Black Bean Burger Recipe

Prepare beans

Drain and rinse the canned black beans. Transfer to a large bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash about two-thirds of the beans, leaving some whole for texture.

Mix aromatics and binder

Add the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, chopped cilantro (if using), lime juice, salt and pepper to the mashed beans. Stir to combine.

Add oats and egg

Stir in the rolled oats (or panko) and the egg (or flax egg). Mix until the mixture holds together; let rest 5 minutes so oats absorb moisture. If mixture is too wet, add up to 2 tbs more oats; if too dry, add 1 tbs water or a splash of olive oil.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 3/4 cup each) and shape into 3/4-inch thick patties. Press edges gently to compact so they won’t fall apart while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add patties without crowding. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through, flipping gently. If patties brown too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low and cover for 1–2 minutes to cook through. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and keep warm.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle in adobo, adobo sauce, lime juice and salt. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust heat by adding more chipotle or dilute with more mayo if too spicy. Refrigerate until assembly. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Prep toppings

Slice the avocado and tomato. Toss avocado slices gently with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to enhance flavor. Keep lettuce leaves whole and pat dry. Thinly slice the red onion.

Toast buns

Lightly toast the burger buns in a dry skillet or toaster until golden. This prevents sogginess from the mayo and juicy tomato.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1–1.5 tbs chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then a black bean patty. Top the patty with 2–3 slices of avocado, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion. Add another small drizzle of chipotle mayo to the top bun, place on burger and serve immediately.

Serving suggestion

Serve 1 burger per person with a side of sweet potato fries or mixed greens. Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen individually for up to 1 month.