Are you craving a juicy, flavorful burger but want to stick to your vegan diet? Look no further than these best vegan burger recipes! Vegan burgers have come a long way from tofu patty substitutes, and now feature delicious combinations of veggies, grains, and legumes to satisfy your taste buds. From classic black bean burgers to adventurous jackfruit burgers, these recipes offer something for everyone. So fire up the grill or heat up the stovetop, and get ready to sink your teeth into these mouthwatering plant-based burgers.
What are Vegan Burgers?
Vegan burgers are plant-based patties that are made to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat burgers. These burgers are made using a variety of plant-based ingredients such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and soy products. Vegan burgers are popular among vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who want to reduce their meat intake or follow a more sustainable and ethical diet.
Ingredients used in Vegan Burgers
Vegan burgers can be made using a wide range of ingredients, depending on the desired flavor, texture, and appearance. Some popular ingredients include:
- Legumes: Such as black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and peas. These are excellent sources of protein and fiber, and they help to create a meaty texture in vegan burgers.
- Grains: Such as quinoa, rice, bulgur, and oats. These provide structure and stability to vegan burgers and help to hold them together.
- Mushrooms: These are used to add umami flavor and a meaty texture to vegan burgers.
- Nuts and seeds: Such as almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds. These are used to provide a crunchy texture and to add healthy fats to vegan burgers.
- Soy products: Such as tofu, tempeh, and soy protein. These are common ingredients in vegan burgers as they provide a meaty texture and a high level of protein.
- Vegetables: Such as beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. These add flavor, moisture, and nutrients to vegan burgers.
Benefits of Vegan Burgers
Veganism is a lifestyle that involves abstaining from any form of animal exploitation, including in food consumption. Vegans avoid all animal-based foods, which means that they don’t eat hamburgers made from beef or any other meat. However, that doesn’t mean that vegans cannot enjoy burgers. They can still have burgers by using plant-based alternatives, which are healthier and more ethical. In this article, we’ll discuss the health and ethical benefits of eating vegan burgers over meat burgers.
Health Benefits
Vegan burgers are made from plants and, therefore, they contain less saturated fat than meat burgers. Saturated fat is known to increase cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Vegan burgers also contain more fiber than meat burgers. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and some forms of cancer. Additionally, vegan burgers are cholesterol-free and are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a well-balanced and nutrient-rich meal.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Illnesses: Eating a plant-based diet has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Vegan burgers, being plant-based alternatives to meat burgers, are a healthier option to reduce the risk of such illnesses.
- Weight Management: Vegan burgers are lower in calories than meat burgers. This makes them a great option for people trying to manage their weight while still enjoying a tasty meal.
- Helpful for Digestive Health: Vegan burgers contain more fiber than meat burgers. Fiber is helpful in maintaining digestive health and reducing the risk of digestive disorders.
Ethical Benefits
One of the fundamental principles of veganism is the avoidance of animal exploitation. In the meat industry, animals are often kept in inhumane conditions, and there is a lot of environmental destruction associated with meat production. By opting for vegan burgers, you are contributing towards the reduction of animal exploitation and environmental damage.
- Environmentally Friendly: Meat production requires vast amounts of resources such as water and land. This puts a strain on the environment, contributing to issues such as climate change and depletion of natural resources. Vegan burgers, being plant-based alternatives, have a smaller environmental footprint.
- Animal Welfare: In the meat industry, animals are often kept in inhumane conditions and treated cruelly. By consuming vegan burgers, you are reducing demand for meat products and indirectly contributing to improving animal welfare.
Best Vegan Burger Recipes: Classic
For those who are looking for a classic vegan burger recipe, look no further! This recipe combines the perfect blend of savory herbs, spices, and vegetables to create a delicious and hearty burger patty that is sure to satisfy all your burger cravings. Follow these simple steps to create your own classic vegan burger.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black beans
- 1/2 cup of quinoa
- 1/2 an onion, diced
- 1/2 a bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 a carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and condiments to garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Rinse and drain the black beans, then mash them in a large bowl.
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and carrot in the olive oil until soft.
- Add the garlic powder and smoked paprika to the skillet and cook for another minute.
- Add the cooked vegetables, quinoa, breadcrumbs, and parsley to the mashed black beans and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the mixture into patties using your hands or a burger press.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice.
This classic vegan burger recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. The ingredients used in this recipe are easy to find, and the process of making the burger patties is simple and straightforward. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your vegan cooking skills!
Best Vegan Burger Recipes: Beyond Meat Alternatives
If you’re looking for delicious burger recipes that are vegan and use beyond meat or other meat alternatives, you’re in luck! These recipes are perfect for vegans or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing taste.
Beyond Meat Burgers
Beyond Meat is one of the most popular meat alternatives on the market, and for good reason. Their burgers are incredibly tasty and have the same texture as real meat. Here’s how to make your own:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of Beyond Meat, 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Black Bean Burgers
Black bean burgers are a classic vegan burger option, and they’re packed with flavor and protein. Here’s how to make them:
- In a food processor, pulse together 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of chopped red pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pulse until well combined, but not pureed.
- Form the mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble your burgers with avocado, lettuce, and your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Quinoa veggie burgers are another great option that’s packed with protein and flavor. Here’s how to make them:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup of chopped kale, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble your burgers with hummus, cucumber, and your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Mushroom Lentil Burgers
Mushroom lentil burgers are a unique and delicious twist on the classic veggie burger. Here’s how to make them:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked lentils, 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble your burgers with caramelized onions, arugula, and your favorite toppings and enjoy!
With these vegan burger recipes, you won’t miss the meat at all. Using beyond meat or other meat alternatives is a great way to still enjoy burgers while reducing your carbon footprint and improving your health. Try these recipes today!
Best Vegan Burger Recipes: Spicy Variants
Vegan burgers are tasty and nutritious alternatives to traditional meat burgers, and spice lovers can enjoy several variants of the recipe. Spice levels can be adjusted according to individual taste preferences using different spices and chili peppers. Here are five vegan burger recipes for spice enthusiasts:
1. Spicy Black Bean Burger
This vegan black bean burger is a delicious and spicy treat for vegans who crave a little heat. The burger patty is made with black beans, carrots, onions, and spices. It is seasoned with paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, and chili powder to give it a bold and spicy flavor.
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
- 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mash the beans in a bowl and mix in the carrots, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Add the breadcrumbs to the mixture and form into patties. Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat and cook the patties until brown on both sides.
2. Spicy Chickpea Burger
This vegan chickpea burger is an excellent source of protein with bold and spicy flavors. The patty is made of mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and hot sauce. It is seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to give it a rich and spicy taste.
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of diced green pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mash the chickpeas in a bowl and mix in the breadcrumbs, cilantro, pepper, onion, garlic, hot sauce, if using, and spices. Form into patties and cook in the olive oil until brown on both sides.
3. Buffalo-Style Vegan Burger
This vegan burger has all the hot and spicy flavors that buffalo wings are known for without the meat. The patty is made with white beans, herbs, spices, and hot sauce. Additional flavor is achieved by topping the burger with vegan buffalo sauce, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce.
- 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 vegan burger buns
- Vegan buffalo sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves
Mash the white beans in a bowl and mix in the breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and cook in the olive oil until brown on both sides. Toast the burger buns and spread vegan buffalo sauce on one side. Add the cooked patty and top with sliced tomatoes and lettuce.
4. Jalapeno and Roasted Red Pepper Vegan Burger
This vegan burger is packed with flavor and heat from the jalapenos and roasted red pepper. The patty is made of lentils, rice, and spices. It is topped with vegan chipotle mayo for an extra kick of spice.
- 1/2 cup of cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup of cooked rice
- 1/2 of a cooked and diced roasted red pepper
- 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeno peppers
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegan burger buns
- Vegan chipotle mayo
Mix the lentils, rice, roasted red pepper, jalapenos, breadcrumbs, onion, and spices in a bowl. Form into patties and cook until brown on both sides. Serve on toasted vegan burger buns with vegan chipotle mayo.
5. Thai-style Vegan Burger
This vegan burger is infused with the flavors of Thai cuisine, including ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro. The patty is made with tofu, rice, nuts, and vegetables. It is then topped with spicy chili sauce and served with sliced avocado.
- 4 ounces of tofu, mashed
- 1/2 cup of cooked rice
- 1/4 cup of chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup of grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of minced lemongrass
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegan burger buns
- Spicy chili sauce
- Sliced avocado
Mix the tofu, rice, peanuts, carrot, cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into patties and cook until brown on both sides. Serve on toasted vegan burger buns with spicy chili sauce and sliced avocado.
Best Vegan Burger Recipes: Gluten-Free Variants
Vegan food has been growing in popularity over the years, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also great for your health, and it still manages to taste amazing. For those who love burgers but can’t have gluten, don’t worry, there are plenty of gluten-free recipes available that can help satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the best vegan burger recipes that don’t contain gluten and how to make vegan gluten-free buns.
1. Classic Vegan Burger
Everyone needs a classic vegan burger recipe in their arsenal, and this gluten-free version is fantastic. The star of the show is the patty, which uses cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a tasty base. Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin give it a bit of a kick, while the avocado aioli provides a creamy finish.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas
- ½ cup gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal and 3 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Portobello Mushroom Burger
Who needs meat when you can have a juicy Portobello mushroom burger? For this recipe, you’ll need to marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spices. Grilling or roasting the mushrooms will give them a smokey flavor that pairs well with the hummus and avocado toppings.
- 2 Portobello mushrooms
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 gluten-free buns
- 2 tbsp hummus
- 1 avocado, sliced
3. Lentil Burger
Lentils are a fantastic source of protein, so why not use them to make a delicious burger patty? This recipe uses red lentils, which cook faster than other varieties and work well as a binding agent. In addition to the patty, you’ll also learn how to make a tasty cashew cream dressing to go with it.
- 1 cup cooked red lentils
- ½ cup gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal and 3 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 gluten-free buns
- ¼ cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
4. Chickpea and Sweet Potato Burger
If you’re looking for a burger that’s full of flavor, try this recipe that uses both chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Not only do they make for a tasty base, but the sweetness of the potato pairs well with the spices used. You’ll also learn how to make a coconut yogurt sauce that can be used as a condiment.
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 sweet potato, roasted and mashed
- 2 tbsp gluten-free flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 gluten-free buns
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
5. Black Bean Burger
Black beans are hearty and full of flavor, making them a great choice for a burger patty. This recipe uses a mixture of black beans, quinoa, and gluten-free bread crumbs to make the patty, which is flavored with spices like cumin and chili powder. The chipotle mayo that accompanies it is the perfect finishing touch.
- 1 can black beans
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal and 3 tbsp water)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 gluten-free buns
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
6. Vegan Gluten-Free Buns
Of course, no burger is complete without a bun, and it can be tricky to find a gluten-free option that doesn’t crumble. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own vegan gluten-free buns with this recipe. Using a combination of almond flour, tapioca flour, and psyllium husk powder gives these buns the perfect texture, and you can customize the toppings to your liking.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 cup almond flour | 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, tapioca flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, sea salt, and coconut sugar. 3. Add the flax egg, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl and stir together until a dough forms. 4. Shape the dough into 4-6 buns and place them on a baking sheet. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. |
| ½ cup tapioca flour | |
| 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder | |
| 1 tsp baking powder | |
| ½ tsp sea salt | |
| 1 tsp coconut sugar | |
| 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal and 3 tbsp water) | |
| ½ cup almond milk | |
| 1 tsp apple cider vinegar |
With these delicious vegan burger recipes and gluten-free bun recipe in your back pocket, you’ll never have to miss out on a good burger again.
FAQs
Going vegan doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice taste and satisfaction. With vegan burgers, you can still enjoy a juicy and flavorful meal that is cruelty-free and healthy. Here are some common questions related to vegan burgers, vegan burger recipes, and the ingredients used in them.
1. What are some vegan burger alternatives?
Vegan burgers can be made with various ingredients, such as grains, vegetables, and legumes. Some popular vegan burger alternatives include mushroom burgers, black bean burgers, tempeh burgers, lentil burgers, sweet potato burgers, and quinoa burgers.
2. What ingredients are used in vegan burgers?
Ingredients in vegan burgers can vary depending on the recipe and the desired flavor and texture. However, some common ingredients used in vegan burgers include vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and peppers, plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, grains such as quinoa, oats, and rice, and legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and black beans.
3. How do you make vegan burgers stick together?
Unlike traditional meat-based burgers, vegan burgers may require additional ingredients or techniques to help them hold together. Some ways to make vegan burgers stick together include adding a binding agent such as flax meal, chia seeds, or breadcrumbs, using a food processor to blend the ingredients together, and chilling the mixture before forming into patties.
4. Are vegan burgers healthy?
Yes, vegan burgers can be a healthy choice as they are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional meat-based burgers. However, it’s important to note that not all vegan burgers are created equal and some may be high in sodium and processed ingredients. Making your own vegan burgers with whole ingredients can help ensure a healthier option.
5. Can you freeze vegan burgers?
Yes, vegan burgers can be frozen for later use. Simply form the mixture into patties and place them on a sheet pan in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
6. What toppings go well with vegan burgers?
There are endless options for toppings to go with vegan burgers. Some popular choices include avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, vegan cheese, and various sauces such as barbecue, mayo, or aioli. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.
There are countless delicious vegan burger recipes out there, but here are a few to get you started:
- Beet and black bean burger: This burger combines roasted beets, black beans, and quinoa for a hearty and nutritious patty. Top with avocado and a tangy sauce for a flavorful meal.
- Mushroom and lentil burger: Earthy mushrooms and protein-packed lentils come together in this satisfying burger. Serve with caramelized onions and vegan cheese for indulgent taste.
- Sweet potato and chickpea burger: A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this burger features mashed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and warm spices. Top with sliced red onion and a cooling yogurt sauce for a delicious contrast.
Thanks for Checking Out These Mouth-Watering Best Vegan Burger Recipes!
We hope this article has been of great help to you in your vegan food journey. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s always room for a good burger! These recipes are sure to satisfy even the toughest of critics. Don’t forget to bookmark our page and check back often for more delicious vegan food articles and recipes!
Cheers to tasty, healthy eating!