Black Bean Burger Recipe

Preheat and prep

Preheat a skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment (optional) for resting formed patties.

In a large bowl, mash the drained and rinsed black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly mashed but with some whole beans remaining for texture (about 1–2 minutes).

Add the rolled oats, bread crumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro/parsley to the mashed beans. Stir to combine.

Add the soy sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so spices are evenly distributed.

Beat the egg in a small bowl (or prepare the flax egg: combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let sit 5 minutes). Add the egg or flax egg to the bean mixture and combine well. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too wet add up to 2 tbsp more bread crumbs or 2–4 tbsp oats, if too dry add 1–2 tsp water.

Using wet hands, form the mixture into 4 even patties (about 3/4-inch thick). Place formed patties on the prepared baking sheet.

Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the preheated skillet and tilt to coat. Place 2 patties in the skillet without crowding. Cook over medium heat until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

Carefully flip the patties and add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil if needed. Cook the second side until golden and heated through, about 4–5 more minutes. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty in the final minute and cover briefly to melt.

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining patties. Wipe the skillet if needed and repeat the process for the remaining patties.

Toast the burger buns in a toaster or in the skillet cut-side down until lightly browned, about 1–2 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard (adjust ratio to taste). Spread the mayo-mustard sauce on both cut sides of each bun.

Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, top with a black bean patty, then a slice of tomato and red onion. Add any optional condiments or pickles as desired. Top with the bun crown.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides (fries, salad).