Weekend
Quinoa and black bean burgers
Veggie burgers that actually hold their shape: quinoa, black beans, and oats bound with an egg, seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, and browned in a skillet.
Allergens: Contains egg. Oats may contain wheat from cross-contact; choose certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
- 6 whole-wheat buns, lettuce, tomato, and sliced red onion, for serving
Method
- Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Spread on a plate to cool for 10 minutes.
- Pulse the oats in a food processor until coarse, like breadcrumbs. Add half of the black beans and pulse until they form a rough paste.
- Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining whole beans, the cooled quinoa, egg, scallions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well with your hands.
- Divide into 6 portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Refrigerate them on a plate for 15 minutes so they firm up.
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned and heated through. Flip gently with a wide spatula.
- Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 4 days. To freeze, lay uncooked or cooked patties on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then bag them for up to 3 months. Cook or rewarm from frozen in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Kitchen notes
Wet beans are the main reason veggie burgers fall apart. Pat them dry with paper towels, and make sure the quinoa has cooled and steamed off its moisture.
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together. If the mixture seems very soft, add another 2 tablespoons of oats.
You can bake them instead: brush with oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Kitchen notes, not medical advice. These pages describe how to cook food. They do not diagnose, treat, or promise any health result. If you have an allergy or need a specific eating pattern, follow the advice of a qualified professional.