Name: Falafel Burger
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g can); ¾ cup parsley; Optional: ¼ cup cilantro or mint; 1 yellow onion, quartered; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing

Why You’ll Love Falafel Burger Recipe

These falafel burgers are easy to make, full of fresh herbs and warm spices, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Baking the patties keeps them lighter, while the final pan-sear creates a crispy golden crust. They are naturally meat-free, budget-friendly, and customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Ingredients

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

1 can chickpeas
¾ cup parsley
¼ cup cilantro or mint, optional
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and drain the chickpeas very well to help the patties hold together properly.

In a food processor, combine the parsley, onion, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

Add the chickpeas, coriander, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture becomes crumbly but not smooth. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the flour and baking powder, then mix until a thick dough forms.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly brush it with oil.

Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties and place them on the tray. Brush the tops lightly with oil.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the patties are firm and lightly golden.

For extra crispiness, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve the falafel burgers in buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and yogurt tahini sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add cilantro or fresh mint for extra freshness and flavor. Swap the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour or oat flour for a different texture. For a spicier burger, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also top the burgers with pickled onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, or hummus for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

The patties can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these falafel burgers without a food processor?

Yes, you can mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher and finely chop the herbs and vegetables by hand.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, soaked and cooked dried chickpeas work very well and can provide a firmer texture.

Why is my mixture too wet?

The chickpeas may not have been drained thoroughly. Adding a little more flour can help firm up the mixture.

Can I fry the patties instead of baking them?

Yes, you can pan-fry them in oil over medium heat until crispy and cooked through.

Are these burgers vegan?

Yes, the patties themselves are vegan. Just use vegan buns and toppings if needed.

What toppings go well with falafel burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, pickles, hummus, tahini sauce, and yogurt sauce are all great choices.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of buns work best?

Brioche buns, whole wheat buns, sesame buns, or pita bread all pair well with falafel burgers.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour and use gluten-free buns.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is not too wet and avoid over-processing it into a smooth paste.

Conclusion

Falafel Burgers are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal that combines crispy texture with fresh herbs and warm spices. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, they make a delicious option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.

Falafel Burger