Veggie Burger Recipe

Prepare flax egg

In a small bowl combine ground flaxseed and 3 tbs water. Stir and let sit 5 minutes until thickened.

Sauté vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped mushrooms; cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened and most moisture has evaporated. Stir in soy sauce and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes.

Mash beans and combine

Place rinsed black beans in a large bowl and mash roughly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture (about half mashed, half whole). Add cooked brown rice, cooled sautéed vegetables, ground oats, flax egg, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until mixture holds together when pressed. If mixture is too wet, add up to 2 tablespoons more oats; if too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons water or a splash of soy sauce.

Form patties

Divide mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties about 3–4 inches wide and 1/2–3/4 inch thick. Press edges so patties are compact. Place patties on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (this helps them firm up and hold shape).

Pan-fry patties

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add patties (work in batches if needed) and cook 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently once after flipping, until a brown crust forms and patties are heated through. If using vegan cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover briefly to melt.

Toast buns: Brush buns with a little oil or butter and toast cut-side down in a hot skillet or oven until golden (1–2 minutes).

Assemble burgers: Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite sauce on bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, add the warm veggie patty (with cheese if used), top with tomato slice, a few rings of red onion, and sliced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. Add more sauce to the top bun if desired and close the burger.

Serve: Serve immediately with a side (fries, salad, or roasted vegetables). Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently in a skillet or oven.