If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, wholesome, and incredibly tasty option that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, the Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe is your new best friend. These burgers are packed with protein-rich black beans, tender oats for texture, and a subtle blend of garlic and onion that creates a depth of flavor you’ll want to savor bite after bite. Plus, grilling them adds a fantastic smoky char that takes this burger from ordinary to unforgettable. Trust me, whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, you’ll fall head over heels for these delicious patties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each plays a crucial role in making your burgers come alive with texture, flavor, and perfect consistency. These staples are easy to find and blend beautifully to create a burger that holds together well on the grill while tasting fantastic.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion: Brings a mild sweetness and moisture that balances the beans perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (or quick oats): Adds structure and a chewy texture while helping the patties hold their shape.
- 1 clove garlic: A small but mighty ingredient that infuses the burgers with savory depth.
- 2 14oz cans black beans, drained & rinsed: The star ingredient providing rich protein and that classic bean flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep all the ingredients together during grilling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the best in every component.
How to Make Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Grind the Oats
Start by pulsing the oats in a food processor until they resemble a sandy texture. This step is key because it breaks down the oats just enough to add body to your burgers without making them mushy. Once done, transfer the ground oats to a large mixing bowl—you’ll want this ready to combine with the bean mixture.
Step 2: Mince and Prep the Onion
Next, toss the yellow onion into the food processor and pulse until it’s minced finely. This is where a kitchen towel comes in handy—wrap the minced onion and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. The moisture can make your patties soggy, so drying the onion ensures a firmer burger. After, pop that onion right back into the food processor to join the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Garlic, Salt, Beans, and Egg
Add the garlic clove, salt, drained black beans, and egg into the food processor with the minced onion. Pulse these together until the beans break down and the mixture looks fairly smooth but still has some texture. This blend creates the flavorful, well-bound base for your patties.
Step 4: Mix and Form Patties
Transfer the bean mixture into the bowl holding the ground oats. Gently fold everything together until the mixture holds together neatly—avoid overmixing to keep a nice bite. Next, form the mix into 6 even-sized patties. Keep in mind these burgers don’t shrink much while cooking, so shape them to fit your buns perfectly right now.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side, totaling 12 minutes, to get those gorgeous grill marks and a crispy exterior. If you’re indoors, a skillet over medium-high heat works just as well—cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and nicely browned.
How to Serve Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe patties are ready, the right garnishes can elevate your burger experience. Fresh slices of ripe avocado add a creamy contrast, while crisp lettuce and juicy tomato bring freshness and crunch. Don’t forget a dollop of your favorite sauce—chipotle mayo or classic ketchup works beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving these burgers alongside some sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw. A vibrant summer salad with a tangy vinaigrette or grilled corn on the cob can also complement the smoky richness of the patties elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not shake things up with your presentation? Try serving these burgers in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist or stack them with layers of grilled veggies for a colorful, crunchy bite. You could even chop leftover patties and toss them into a salad for a warm, protein-packed lunch. The Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe is wonderfully versatile and invites plenty of creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled black bean burgers, keeping them fresh is straightforward. Place the patties in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps their flavor intact and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Lay the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready, you can cook them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the grill time.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed burgers, simply warm them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side. This method helps maintain the crispy outside while warming the inside evenly without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers vegan?
Absolutely! To make the Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg or a mashed ripe banana, which will still help bind the mixture together nicely.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries if you don’t have a grill—cooking the patties on a hot skillet works just as well. Use a bit of oil and cook them until they develop a crispy crust, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
Can I add other spices or ingredients to the mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for an extra flavor kick. Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also make a lovely addition to brighten things up.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart on the grill?
The key is drying the minced onion to avoid excess moisture and using oats and egg as binders. Also, be gentle when flipping and don’t press down on the patties while cooking—this helps them hold their shape perfectly.
Can I use fresh black beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure your fresh beans are cooked until soft and cooled before using them in the recipe. This will keep the texture right and ensure your burgers hold together well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe enough if you’re craving something satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based eating without compromising on that grilled burger experience we all love. Give it a try at your next meal—you might just find your new favorite go-to burger recipe to share with friends and family!
Print
Grilled Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Black Bean Burgers are a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option packed with protein and fiber. Made with black beans, oats, onion, and garlic, these patties are grilled to perfection for a smoky, crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (or quick oats)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 (14 oz) cans black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oats: Add the oats to a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine, sand-like texture. Transfer the ground oats to a large mixing bowl.
- Process the onion: Place the half onion in the food processor and mince until finely chopped. Transfer the minced onion to a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent sogginess. Return the drained onion to the food processor.
- Add remaining ingredients: To the food processor with onion, add the garlic clove, salt, drained black beans, and egg. Pulse the mixture until the beans are mostly broken down and the mixture is fairly smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Combine and form patties: Transfer the bean mixture to the bowl with ground oats and fold together until fully combined and the mixture holds shape. Form into 6 even-sized patties, making sure they are sized to fit your burger buns as they will not shrink during cooking.
- Grill the burgers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties on the grill for about 6 minutes per side, approximately 12 minutes total, until you achieve nice grill marks and a crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can cook the patties on a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
- If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg.
- Make sure to press out excess water from the onion to avoid mushy patties.
- These patties hold their shape well and do not shrink, so size accordingly to your buns.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
