Quinoa Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Quinoa: A high-protein grain with a slightly nutty flavor, perfect for adding texture and nutrition to the burgers.

Black beans: These provide a hearty base for the burgers and are packed with protein and fiber.

Bread crumbs: Essential for binding the patties together, ensuring they hold their shape while cooking.

Egg: Acts as a binder to help the ingredients stick together.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the burgers.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of garlic.

Salt: Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the patties, giving them a crispy exterior.

When forming the patties, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and allows you to shape the burgers more easily. Additionally, pressing the patties firmly helps them hold together better during cooking.

• cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked bulgur wheat: Bulgur wheat has a similar texture and nutritional profile to quinoa, making it a good alternative.

• cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked brown rice: Brown rice provides a similar chewy texture and is also a whole grain, making it a suitable replacement.

• black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good substitute.

• black beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas can provide a different but complementary texture and flavor to the burgers.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the ingredients together similarly to bread crumbs.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and add a bit of crunch.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can act as a binder for a vegan alternative.

• beaten egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can also serve as a vegan binder.

• cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a slightly different but complementary flavor that can work well in the recipe.

• cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and a similar earthy flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can offer a more intense garlic flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the burgers.

• salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can provide a similar salty and umami flavor, and is gluten-free.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add heat and a different kind of spiciness.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for cooking and adds a slight coconut flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• To store your quinoa black bean burgers in the refrigerator, let them cool completely after cooking. Place them in an airtight container, separating each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, allow the burgers to cool completely. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen quinoa black bean burgers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen patties directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy on the outside.
• If you prefer a quicker method, you can also reheat the frozen burgers in the microwave. Place a patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may result in a softer texture compared to skillet or oven reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the quinoa black bean burgers on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Cover the burgers with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the burgers in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the quinoa black bean burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients together.

• Fork: Used to mash the black beans until mostly smooth.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cooked quinoa and bread crumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the patties.

• Spatula: Used to flip the patties in the skillet.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

• Can opener: Used to open the can of black beans.

• Paper towels: Used to drain and rinse the black beans.

Cook quinoa in advance: Prepare quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash black beans and mix ingredients using a food processor for a smoother and faster process.

Pre-make patties: Form the patties and store them in the fridge or freezer, so they are ready to cook when needed.

Opt for canned beans: Using canned black beans saves the time required to soak and cook dried beans.

One-pan cooking: Cook the patties in a single skillet to reduce cleanup time.