Black bean burgers have become a staple in my kitchen not just for their flavor but for the way they allow me to repurpose leftovers into something hearty. There’s a kind of rustic charm to mashing beans and throwing in whatever spices or herbs I have. It’s a process that’s forgiving, imperfect, but always satisfying.
Why I Keep Coming Back to These Burgers
They remind me of summer cookouts with friends, the chaotic laughter, and the smoky smell of the grill. Each bite is a little reminder that simple ingredients, treated with care, create something deeply satisfying. Plus, they’re forgiving — perfect for those lazy weekends or quick weeknight dinners when I need comfort fast.
Inside the Ingredients: Simple, Honest, and Flexible
- Black beans: The foundation—creamy, hearty, with a slight earthiness. Use dried beans for more control or canned for speed.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, pungent note. Red onion gives more color and sweetness, but yellow works too.
- Garlic: Brings a smoky, aromatic punch. Feel free to roast it for a mellow, caramelized twist.
- Oats: Bind the mixture and add chewiness. Steel-cut oats give a nuttier texture, but rolled oats are fine.
- Egg: Helps hold everything together. For a vegan version, substitute with flaxseed meal or mashed avocado.
- Cumin and spices: Adds warmth and depth. Adjust the spice level to your taste, maybe a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Oil: For searing — a neutral oil like canola or vegetable works well.
Tools of the Trade for Perfect Burgers
- Mixing bowl: Combine ingredients evenly and form the patties.
- Skillet or frying pan: Sear the burgers to get a crispy exterior.
- Spatula: Flip the patties without breaking.
- Measuring spoons: Ensure spices and liquids are just right.
- Knife and chopping board: Prep the aromatics like onion and garlic.
Crafting the Perfect Patty: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans. Mash them roughly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 2: Finely chop half an onion and a clove of garlic. Sauté in a little oil until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the sautéed onion and garlic into the mashed beans. Add a beaten egg, a handful of oats, and a teaspoon of cumin. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Form the mixture into four patties, about 1.5 cm thick. Chill for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 160°C / 320°F). Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and firm.
Step 6: Serve immediately with your preferred toppings and buns. Rest for a minute before serving.
Cooking Checks and Tips for Black Bean Burgers
- Look for a crispy, golden crust when searing. If they’re sticking, give them more time to form a crust.
- Press gently on the patties; if they crack or fall apart, chill for a few more minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F if testing with a probe—safe and fully cooked.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Mixture is too wet and won’t hold shape.? Add a little more oats or breadcrumbs if the mixture is too runny.
- Patties fall apart on the skillet.? Chill the patties longer if they crumble while cooking.
- Burnt exterior and raw interior.? Turn down heat if they burn before cooking through.
- Burger sticks to the pan.? Use a non-stick pan or a touch more oil if sticking occurs.
Black Bean Burgers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain and rinse the black beans, then mash them roughly in a mixing bowl with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Finely chop half an onion and mince a clove of garlic, then sauté them in a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat until soft, fragrant, and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the mashed beans, then pour in the beaten egg and stir in the oats and cumin until everything is well combined and slightly sticky.
- Divide the mixture into four roughly equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1.5 cm thick. Place the patties on a tray or plate and chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help them hold together better during cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan, pressing gently to flatten slightly.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy, then flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is equally golden and the patties are firm.
- Remove the burgers from the pan and let them rest for a minute; they should be crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Serve the black bean burgers hot with your favorite buns, toppings, and condiments for a satisfying meal.
I’m Emily Carter, the founder of Lifestyle Landscape Insight. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, I’ve carried a lifelong passion for cooking and storytelling. Growing up in a family where the kitchen was the heart of every gathering, I found joy in experimenting with recipes, discovering local flavors, and celebrating food as a way of life.