Black Bean Chipotle Burger

Here’s a delicious and hearty Black Bean Chipotle Burger recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for grilling or pan-frying. These burgers are made with lightly roasted beans, breadcrumbs and chipotle sauce creating a satisfying texture and spicy flavor that holds together beautifully.

Yield: 3 Servings

Ingredients:

For the Burger Patties:

  • 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 flax egg (mix 1 tbs ground flaxseeds with 3 tbs water)
  • 2 tbs chipotle in adobe sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon  smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or grilling)

For the Burger Assembly:

  • 3 burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (or your favorite toppings)
  • Vegan mayo, ketchup, or mustard (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Black Beans:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Evenly spread the beans on the baking sheet.
  • Roast the beans until slightly dry, about 10-12 minutes. Stir halfway through.
  • Remove from oven and set aside.

2. Prepare the Flax Egg:

  • In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.

3. Make the Patty Mixture:

  • Transfer beans to a bowl and partially mash with a fork or potato masher, leaving some beans for texture.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, flax egg, chipotle sauce, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix everything well until fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a little bit of water or olive oil.

4. Form the Patties:

  • Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Make sure the patties are well-formed so they hold together during cooking.

5. Cook the Patties: Option 1: Pan-Frying

  • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Gently flip the patties using a spatula.

Option 2: Grilling

  • Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the patties are crispy on the outside.

Option 3: Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon mat, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Assemble the Burgers:

  • Toast the burger buns if desired.
  • Spread some vegan mayo, ketchup, or mustard on the bottom bun, then add the cooked burger patty.
  • Top with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and avocado if you like.
  • Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Make-Ahead: You can make the patties ahead of time! Form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before cooking.
  • For a Cheesy Flavor: Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture for a slightly cheesy taste.