Sink Your Teeth Into These 15 Mouthwatering Vegan Burger Recipes

The plant-based revolution is in full swing, with a growing number of people embracing plant-based diets for reasons ranging from health to environmental sustainability to ethical concerns about animal welfare. Whatever your motivations, one thing is clear: we all deserve delicious food, and that includes burgers.

The Essence of a Great Vegan Burger

To create satisfying and delicious vegan burgers, it’s essential to start with a base that has a good balance of flavors and texture. This usually involves a combination of beans or legumes, grains, and vegetables. These foods provide the structure, binding agents, and flavors that will make your patty sing.

One key to success is to avoid over-processing your ingredients, as this can result in a burger that’s too dry or crumbly. Instead, aim for a mixture that holds together well when formed into a patty, but still retains some texture.

Once you’ve got your base recipe down, feel free to experiment with different vegetables, grains, and seasonings to create unique flavors and textures. The recipes below offer a range of options to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

The Ultimate Veggie Burger

This simple and versatile recipe is a great starting point for those new to making vegan burgers. It uses a basic combination of beans, grains, and vegetables, which can be customized according to your preferences. Toppings and condiments are also optional, so feel free to get creative.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash beans with a fork or potato masher.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Form mixture into 6-8 patties, depending on desired size.
5. Place patties on baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly crispy.

Customize Your Burger

Serve your vegan burger on a bun of your choice, and top with desired toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Sliced avocado
• Sliced tomato
• Lettuce
• Sweet or hot pickles
• Relish
• Grilled onions
• Vegan cheese

Lentil and Mushroom Burger

This hearty and protein-packed burger is made with a combination of brown lentils and mushrooms. Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions are added to the mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can brown lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 (8-ounce) package cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté mushrooms until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add another tablespoon oil if needed. Cook onion until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mash lentils with a fork or potato masher.
4. Add remaining ingredients, including cooked mushrooms and onion, and mix until well combined.
5. Form mixture into 6 patties.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook patties until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.

Serve Your Burger with Confidence

These lentil and mushroom burgers are sure to impress even the most dedicated meat eaters. Serve them on a toasty bun with your favorite toppings, and watch them disappear.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger

This vibrant and nutrient-dense patty is made with sweet potatoes, black beans, oats, and spices. Top it with avocado and a tangy lime-cilantro sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups grated cooked sweet potato
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Form mixture into 6-8 patties, depending on desired size.
5. Place patties on baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden brown.

Lime-Cilantro Sauce

To make the sauce, blend the following ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth:

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
• 1/4 cup sour cream or vegan sour cream
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Quinoa and Beet Burger

This colorful and antioxidant-rich burger is made with cooked quinoa, grated beets, rolled oats, and a variety of spices. Serve it with a creamy cashew-based sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups grated raw beets (about 3 medium beets)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mash kidney beans with a fork or potato masher.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Form mixture into 6 patties.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook patties until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.

Cashew Sauce

To make the sauce, blend the following ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Portobello Mushroom Burger

This meaty and umami-rich patty is made with large portobello mushrooms, which are grilled and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and thyme. Top it with melted vegan cheese and roasted garlic aioli for a gourmet twist on the classic burger.

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices vegan cheddar cheese
• 4 buns of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, thyme, and remaining olive oil. Brush mixture over both sides of mushrooms.
4. Grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Place a slice of cheese on top of each mushroom during the last minute of grilling.
6. While mushrooms are cooking, toast buns on grill or in a pan over medium heat.

Roasted Garlic Aioli

To make the aioli, follow this recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-garlic-mayo-vegan-recipe/

Chickpea and Walnut Burger

This nutty and protein-rich burger is made with cooked chickpeas and walnuts, combined with spices and rolled oats for binding. Dress it with a tangy mustard-dill sauce for an irresistible twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse chickpeas and walnuts until they are broken down but still have some texture.
2. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix well.
3. Form mixture into 6 patties.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook patties until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.

Tangy Mustard-Dill Sauce

To make the sauce, whisk together the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegan Burger Toppings and Condiments

Take your vegan burgers to the next level with these delicious toppings and condiments. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Homemade Vegan Mayonnaise and Aioli

These simple recipes will give you a base for both mayonnaise and aioli, which can be flavored in various ways:

• For mayonnaise: https://cookieandkate.com/vegan-mayonnaise-recipe/
• For aioli: https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-garlic-mayo-vegan-recipe/

Once you have the base recipe down, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavors to create your own unique condiments.

Pickled Vegetables and Tangy Relishes

Pickled vegetables add a nice crunch and tangy flavor to burgers. Try pickling carrots, beets, cucumbers, onions, or jalapeños. For a quick pickle, simply slice vegetables thin, toss with salt, and let sit for an hour. For a more intense flavor, use a pickling salt and a vinegar of your choice. Let sit for at least 24 hours and store in the refrigerator.

Tangy relishes made with fruits like pineapple, peach, or mango can also complement burgers nicely. Look for a store-bought version or make your own by blending your favorite fruits with a little bit of lime juice and sugar to taste.

Creamy Avocado and Fresh Herbs

Sliced avocado is a classic topping for burgers, but don’t be afraid to get creative with herbs. Cilantro, parsley, or basil can add a nice freshness and brightness to the dish.

Buns for a Satisfying Burger Experience

Choosing the right bun is essential for a satisfying burger experience. Look for buns that are soft but sturdy enough to hold up toppings. Here are some options:

• Sesame seed buns
• Pretzel buns
• Brioche buns
• Gluten-free buns
• Kaiser rolls

Sides and Accompaniments

Round out your meal with some tasty sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet potato fries
• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Grilled or roasted vegetables