Vegan Black Bean Burger (Printable)

Smoky black bean patties paired with spicy chipotle mayo for a flavorful plant-based dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Black Bean Burgers

01 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 - 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

→ Chipotle Mayo

14 - 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
15 - 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
17 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
18 - Pinch of salt

→ For Assembling

19 - 4 vegan burger buns
20 - 1 cup lettuce leaves
21 - 1 large tomato, sliced
22 - 1 small red onion, sliced
23 - 4 slices vegan cheese (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Mix ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl; let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
02 - Pulse rolled oats in a food processor until they form a coarse meal.
03 - Add black beans, red onion, cilantro, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and flax egg to the food processor. Pulse until mixture is blended but retains some texture.
04 - Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and warmed through.
06 - Combine vegan mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
07 - Toast the vegan burger buns if desired.
08 - Spread chipotle mayo on each bun bottom, then layer lettuce, tomato, red onion, black bean patty, and vegan cheese if using. Top with the bun tops.
09 - Serve the burgers immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're hearty enough that nobody misses the meat, and the texture is genuinely crave-worthy rather than trying too hard to be something it's not.
  • The chipotle mayo elevates everything—it's the secret that makes people say 'wow' without realizing how simple it is.
  • You can make the patties ahead and refrigerate them, which means dinner is faster than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • The flax egg really is essential—without it, the patties will crumble no matter how gently you flip them, and nobody wants a black bean hash burger.
  • Don't cook the patties on high heat even though you're eager; medium heat lets them cook through without the outside burning while the inside stays cold.
03 -
  • If your mixture seems dry, don't add water—let the flax egg sit longer; it'll continue to absorb and thicken.
  • A crispy exterior and warm center is the goal, so medium heat and patience matter more than high heat and speed.