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- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (preferably cooled) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper These ingredients create a tasty and hearty black bean burger. Black beans add protein and fiber. Quinoa gives extra texture and nutrition. Breadcrumbs hold the burger together. Red onion, garlic, and jalapeño bring in the flavor. The red onion adds sweetness. Garlic gives a nice kick. Jalapeño adds heat. The spices transform these burgers into a flavor-packed meal. Ground cumin adds warmth. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness. Chili powder adds depth. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. You can also adjust spice levels. Add more jalapeño for extra heat or swap spices to match your taste. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by mashing the black beans in a large bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher. Aim for mostly smooth beans, but keep some chunks for texture. - Next, add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, and jalapeño to the bowl. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until you have a uniform blend. - Now, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. If your mixture feels sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together well. - Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the patties in the skillet. - Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and heated through. - If you like, toast your burger buns in the skillet until they are lightly browned. This adds a nice crunch! Now you’re ready to enjoy your spicy black bean burgers! To get the right texture, start by adjusting the breadcrumbs. If your mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. This helps the patties hold their shape. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or a bit more black beans. You want a mix that is moist but not falling apart. This balance makes for a great bite. Spice it up with extra flavors! You can add more spices like cayenne pepper for heat or garlic powder for richness. Consider toppings too. Slices of jalapeño or a dollop of spicy mayo can elevate your burger. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add brightness. Get creative with what you love! Pair these burgers with sides that complement their bold flavor. Crispy sweet potato fries or a bright green salad make great matches. For presentation, serve the burgers on a stylish board. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for color. A colorful plate makes each meal feel special. Pro Tips Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer a milder burger, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds entirely. You can also swap it with a mild bell pepper for added flavor without the heat. Binding the Patties: If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a little more mashed black beans or a splash of water to help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a perfect patty shape. Make Ahead: Prepare the burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate each patty with parchment paper. Serving Suggestions: Elevate your burger experience by offering a variety of toppings like pickled onions, spicy mayo, or even a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick! {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients to fit your needs. Here are a few options: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This keeps the burger tasty and friendly for those with gluten issues. - Vegan variations: For a vegan twist, simply skip the breadcrumbs made from eggs. Make sure to check the label on your bread to ensure it's vegan. Want to spice things up? Here are some fun ideas: - Adding different peppers: Use other peppers like bell peppers or serrano for unique flavors. Each pepper brings its special taste. - Herbs and spices modifications: Feel free to add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also switch spices, like adding cayenne for more heat or oregano for a different flavor. You have options for how to cook your burgers. Here’s how: - Grilling vs. frying: Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Frying gives a crispy texture. Both ways work well, so choose what you like best. - Baking options: You can also bake the patties. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This method is healthier and easy. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make your spicy black bean burgers fun and unique! You can keep leftover patties in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, just warm them in a skillet or microwave. This way, you can enjoy them again without losing flavor. To freeze the patties, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each patty in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped patties in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in a skillet for the best taste. The shelf life of the main ingredients varies. Black beans last about three years if canned. Quinoa can last up to five years when stored properly. Breadcrumbs typically stay fresh for six months. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients to ensure freshness. Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time. Here are some meal prep tips: - Make the patties: Follow the recipe and shape the patties. - Store them: Place the uncooked patties in an airtight container. - Refrigerate: They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freeze for longer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the patties. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They last up to three months. - Cook when ready: When you want to eat, just cook them from frozen or thaw in the fridge. If you don't have black beans, you can use other beans. Here are some options: - Pinto beans: They have a similar texture and flavor. - Kidney beans: They are hearty and work well in this recipe. - Chickpeas: They add a nice nutty taste and good texture. - Lentils: Cooked lentils can also be a great substitute. To make these burgers less spicy, here are some tips: - Skip the jalapeño: Leave it out to cut down on heat. - Use less chili powder: You can reduce the amount of chili powder. - Add more beans: Increase the black beans to balance the spice. - Serve with cooling toppings: Use cool toppings like yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat. This blog post covered how to make tasty black bean burgers. We looked at key ingredients, from black beans to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to make the perfect patties. You learned tips for texture and flavor. These burgers are easy to customize and serve. They can fit many diets too. Experiment with different flavors and cooking methods. Enjoy your cooking and let these burgers shine at your next meal!

Zesty Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Delicious and spicy black bean burgers, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
  • 0.5 cup cooked quinoa, preferably cooled
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
  • 4 burger buns of your choice
  • 1 leaf fresh lettuce, for garnishing
  • 1 slice tomato, for topping
  • 1 slice avocado, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or a potato masher to mash the black beans until they are mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for added texture.
  • To the mashed beans, add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are completely incorporated into a uniform mixture.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. If the mixture feels too sticky or wet, gradually incorporate additional breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the burger patties in the skillet. Cook each patty for approximately 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side or until each patty is golden brown and heated through.
  • While the patties are cooking, consider toasting the burger buns until they are lightly browned and crisp (optional).
  • To assemble, place a hot black bean burger patty on each bun. Top with fresh lettuce leaves, slices of juicy tomato, and creamy avocado.

Notes

Serve with sweet potato fries or a green salad for a complete meal.
Keyword black bean, burger, spicy, vegetarian