Why You’ll Love Black Bean Burger Recipe

It uses simple, everyday ingredients — no fancy gadgets or hard‑to‑find items.
The patties have a great texture: crisp exterior with tender beans inside.
They’re very versatile: you can grill them outdoors or cook them inside on a skillet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked black beans (drained and rinsed)
grated yellow onion
garlic cloves, minced
chipotle peppers (from a can of chipotles in adobo), diced
adobo sauce
tamari (or soy sauce)
balsamic vinegar
ground cumin
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
large egg
panko bread crumbs
extra‑virgin olive oil (for brushing)
cooking spray (if grilling)
hamburger buns (for serving)
desired fixings (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, etc)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the beans, grated onion, garlic, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Use a potato masher (or fork) to mash the mixture until it starts to hold together but still has visible chunks of black beans.
Fold in the egg until combined, then fold in the panko bread crumbs.
Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties (about a heaping 1/3 cup each). If the mixture is too wet to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or mash the beans a little more.
Heat a cast‑iron skillet over medium heat, brush with a little olive oil, and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, turning the heat down as necessary.
Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to about 400 °F (≈ 200 °C). Lightly brush the patties with olive oil, spray the grill grates, and grill for about 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side.
Serve with hamburger buns and your desired fixings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, sauces).

Servings and timing

Serves: 6 patties
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes

Variations

Vegan version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons warm water, let sit 5 minutes).
Spice level adjustment: Adjust chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to increase or decrease heat.
Gluten‑free option: Use gluten‑free bread crumbs and ensure tamari or soy sauce is gluten‑free.
Topping twists: Try avocado, pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, or chipotle mayo for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled patties for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in skillet or grill until hot.
Reheating tip: For best texture, reheat in a skillet or grill to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

What if my burger mixture is too wet and won’t form patties?

Chill the mixture for 20 minutes or mash the beans a bit more to help it bind.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, form the patties in advance and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.

What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?

Use regular bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or gluten‑free alternatives.

Can I grill these burgers outdoors?

Yes. Grill at 400 °F for 8 minutes on one side, 4 minutes on the other.

Can I serve these without buns for a lower‑carb option?

Absolutely. Use lettuce wraps, serve over salad, or pair with grilled veggies.

What fixings or toppings go well with these burgers?

Try lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, chipotle mayo, guacamole, or cheese.

How can I make the patties stay together and not fall apart?

Use the egg and panko as binders, drain beans well, and chill the mixture if needed.

Is there a gluten‑free version of this burger?

Yes, just use gluten‑free breadcrumbs and a certified gluten‑free tamari or soy sauce.

How do I know when the patties are done?

They should be charred and crisp outside and tender inside — about 5 minutes per side in a skillet or 8 and 4 minutes on the grill.

Can I make this recipe without equipment like a food processor?

Yes, it’s made entirely by hand using a fork or potato masher — no special tools needed.

Conclusion

This black bean burger is a wholesome, delicious meatless option that’s quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful. With a smoky kick, satisfying texture, and endless topping possibilities, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or anyone looking to add a plant-powered twist to their burger night.