Black Bean Recipe

Prepare beans

Place the drained and rinsed black beans in a large bowl or on a cutting board. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the beans until mostly broken down but still a few whole beans remain for texture (about 1–2 minutes).

Mix aromatics and binders

Add the finely minced red onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to the mashed beans. Stir to combine. Add the egg (or prepared flax egg: 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested 5 minutes) and mix well.

Add dry ingredients

Add the bread crumbs and oats to the bean mixture. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too wet add up to 2 tablespoons more bread crumbs or oats, if too dry add 1–2 teaspoons water or a splash of olive oil.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 3.5–4 ounces each). With damp hands, shape each portion into a round patty about 3.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Press edges so they hold together.

Chill (optional)

For firmer patties that hold together better when cooking, refrigerate the formed patties on a plate for 20–30 minutes. This step is optional but recommended.

Cook patties

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add patties (work in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and patties are heated through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Total cook time ~8–10 minutes per patty. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly.

Prepare toppings

While patties cook, slice tomato into rounds and season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Separate and wash lettuce leaves and slice red onion into rings. If using, mix mayonnaise with sriracha in a small bowl to make spicy mayo (adjust ratio to taste).

Toast buns

Lightly toast burger buns in a toaster or on a skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden. Optionally spread a thin layer of butter or a little oil before toasting for extra flavor.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayo or spicy mayo on the cut side of each bun. On the bottom bun place one lettuce leaf, a cooked black bean patty, a tomato slice (or two if thin), and a few rings of red onion. Top with the bun crown and press gently.

Serve

Serve the black bean burgers hot with your choice of side (fries, salad, or chips). If desired, provide extra lime wedges, hot sauce, or ketchup at the table.