Black Bean Burger Recipe That Actually Tastes Like a Real Burger
Black bean burger recipe made with walnuts, chickpeas, and fresh herbs. Creates a hearty texture that feels like eating a real burger. High protein, freezer-friendly, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups black beans drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup walnuts
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes mashed
- 1 medium onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (coriander)
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
To finish:
- Brioche buns or your favorite burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese (optional)
- Condiments of choice
Instructions
- Add black beans to food processor and pulse 2-3 times until roughly broken down — you want some beans left whole for texture.
- Transfer beans to a large bowl and set aside.
- In food processor, roughly chop walnuts to about pea-size. Add to bowl with beans.
- Pulse onion, garlic, and cilantro in food processor until finely chopped. Add to bean mixture.
- Stir in oats, mashed sweet potatoes, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, white pepper, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until everything is combined but still has texture — don't overmix or it becomes paste-like.
- Use a ½ cup measuring cup to portion burger mixture into even patties. Press down gently with your hand to form burger shape.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place burgers in skillet — they're softer than beef, so handle gently. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve on bun with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make ahead: Form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties on parchment-lined baking sheet for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes per side.
- Substitutions: Pecans work in a pinch but won't give the same texture or slight bitterness that makes these taste burger-like. Almonds also work but are softer. Skip the sweet potato, use 1 egg instead for non-vegan version.
- Cooking method: Can also bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes on oiled sheet, or use air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
