Why You’ll Love Vegan Black Bean Burgers Recipe
These burgers are simple, wholesome, and full of bold flavor. They use pantry-friendly ingredients, come together quickly, and can be pan-fried, baked, or grilled. The texture is hearty with a slightly crisp outside, while the inside stays tender and satisfying.
They’re also naturally vegan, easy to customize, and delicious served with buns, salad, roasted vegetables, fries, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups canned black beans, drained
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup ground flax seed, or panko or very dry breadcrumbs
1 big handful cilantro, chopped
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
2 tablespoons oil, optional
4 tablespoons vegan BBQ sauce, optional
Directions
Add the black beans to a large bowl and roughly mash them with a potato masher or fork. Leave some texture so the burgers have a hearty bite.
Add the green onions, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, ground flax seed, cilantro, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix until everything is well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to shape.
Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a ball, squeezing firmly so it holds together, then press into burger patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
For pan-frying, heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the burgers and cook for about 7 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crisp.
For baking, place the patties on a lined baking tray. Brush with oil if desired, then bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For grilling, handle the patties gently and cook over medium-low heat for about 7 minutes per side.
Before serving, brush the burgers with vegan BBQ sauce if using.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
Mix in corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
Use panko or very dry breadcrumbs instead of ground flax seed.
Serve the patties in burger buns, lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or over salad.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled patties between pieces of parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or bake at 350°F until hot. Frozen patties can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these black bean burgers ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and shape the patties ahead of time, then refrigerate them until ready to cook.
Do I have to use ground flax seed?
No. You can use panko or very dry breadcrumbs instead.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Bake them at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes, but handle them gently because vegan bean burgers can be delicate.
Why do the patties need to chill?
Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making the burgers easier to shape and cook.
Can I make these burgers spicy?
Yes. Add chili flakes, jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
What toppings go well with these burgers?
Avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, vegan mayo, pickles, salsa, and BBQ sauce all work well.
Can I freeze black bean burgers?
Yes. Freeze them after cooking and cooling for best results.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use ground flax seed or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What should I serve with vegan black bean burgers?
Serve them with fries, roasted potatoes, salad, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob.
Conclusion
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Whether pan-fried, baked, or grilled, they make a satisfying plant-based meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a casual burger night.
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
These vegan black bean burgers are hearty, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and spices. They have a crispy exterior, tender center, and are perfect for grilling, baking, or pan frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry, Bake, Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups (340 grams) canned black beans, drained
- 4 green onions, chopped finely
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) ground flax seed, or Panko or very dried out breadcrumbs
- 1 big handful cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil (optional)
- 4 tablespoons vegan BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Add the black beans to a large bowl and mash roughly with a potato masher or fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add the green onions, lime zest and juice, cumin, garlic powder, ground flax seed, cilantro, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix well until fully combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to allow the flaxseed to absorb moisture and help firm up the mixture.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Shape into balls, squeezing firmly, then flatten into burger patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
- For pan frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the burgers for about 7 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- For oven baking: Place patties on a lined baking tray, brush with oil if desired, and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For grilling: Grill patties over medium-low heat for about 7 minutes per side, handling gently to prevent breaking.
- Before serving, brush the burgers generously with vegan BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Ground flaxseed helps bind the burgers together naturally.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of flaxseed for a firmer texture.
- Chill the mixture before shaping for easier handling.
- Serve on burger buns with avocado, lettuce, tomato, or vegan mayo.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
