Veggie Burger Recipe

Being a chef means working long hours, unpredictable schedules, and limited time to sit down and enjoy a meal. A spoonful here, a taste there is typically what sustains the chef working in a restaurant or catering business. After a while, this lifestyle exertion began to add up! Last year, I stepped away from the culinary world to completely immerse myself in food, product, and lifestyle photography. In this transition, I realized how much all the little bites, tastings, and endless food surrounding me had taken a toll on my health. Something had to change. I made the decision to jump on my bike, cut out most processed sugar, fast food, and finally transition to vegetarianism. You don’t need to become a vegetarian to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself, but it certainly has worked for me. Eight month later, countless miles logged cycling and running, and eating healthy has brought me to my college weight. College weight!

Vegetarianism was a relatively easy transition for me, but I have to admit there are some terribly faux-healthy vegetarian products and recipes out there… doused with cheese and oil, and marketed with an image of a green leaf. Regardless, I’ve become SO fond of veggie burgers and their many varieties. Black bean and rice-based burgers are my personal favorite. Add a side of homemade chipotle mayonnaise and a handful of beautifully crisp baked sweet potatoes fries and I am in heaven!

Black Bean Burgers
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Black Bean Veggie Burger

Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, these Black Bean Burgers are a healthy, delicious meal whether you are a vegetarian or not!
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Servings: 5 burgers

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt
  • 1/2 tsp fine-ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups black beans, cooked and drained
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 1/2 tbsp barbecue sauce of your choice

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breadcrumbs and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown. Remove from the pan and let cool.
  • In the meantime, heat the same skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and diced onion. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Once the bread crumbs are cooled, add them to blender or food processor with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion salt, pepper, and coconut sugar. Blend until a fine meal is achieved. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the dried black beans and mash well with a fork - leaving only a few whole beans. Stir in the cooked rice, spice / bread crumb mixture, sautéed onion, panko bread crumbs, and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes, or until a moldable burger forms. If it seems too dry, add an extra 1-2 Tbsp of BBQ sauce. If it’s too wet, add more panko breadcrumbs.
  • For larger burgers, divide into 5 patties (½ cup in size), or form 10 smaller burgers (¼ cup in size).
  • Heat the grill and brush its surface with oil to minimize sticking.
    Cook for 3-4 minutes and then flip gently. Careful! They aren't as firm as meat burgers, but they will definitely hold their shape. Reduce heat if they are browning too quickly. Cook for 3-4 minutes on other side.
  • Remove the burgers from heat, and dress with toppings and toasted buns.