Quinoa Black Bean Burger

Quinoa Black Bean Burger is a hearty, plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans, this burger offers a satisfying texture and rich flavor, enhanced with herbs, spices, and a touch of garlic. Served on a whole-grain bun with fresh veggies and optional sauce, it’s a wholesome, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• ½ Small Onion, Finely Chopped
• 1 Carrot, Grated (About ½ Cup)
• ¼ Cup Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
• 1 Tsp Ground Cumin & Chili Powder
• 1 Can (15 Oz) Black Beans, Drained & Rinsed, 2 Tsp Olive Oil & ½ Black Pepper
• 1 Cup Cooked Quinoa (From ~½ Cup Dry, Cooled)
• 1 Egg Or Flax Egg (1 Tbsp Ground Flax + 3 Tbsp Water, Mixed)
• 4 Whole-Grain Buns/Lettuce Wraps, Toppings, 4 Tsp Sugar-free Ketchup/Salsa

Directions

1. Mash Beans: In A Large Bowl, Mash 1 Can (15 Oz) Black Beans With A Fork Until Mostly Pasty—some Whole Beans Are Fine For Texture. This Helps Bind The Burgers.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add 1 Cup Cooked Quinoa (From ~½ Cup Dry), ½ Small Chopped Onion, 1 Grated Carrot (½ Cup), 1 Egg (Or Flax Egg), And ¼ Cup Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs Or Oat Flour. Add 1 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Chili Powder, ½ Tsp Salt, And ¼ Tsp Black Pepper. Mix Thoroughly (Clean Hands Work Best). If Too Wet, Add Breadcrumbs; If Too Dry, Add 1 Tsp Water.
3. Shape Patties: Divide Into 4 Equal Portions And Shape Into ½-inch-thick Patties. Place On A Plate. Refrigerate For 20 Minutes If Possible—this Helps Firm Them Up.
4. Cook Patties: Heat 2 Tsp Olive Oil In A Non-stick Skillet Over Medium Heat. Cook Patties 4–5 Minutes Per Side Until Browned And Heated Through. Flip Gently—they’re More Delicate Than Meat Burgers. Alternatively, Bake At 375°f For 15–18 Minutes, Flipping Once.
5. Assemble & Serve: Place Each Patty On A Whole-Grain Bun Or Use Lettuce Wraps. Add Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, And 1 Tsp Ketchup Or Salsa (Sugar-free Preferred). You May Also Add Avocado Or A Pickle Slice (Be Mindful Of Sodium). Serve Immediately. These Veggie Burgers Are Rich In Fiber, Plant Protein, And Lower In Fat—with No Cholesterol If Using Flax Egg. Whole-Grain Buns Boost Nutrients & Fiber.