Sep 07 2026
Restaurants›McWhorter Barbecue›Veggie Burger Recipe

Veggie Burger Recipe

Inspired by McWhorter Barbecue
Time45m
Serves4

Make Veggie Burger Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Veggie Patty

Toppings & Buns

Method

Veggie Patty

  1. 1

    Prepare beans

    Place the rinsed and drained black beans in a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash about two-thirds of the beans until mostly smooth but leaving some whole beans for texture.

  2. 2

    Combine wet and bulk ingredients

    To the mashed beans add the cooked brown rice, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Mix until evenly combined.

  3. 3

    Add dry binders and seasonings

    Stir in the rolled oats, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly so the oats and breadcrumbs absorb moisture. Let sit 5 minutes to soften.

  4. 4

    Bind the mixture

    Add the egg (or prepared flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes) and fold it into the mixture. If mixture seems too wet, add up to 2 tbsp extra breadcrumbs or oats; if too dry, add 1-2 tsp water or a splash of olive oil.

  5. 5

    Form patties

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 3/4 cup each). With damp hands, shape each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty, pressing gently to compact so they hold together.

  6. 6

    Place patties on a tray lined with parchment and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling firms them up and reduces splitting during cooking. If short on time, proceed directly to cooking.

  7. 7

    Cook patties

    Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. When oil shimmers, add two patties without crowding. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until a browned crust forms and internal temperature is warm and patties hold together. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil and cook remaining patties. If using cheese slices, place on patties in the last minute and cover pan to melt.

Toppings & Assembly

  1. 8

    Prepare buns and sauce

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard; season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper. Split buns and lightly toast them in a toaster or in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden (about 1–2 minutes).

  2. 9

    Assemble burgers

    Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-mustard on each bun bottom. Place a lettuce leaf on each, then a veggie patty, a slice of tomato, red onion, and avocado if using. Top with cheese slice if melted. Add bun top and gently press to secure.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately with your choice of sides (fries, salad, or sweet potato wedges). Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat in a skillet or oven.

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