A Homemade Vegan Burger Recipe That Actually Holds Together

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Vegan Burger Recipe is a game-changer. It’s flavorful, hearty, and actually holds together when you cook it! Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, oats, and a variety of seasonings, these vegan burgers are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Whether you’re a plant-based eater or just looking to try something new, these burgers are satisfying and perfect for topping with all your favorite fixings.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the burger patties:
1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
1/4 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, to help bind)
2 tbsp water (to help mix)
Olive oil (for cooking)

For serving:
Burger buns (gluten-free if needed)
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Vegan mayo, ketchup, or mustard (optional)
Sliced onions or avocado (optional)

directions

For the patties:

1. In a food processor, pulse the black beans a few times to break them down, but leave some chunks for texture.
2. Add the oats, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, chopped onion, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, paprika, cumin, coriander, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Add ground flaxseed and water to the mixture to help bind it together. Pulse a few more times until the mixture sticks together. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
4. Form the mixture into patties, pressing them firmly to ensure they hold together. This recipe makes 4-6 patties, depending on your preferred size.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat the grill. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Be gentle when flipping, as these burgers can be a little delicate before they’re fully cooked.

To serve:

Place each burger patty on a bun, and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, avocado, or vegan mayo. Serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4-6 burgers.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the burger mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use sweet potato or chickpeas instead of black beans for a different flavor profile.
Top with a slice of vegan cheese or melted avocado for extra creaminess.
Add spices like chili powder, turmeric, or fresh herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
For a smokier taste, try using liquid smoke or smoked salt in the burger mixture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pan-fry for a few minutes on each side or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
These patties can also be frozen. To freeze, place cooked patties on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the patties in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. They can also be frozen for meal prep.

What can I use instead of black beans?

You can use kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a different flavor and texture.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your buns are gluten-free.

Can I grill these burgers?

Yes, these burgers can be grilled, but make sure to oil the grill grates or use a grill mat to prevent sticking.

Can I make these burgers without oats?

Yes, you can substitute the oats with more breadcrumbs or ground nuts/seeds, though oats help with texture and binding.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Be sure to form the patties tightly, and if necessary, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up.

Conclusion

These Homemade Vegan Burgers are everything you want in a plant-based patty: hearty, flavorful, and able to hold together without falling apart. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier burger option, these patties are perfect for any occasion. Top them with your favorite toppings, serve them with a side of fries, and enjoy a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.

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