Chef's Essential Tips

Prep Tip: Prepare the patties a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for quicker cooking the next day.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spices like chili powder or coriander for a twist in flavor. This adds depth and personal touch tailored to your taste.
Moisture Control: If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. This helps the patties hold together while cooking.
Cooking Method: For a smoky flavor, grill the patties instead of pan-frying. Just be sure to handle them gently on the grill to avoid breaking.
Serving Suggestion: Pair the burgers with a light salad or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal that balances the richness of the burger.
Storage: Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in a skillet until warm throughout.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Black Beans: The star of the show! Black beans are packed with protein and fiber, providing a robust base for the burger. Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with spices, and they help keep the burger moist.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the burger. They absorb moisture without making the patty mushy. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Onion: Adds a delicious flavor and moisture to the burger. When sautéed, onions bring sweetness that balances the savory elements. Use red or yellow onion for different flavor profiles.
Garlic: Imparts a strong and aromatic flavor that elevates the burger’s depth. Fresh garlic is preferred for its pungency, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Smoked Paprika: This spice introduces a rich, smoky flavor without heat. It enhances the overall taste and gives the burger a delightful color.
Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the black beans and adds warmth to the flavor profile. It’s a must for any hearty bean burger like this one.
Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the burgers, it adds richness and helps achieve a crispy exterior. Extra virgin olive oil enriches the flavor as well.
Vegan Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the spicy chipotle sauce, it ensures that the sauce is both rich and tangy. It’s perfect for a vegan or dairy-free option.
Chipotle Pepper: Provides a unique smoky heat that gives the sauce a punch. This ingredient elevates the taste of the burger to new heights.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens all flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing tang. Essential for that zesty kick!

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing Leftovers:

For any leftover patties, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture for future meals.

Serving Immediately:

Serve the burgers immediately while they are warm and fresh for the best experience. The interplay of hot and cool from the patty and toppings will create a delightful contrast, enhancing enjoyment.

Assembling the Burger:

Once everything is cooked, assemble the burger starting with the sauce on the bottom bun, then add the patty, avocado, and cilantro. Assembly matters as it influences the first bites, ensuring you get a bit of everything in each mouthful.

Toasting Buns:

Toast the burger buns in the skillet or under a broiler for added texture. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when topped with the burger and sauces. A light toast provides an appealing crunch.

Flipping Carefully:

When it’s time to flip the patties, use a wide spatula for support. This minimizes the risk of breaking and ensures that the crust stays intact. Cook each side until golden brown, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes.

Cooking on Medium Heat:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become hot but not smoking. Cooking at the right temperature is key to achieving a golden crust without burning the patties, so monitor them closely while cooking.

Chilling Patties:

Refrigerate the formed patties for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This step firms them up, reducing the likelihood of breaking while cooking and allowing flavors to meld together. A well-chilled patty will hold its shape when handled.

Mixing Ingredients:

Incorporate all other ingredients into the mashed beans, ensuring an even distribution. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything well. This is crucial for balanced flavor and texture in each bite, as poorly mixed ingredients can lead to uneven cooking.

Mashing Black Beans:

Start by thoroughly mashing the black beans in a bowl. Aim for a mostly smooth consistency while leaving some beans whole for texture. This step is essential as it creates the base for your burger mixture, combining flavors and ensuring stability in the final patty.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Epic Black Bean Burgers

Storing Leftovers:

Serving Immediately:

Serve the burgers immediately while they are warm and fresh for the best experience. The interplay of hot and cool from the patty and toppings will create a delightful contrast, enhancing enjoyment.

Assembling the Burger:

Toasting Buns:

Flipping Carefully:

Cooking on Medium Heat:

Chilling Patties:

Mixing Ingredients:

Mashing Black Beans:

Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Your Black Bean Burger

Use whole grain or gluten-free buns to cater to dietary preferences. Look for brands that are soft yet sturdy to hold the burger.

Top your burger with sliced tomatoes, pickles, or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor and texture that elevates the experience.

To easily slice avocado, cut it in half and twist the two halves apart. Score the flesh with a knife before scooping it out with a spoon.

These patties are perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch, cook them all, and store in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

Epic Black Bean Burger with Spicy Chipotle Sauce and Avocado

Name: Epic Black Bean Burger with Spicy Chipotle Sauce and Avocado
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Burger Mixture:; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed); 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Spicy Chipotle Sauce:; 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; For Serving:; 4 whole-grain or gluten-free burger buns; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Savor the flavor of our Epic Black Bean Burger, a delightful plant-based creation bursting with taste and character. Made with hearty black beans, fragrant garlic, zesty lime juice, and smoked paprika, each bite harmonizes sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a perfect crunch from breadcrumbs. These burgers are just right for summer BBQs, casual weeknight dinners, or even a protein-packed lunch. The juicy texture pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and spicy chipotle sauce, making it a hit among vegans and meat-lovers alike. Prepare to fall in love with this deliciously satisfying burger that brings joy to every gathering, filling your plate with happiness and flavor.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Burger Mixture:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spicy Chipotle Sauce:

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise

1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 teaspoon maple syrup

For Serving:

4 whole-grain or gluten-free burger buns

1 ripe avocado, sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, pressing firmly to keep them together. Place on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 5: While the patties chill, prepare the spicy chipotle sauce by whisking together the vegan mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp.

Step 7: While the burgers are cooking, toast the burger buns in a separate pan or under a broiler until lightly browned.

Step 8: Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous amount of spicy chipotle sauce on the bottom bun. Place the black bean patty on top.

Step 9: Add slices of avocado and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra zing.

Step 10: Top with the other half of the bun, serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Epic Black Bean Burger!