Name: Spicy Black Bean BBQ Veggie Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 T. olive oil; 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained; 2 scallions, finely sliced; 1/2 c. frozen corn, defrosted; 1/4 c. chunky salsa, prepared or homemade,; 2 T. BBQ sauce; 1 t. smoked paprika; 1 t. garlic powder; 1/4 c. fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 7-9 T. plain breadcrumbs; 4 hamburger buns; Burger toppings of choice such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayonnaise, or sour cream.

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Craving a delicious, smoky, and slightly spicy alternative to traditional burgers? Look no further than these Spicy Black Bean BBQ Veggie Burgers! Bursting with bold flavors from black beans, smoky paprika, and a tangy BBQ sauce, these black bean veggie burgers offer a delightful twist that will satisfy your taste buds and please any crowd.

Perfect for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, this veggie burger recipe is easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. Read on to discover how to create the best black bean burgers for mouth-watering patties that could easily become the star of your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Smoky Flavors: The combination of smoked paprika, BBQ sauce, and chunky salsa creates a perfect balance of bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
Nutritious and Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, these veggie burgers are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
Easy to Prepare: These veggie burgers are easy to make, even for those with limited cooking experience, thanks to their simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward instructions.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer your burgers with classic toppings like lettuce and tomato or want to get creative with options like pickles and sour cream, these black bean burger patties can be customized to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Olive oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. It’s a staple in many kitchens and can be found in the cooking oil aisle of most grocery stores.
Black beans: Canned black beans are a convenient and nutritious choice, providing a good source of protein and fiber. Look for unsalted versions to better control the seasoning in your dish.
Scallions: These green onions add a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness to your burgers. Typically found in the produce section, choose scallions with firm, bright green stalks.
Frozen corn: Sweet and easy to use, frozen corn adds a pop of color and texture. Keep a bag in your freezer for this quick ingredient, which is available year-round.
Chunky salsa: Look for a chunky salsa with a balance of tomatoes, onions, and peppers. This versatile ingredient adds zest and moisture to your veggie burger mix.
BBQ sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the smoky and spicy profile of the burgers. Different brands offer various levels of sweetness and heat, so pick one that suits your taste.
Smoked paprika: This spice brings your burgers a deep, smoky flavor. Find it in the spice aisle, and consider purchasing a small jar to ensure it stays fresh.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor that’s essential for seasoning. It’s available in the spice aisle and is a convenient alternative to fresh garlic.
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of bright, herby flavor. Choose a bunch with vibrant green leaves and use a sharp knife to chop it just before adding to the mix.
Plain breadcrumbs: These help bind the burger mixture together for a perfect patty consistency. Check the baking or bread aisle and consider whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
Hamburger buns: Choose sturdy burger buns that can withstand the burger and toppings without falling apart. Whole-grain or potato buns are great choices for added flavor and texture.
Burger toppings of choice such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayonnaise, or sour cream: Customize your burgers with fresh and flavorful toppings. Crisp lettuce, red pepper, red onion, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, creamy mayonnaise, or a dollop of sour cream can all enhance the taste and presentation these perfect veggie burgers.

Substitutions and Additions

Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute avocado oil, canola oil, or coconut oil. Each of these oils has a different flavor profile, but they will all work well in this great recipe.
Black beans: Substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas if black beans are unavailable. These alternatives provide a similar texture and nutritional profile.
Scallions: If you don’t have scallions, try using red onions, shallots, or even leeks for a different twist. Each will bring its unique flavor to the mix.
Frozen corn: Canned corn or fresh corn kernels can be used instead of frozen corn. If opting for fresh corn, consider lightly grilling it first for an added smoky taste.
Chunky salsa: As an alternative to chunky salsa, you can use finely chopped fresh tomatoes mixed with onions, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice. Alternatively, any tomato-based sauce with a chunky consistency can work.
BBQ sauce: If you’re out of barbecue sauce, try using a mix of ketchup with a bit of liquid smoke and a touch of maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Alternatively, any favorite dipping sauce with a smoky flavor can be used.
Smoked paprika: Regular paprika, chipotle powder, or a mix of cumin and a dash of liquid smoke can serve as substitutes if you don’t have smoked paprika.
Garlic powder: If garlic powder is not available, fresh minced garlic, garlic paste, or even shallot powder can be used.
Fresh cilantro: If cilantro is not preferred or available, fresh parsley or basil can be used for an herbaceous touch. Though in smaller quantities, dried herbs can also be used in a pinch.
Plain breadcrumbs: Rolled oats, crushed crackers, or almond flour are excellent binding substitutes. Additionally, flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with water can be used as an alternative binding agent.
Hamburger buns: If traditional hamburger buns are not available, try using lettuce wraps, whole wheat pitas, or even thick slices of sweet potatoes as a base.

Additions

Cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, adding a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or vegan cheese on top of your patty can provide an extra layer of richness.
Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado can add a creamy texture and boost healthy fats.
Spices: For an extra kick of spice and depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or cumin to the burger mixture.
Grated Carrot or Zucchini: Incorporate finely grated carrot or zucchini into the burger mix for added moisture and nutrients.
Nuts and Seeds: Finely chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds can add an interesting crunch to the patties.
Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like spicy mayo, tzatziki, or a tangy mustard to complement your burger.
Pickled Vegetables: Adding pickled onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers can give your burger a delightful tangy crunch.

Instructions

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Place half of the beans in a large bowl and lightly mash them with a potato masher, leaving the mixture somewhat chunky. Then, add the remaining beans.

Combine the scallions, corn, salsa, BBQ sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and cilantro in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Begin by stirring in 7 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly. If the mixture is not firm enough to shape into burger patties, gradually add 1-2 more tablespoons of breadcrumbs until it reaches the desired consistency.

With lightly moistened hands, shape four burgers into patty shape. Pan-fry in hot oil until golden brown and slightly crisp on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Place patties on hamburger buns and add your favorite toppings.

Recipe Tips

Keep your hands wet: When shaping the burger patties, moisten your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking and form even, smooth patties.
Chill the patties: After shaping the patties, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together better during cooking.
Preheat the skillet: Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the patties. This helps achieve a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties.
Test the seasoning: Cook a small piece of the mixture to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before forming all the patties. This ensures your final burgers are perfectly seasoned.
Layer your toppings: Place sturdier toppings like lettuce or cheese directly on the bun to provide a strong base for the patties and other toppings. This helps in maintaining the burger’s structure.
Toast the buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns before assembling the burgers. Toasted buns add extra crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Use a non-stick skillet: If possible, cook the patties in a non-stick skillet. This reduces the need for extra oil and prevents sticking.
Cook in batches: If your skillet isn’t large enough to cook all the patties at once, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
Rest the patties: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the structure to firm up.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries and pair excellently with the savory flavors of black bean burgers.
Coleslaw: This refreshing coleslaw, made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing, adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, with a generous smear of butter and a sprinkle of salt, complements the burger with its sweet, juicy kernels.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing provides a fresh and healthy side option.
Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole with tortilla chips is a delightful dip that incorporates avocados’ rich, earthy taste.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, can add a colorful and nutritious element to the meal.
Black Beans and and Rice: Add this delicious side dish of black beans and rice that you can make in your Instant Pot while you are grilling your burgers.
Pickles and Relishes: Tangy pickles or homemade relishes can enhance the overall taste experience, providing a balance of acidity and crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Place cooked black bean patties in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze the black bean patties. Allow them to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer bag or container. Frozen patties can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

It’s best to thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, you can follow the same instructions for refrigerated patties. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat frozen patties directly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of beans should I use?

While black beans are recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of beans, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, or pinto beans. Each type of bean will give your patties a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.

How can I make the patties spicy?

To add some heat to your black bean burgers, you can mix in finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of hot sauce into the patty mixture before shaping them.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the black bean mixture and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store the uncooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save time and make meal preparation more convenient.

Can I add vegetables to the patties?

Certainly! You can finely chop and add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the mix. Ensure they are diced small enough to incorporate well into the patty mixture without falling apart.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher and finely chop or grate the other ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.

4 portions