meatless essentials: the best black bean burger

18 Pinches 14 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Jun 10, 2022

Put this recipe together, and served them up last evening. This is an excellent black bean burger. I am not saying if you are a meat eater (I am) you are going to cross over to a vegetarian diet; however, this burger just might give you second thoughts. This recipe does have an egg, but you can always substitute a vegan alternative, if you want Do not eat them because they are healthy… Eat them because they are dang delicious. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 30 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake
yield 2 - 3

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • STAGE I
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, well drained
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds, lightly chopped
  • 1/4 cup long-grained white rice, cooked al dente
  • 2 medium green onions, just the white part, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped or minced
  • STAGE II
  • 1/4 cup pecan or almond meal or flour
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, not panko
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt, kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • STAGE III
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon tahini
  • 1 teaspoon tamari, or liquid aminos
  • ADDITIONAL ITEMS
  • olive oil, extra virgin, for brushing

How To Make meatless essentials: the best black bean burger

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    You will need a good-size bowl to mix the ingredients, and a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, to make this recipe.
  • Step 3
    I do not make these just because I have friends and clients that will not eat meat. I make them because everyone here really likes them. Slap on a slice of cheese, some mustard and/or ketchup, a few pickles… heavenly.
  • Step 4
    If you like these burgers, you can make and freeze them. They will last for up to six months (longer is you vacuum-seal them) and will always be ready when you get that urge.
  • Step 5
    Black Beans Any good black beans will do. You can cook your own from scratch, or even use some of the good, canned versions out there (Bush’s is a good choice); however, let me give you a suggestion to kick these burgers up a notch. Try fermented black beans. It is an extra step, and it takes time waiting for them to ferment, but you can use them in a lot of dishes besides these burgers. The umami flavor they deliver will really do a lot for your recipes. Here is the recipe I use: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/healthy-essentials-fermented-black-beans.html
  • Step 6
    Homemade Worcestershire Looking for a good Worcestershire without anchovies, or all those chemical preservatives? It is easy/peasy to make and tastes like the real thing. So yummy. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/diy-essentials-homemade-worcestershire-sauce.html?r=1
  • Step 7
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 8
    STAGE I Add the black beans and the remainder of the Stage I ingredients and use your hands to mix them together. Gently break up the beans with the other ingredients, but do not do too much. Leave some bean chunks.
  • Step 9
    STAGE II Add the Stage II ingredients and gently blend them into the bean mixture.
  • Step 10
    STAGE III Mix all the Stage III ingredients together in a small bowl, or measuring cup, gently combine them with the other ingredients, then let the mixture stand for about 20 minutes.
  • Step 11
    Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350f/175c.
  • Step 12
    Form into 2 or 3 patties, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Step 13
    I am using round metal forms to shape the patties, but this is not necessary, I am just doing it for visual appeal.
  • Step 14
    Bake for 15 – 18 minutes until the burgers are firm, but not dried out.
  • Step 15
    Give the tops a generous brushing of olive oil halfway through the baking process.
  • Step 16
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 17
    Place on a bed or rice, or use like a regular burger with a bun, some cheese and condiments. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 18
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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