italian-style is great.
- Flax: ground flaxseed is our egg substitute to help the patties stick together so they don't fall apart when you cook them.
- Sriracha: for flavor and a bit of heat!
- Spices: lots of yummy spices including onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are what add mega flavor to this recipe.
Why do black bean burgers fall apart?
If you don't have enough binder (think flour, breadcrumbs, ground nuts, flax eggs, etc.) your burgers will likely crumble when you cook them. This recipe is chock full of binding agents for a nice firm end result!
I've found that if I freeze the uncooked patties for 20 minutes prior to cooking, they hold together extra well.
Can you grill these?
Yes, you should be able to throw these bad boys on the grill! Just be sure the grates are well greased.
Storage tips
Store leftover burgers in the fridge for up to four days.
Can I freeze burgers?
Of course! To freeze, place cooked burgers on a parchment lined baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to the freezer and allow them to freeze for about 45 minutes.
Place burgers in a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge then give them a quick sear in the skillet. Dinner is served!
Craving more burger goodness? I gotchu.
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
- Pumpkin Walnut Burgers
- Tomato Basil Veggie Burgers
- Vegan Broccoli Cheeze Chickpea Burgers
Please let me know how this vegan black bean burger recipe turns out for you by leaving a star rating and/or comment! I hope you adore it as much as I do.
PrintVegan Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy Vegan Black Bean Burgers, no chopping required! Super firm, packed with flavor, and way better than boxed. Gluten free option!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
- 2-14.5oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- Oil/cooking spray, for cooking
Instructions
- Place flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside to thicken.
- Place beans in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork until most beans are broken up, leaving some whole beans in tact. Add breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sriracha, and flax mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Form into 6 tightly packed patties. You can refrigerate them until you are ready to cook or cook them right away.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil. The oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles. Cook burgers for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. If baking, bake at 350F on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes per side.
- Serve on a bun with yummy toppings!
Keywords: vegan black bean burgers
Photos by The Nutritious Kitchen.
Mona says
I followed the recipe exactly using the egg instead of the flax. They were amazing!! Three of my guests asked for the recipe! We made them on the grill and they came out perfectly. We had them with smoky cheese and roasted red peppers. My friend asked to take home the leftovers.
★★★★★
Alexis says
That is the best news, thank you TONS Mona!!
Monica says
I am looking forward to trying these out based on the many great reviews.
I make my own black beans. Can I sub mine out for the same amount in ounces?
Also, can I just a vegan egg substitute- Just Egg? How many tablespoons, would you suggest?
★★★★★
Alexis says
Hey! I'm not familiar with Just Egg, so feel free to use whatever they say is the equivalent for one egg. And yes, I'd assume the same quantity of black beans would work just fine!
Monica says
I definitely want to make these, based on so many great reviews.
I do have a few questions...
I have Just Egg- vegan egg substitute. How many tablespoons would you suggest I use?
Also, I make my own black beans. Should I use the same amount of ounces?
★★★★★
Brad says
I forgot to add breadcrumbs but it still came out nicely! Stayed together no problem.
★★★★★
Alexis says
Oh wow, so glad to hear!
Ashley says
Love these! I was low on black beans, so I added some chopped orange pepper. Next time I will airfry them!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy so glad!!
Carla Freeman says
I made this recipe and it was great!!! I used 1can of black beans and 1/2 white beans, instead of Sriracha I used scotch bonnet sauce and a little ketchup. Very flavorful and tasty.
★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Awesome! Let me know what I can do to make it 5 stars 🙂
wayne van lew says
Just what I was looking for....super easy....super fast....and yummy! I substituted a cup of oatmeal since the panko has some milk in it. I eat it with bbq sauce. Very healthy and very filling!
Laura says
One of the best and easiest black bean recipes I have tried so far! I caramelized onion in the pan first and then cooked the patties in that oil! Served it on a lettuce boat with sriracha Cole slaw! Yummmy! I wish I could post a picture!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Mmmm caramelized onions sound FANTASTIC! Thanks a ton, Laura!
Jonthan Holmes says
I tried this with black beans and would like to use another bean. Would this work on any other kind of beans?
Alexis Joseph says
I think chickpeas or a white bean would work just fine!
Laura Smith says
I made these tonight for 4th of July & they turned out great. I made a few substitutes: diced 2 pieces multi-grain bread for breadcrumbs; used no-salt seasoning instead of salt; and added my own hot pepper puree instead of sriracha. I formed them square to eat on bread instead of a bun and baked them on parchment paper @ 375 degrees - maybe 20 min on first side and 5 on the other. I turned them very carefully and they held together well. We ate one on multi-grain bread with mustard, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms & lettuce. We each ate a second one, but without more bread_ and we had two left over for another time. They were just what I wanted. Thanks!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Love your modifications, they sound amazing! Thanks so much for the review, Laura.