Spicy Black Bean Burgers

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving a hearty, plant-based meal that's packed with flavor, these Spicy Black Bean Burgers are a must-try. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, they're a tasty and satisfying alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Ingredients for Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Black beans serve as the hearty base, offering protein and fiber. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, giving it structure. Cilantro adds freshness, while red onion and jalapeños bring a punch of flavor and heat. The ground cumin and smoked paprika provide earthy, smoky notes, complemented by the garlic powder and onion powder for depth. A bit of salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors. Finally, a large egg helps to bind everything together, and the olive oil ensures the patties get a nice crispy exterior.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't over-mash the beans; leaving some whole adds great texture.
  • If the patties are too sticky, wet your hands slightly before shaping.
  • For extra spice, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers pair wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad. For a more gourmet twist, try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese on top while they’re still hot in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these burgers vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Can I freeze these patties?
Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Just let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What if I don't like cilantro?
No problem! You can swap out cilantro for parsley or leave it out altogether.

Spicy Black Bean Burgers Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and emptying in the black beans. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them up—aim for a mostly smooth consistency while leaving some beans whole for a bit of texture.

Next, toss in the breadcrumbs, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeños. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.

Crack the egg into the mix and stir until integrated. The mixture should hold together nicely—if it's too dry or crumbly, a splash of water can help.

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties with your hands. They should be about the size of your burger buns.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they're crispy on the outside and heated through.

Place each patty on a whole wheat burger bun, and add your choice of toppings like avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and red onion for the perfect finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich in protein and fiber, making a nutritious choice.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
  • Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Delivers a satisfying spicy kick without overwhelming heat.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 whole wheat burger buns
Optional toppings: avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, red onion

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some beans whole for texture.
2. Add breadcrumbs, cilantro, red onion, jalapeños, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Crack the egg into the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy on the outside and heated through.
6. Serve on whole wheat burger buns with your choice of toppings such as avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

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