Black Bean Veggie Burger Recipe

Prepare beans

Place the drained and rinsed black beans in a large bowl. Reserve about 1/4 cup whole for texture if you like. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the beans until mostly mashed with some whole beans remaining for bite (about 1–2 minutes).

Grind oats

Pulse the rolled oats in a blender or food processor for 10–15 seconds until they form a coarse flour. Transfer to the bowl with mashed beans.

Combine vegetables and spices

To the mashed beans and oat flour add grated carrot, chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro or parsley, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Add lime juice. Stir to combine evenly.

Add binder

Add the egg (or prepared flax egg: mix 1 tbsp ground flax with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes) and 1 tsp neutral oil to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed. If mixture feels too wet, add up to 2 tbsp more ground oats; if too dry, add 1–2 tsp water or oil.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 even portions (about 3/4–1 cup each). With slightly wet hands, form each portion into a compact patty about 3/4"–1" thick. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator 15–20 minutes to help them set (optional but recommended).

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat. When oil shimmers, add patties (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary).

Cook patties 4–5 minutes on the first side undisturbed until a brown crust forms. Carefully flip and cook 3–4 minutes on the second side until browned and heated through. If patties are thick, lower heat to medium-low and cook an additional 2–3 minutes covered to ensure they're warmed through. Transfer cooked patties to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Toast buns lightly in the skillet or a toaster until golden (about 1–2 minutes).

Spread mayonnaise (and mustard if using) on the bun bottoms. Place lettuce leaf, then a black bean patty, a slice of tomato, sliced red onion, and avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. Top with bun tops.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides (fries, salad, or pickles). Leftover patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.