I have tried a number of black bean burger recipes, but this one is by far my favorite. The patties do not crumble which has always been an issue for the thicker patties I have made in the past, and have a nice crunch to them. I am not looking to try and replicate the taste and feel of a beef patty, but this has a nice, smokey flavor to them that sometimes makes my mind do a double-take wondering what I am eating. While I enjoy beef, I am finding that I am enjoying the more flavor options that can be pulled out of burgers made with beans, chicken, or salmon. I tend to make a quick sauce with equal parts mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup, mixed with minced pickles and onions. Lettuce, tomato, and American cheese along with some toasted buns make this an enjoyable meal to me.

Timings

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Wait: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

Equipment Notes

• A food processor is used for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4C panko bread crumbs
• 1/2t kosher salt
• 1/2t MSG
• 1/2t corn starch
• 1/2t pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4t smoked paprika
• 1T avocado oil (or other high smoke-point oil)

Steps

1. Spread the beans evenly on a baking sheet. Place in a 350°F / 177°C degree oven for 30 minutes, tossing the beans halfway through.
2. Add the beans and bread crumbs to a food processor and run for about a minute or until the mixture is the consistency of wet sand.
3. Add the bean and bread mixture to a bowl along with all the rest of the ingredients, and mix well.
4. Form the mixture into four equal-sized balls.
5. Spread oil on a griddle or skillet and place on high heat until it starts to smoke. I usually place the buns face-down on the griddle at the start and by the time they are toasted well the griddle will be ready for the patties.
6. Put the bean balls on the griddle and press them with a spatula until they are about 1/4in thick. I tend to place a piece of parchment paper between the patty and the spatula to prevent them from sticking together.
7. Cook 4 minutes then flip the patties.
8. Cook another 3 minutes then place a slice or two of cheese on two of the patties and place the remaining two patties on top of them.
9. Cook another minute or until the cheese has melted.
10. Remove the patties and combine with any combination of buns, sauces, etc. that you like.

References

• https://www.ethanchlebowski.com/cooking-techniques-recipes/black-bean-smash-burger