Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Recipe

This Spicy Black Bean Burgers recipe is a wholesome, flavor-packed option for those who love burgers but want a healthier alternative. Infused with the smokiness of chipotle and the robustness of black beans, it brings a new twist to your classic burger. Perfect for BBQ parties or a casual dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Photos of Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are household staples, you might need to look for a couple of them. Chipotle in adobo sauce usually comes canned and can be found in the international or Mexican food aisle in supermarkets. It gives the burger a smoky, spicy flavour. Quick oats are used as a binding agent in the patties, they absorb excess moisture and keep the patties firm. They are easily found in the cereal aisle. Hass avocados are often available in the produce section, but any type of ripe avocado will work.

Ingredients for Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

Black beans: Black beans form the base of the patty, giving it a dense and hearty texture.

Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch in every bite.

Scallions: Scallions, or green onions, add a mellow, oniony flavor.

Cilantro: Cilantro lends a bright, fresh flavor to the mixture.

Garlic: Garlic infuses a pungent, spicy undertone.

Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the ingredients hold together.

Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the burger.

Hot sauce: Hot sauce brings a spicy kick to the patties.

Quick oats: Quick oats help absorb extra moisture and keep the patty firm.

Whole wheat buns: For serving, but any kind of buns will do.

Avocado: Creamy avocado is perfect for topping your burger.

One reader, Amerigo Baumgartner says:

These spicy black bean burgers with chipotle are a game-changer! The chipotle mayo adds a zesty kick, and the black bean patties are bursting with flavor. The texture is perfect, and the recipe is easy to follow. I highly recommend trying this for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Amerigo Baumgartner

Techniques for Making Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

How to prepare spicy chipotle mayo: Combine light mayonnaise with chipotle in adobo sauce and mix well. Set aside for use as a condiment for the black bean burgers.

How to prepare black bean burgers:

Dry the black beans well after washing to remove excess moisture, as this will prevent the burgers from sticking.
Mash the black beans in a medium bowl with a fork until they become thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop the red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and garlic. Add quick oats, jumbo egg, cumin, kosher salt, and hot sauce to the food processor and blend until well combined.
Stir the processed mixture into the mashed black beans until evenly distributed.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties on a flat surface covered with wax paper. If the mixture is too wet, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or add an additional tablespoon of oats.
Freeze the patties for at least 2 hours before cooking, or keep them frozen until ready to cook.

How to cook black bean burgers:

Heat a lightly sprayed skillet over medium heat and cook the frozen burgers for about 7 minutes on each side.
If grilling, preheat the grill over medium heat and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. Grill the burgers for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. Alternatively, the burgers can be baked in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

How To Make Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

This black bean burger is an absolute vegetarian dish made flavorful and spicy with chipotle peppers. Even the non-vegetarians will absolutely love this!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Freeze Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Spicy Chipotle Mayo:

3½tbsplight mayonnaise,Hellman’s
1tbspchipotle in adobo sauce,canned

For Black Bean Burgers:

16ozblack beans,rinsed and drained
½red bell pepper,cut into 2-inch pieces
½cupscallions,chopped
3tbspcilantro,chopped
3clovesgarlic,peeled
1jumbo egg
1tbspcumin
½tsposher salt
1tsphot sauce
½cupquick oats
4whole wheat
1smallhass avocado

Instructions

Combine mayonnaise and chipotle, set aside.
Dry the beans well after washing, extra moisture will keep the burgers from sticking.
In a medium bowl, mash beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, cilantro, onion, and garlic, then add oats, then eggs and spices.
Then stir into mashed beans.
Divide mixture into four patties and place them onto a flat surface covered with wax paper. If it’s too wet, chill the mixture 30 minutes in the refrigerator or add another tablespoon of oats.
Freeze at least 2 hours before cooking or keep frozen until ready to cook.
Heat a lightly sprayed skillet to medium heat and cook frozen burgers about 7 minutes on each side.
If grilling, preheat grill over medium heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil; grill 7 to 8 minutes on each side or you can bake in the oven at 375 degrees F on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

Nutrition

Calories: 587.59kcal
Fat: 15.84g
Saturated Fat: 2.71g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.70g
Carbohydrates: 86.17g
Fiber: 22.78g
Sugar: 4.54g
Protein: 29.79g
Cholesterol: 58.59mg
Sodium: 478.00mg
Calcium: 188.03mg
Potassium: 2102.86mg
Iron: 8.02mg
Vitamin A: 74.55µg
Vitamin C: 29.71mg

Pro Tip for Making Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

When forming your black bean burgers, it's crucial to press the mixture firmly together. This ensures that the patties hold their shape during cooking. If the mixture seems too loose or wet, don't hesitate to add more quick oats. They act as a binder and will help to absorb any excess moisture. Remember, the key to a great black bean burger is a patty that holds together well.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Black Bean Burgers

Prep ahead: Prepare the spicy chipotle mayo and black bean burger mixture the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch. This will significantly reduce the preparation time for the black bean burgers.

Food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the bell pepper, cilantro, onion, and garlic for the black bean burger mixture.

Freeze for later: Make a large batch of black bean burger patties and freeze them for future use. This way, you can simply grab and cook them when needed.

Grill in bulk: If using a grill, cook multiple black bean burgers at once to save time and effort.

Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, ensure all ingredients and kitchen tools are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Quick oats: Use quick oats instead of regular oats for the black bean burger mixture as they require less cooking time and can be easily incorporated.

Multitask: While the black bean burgers are cooking, prepare any additional toppings or side dishes to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe to minimize the cleanup time at the end.

Invest in a good skillet: Use a high-quality non-stick skillet to ensure the black bean burgers cook evenly and prevent sticking, saving time on cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Recipe

light mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise and provides a creamy texture with a tangy flavor.
chipotle in adobo sauce - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor and a hint of heat to the dish.
black beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great alternative to black beans, providing a similar texture and earthy flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for scallions in this recipe.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
jumbo egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to a regular egg in this recipe.
cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can provide a similar earthy and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in equal amounts.
hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can add a similar level of heat and tanginess to the dish.
quick oats - Substitute with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs can be used to bind the ingredients together and provide a similar texture to quick oats in the burger mixture.
whole wheat - Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for whole wheat breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
hass avocado - Substitute with mashed peas: Mashed peas can provide a similar creamy texture and green color to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Elevate the black bean burgers: Mold the black bean burger mixture into perfectly round patties using a ring mold for a professional and polished presentation.
Garnish with avocado slices: Thinly slice the ripe hass avocado and fan it out on top of the black bean burger for a pop of color and creamy texture.
Drizzle with spicy chipotle mayo: Use a squeeze bottle to create a beautiful drizzle of the spicy chipotle mayo on the plate for an artistic touch and added flavor.
Plate with precision: Carefully position the black bean burger on the plate, ensuring it is centered and presented with finesse.
Add a touch of green: Sprinkle a few fresh cilantro leaves on top of the black bean burger for a vibrant and fresh finish.
Serve with a side of elegance: Accompany the black bean burger with a small side salad or a delicate arrangement of pickled vegetables for a visually appealing and well-rounded presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Black Bean Burgers

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to finely chop, puree, mix, or emulsify ingredients. It's perfect for finely chopping the bell pepper, cilantro, onion, and garlic for the black bean burgers.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the mashed black beans with the chopped vegetables, oats, eggs, and spices to form the burger mixture.
Skillet: A skillet is used for cooking the black bean burgers. It provides a flat cooking surface and allows for even heat distribution.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil can be used to create a non-stick surface on the grill when cooking the black bean burgers. It helps prevent the burgers from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used for baking the black bean burgers in the oven. It provides a flat surface for the burgers to cook evenly.

Storing and Freezing Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Let the black bean burgers cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled burgers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the burgers:
- Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped burgers in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen black bean burgers will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen burgers, you can either:
- Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then cook as directed in the recipe, or
- Cook them directly from frozen, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes on each side to ensure they are heated through.
If you have leftover chipotle mayo, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use it as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for sweet potato fries or vegetables.

How To Reheat Leftover Black Bean Burgers

To reheat leftover spicy black bean burgers, you have a few options depending on your preference and available kitchen equipment. The key is to reheat them gently to avoid drying out the burgers or making them too mushy.
One method is to reheat the burgers in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the burgers and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method will help crisp up the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Another option is to reheat the burgers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier exterior, you can broil the burgers for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
If you have an air fryer, this can be a quick and effective way to reheat your black bean burgers. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
For a quick and convenient method, you can also reheat the burgers in the microwave. Place the burgers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to other reheating methods.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the burgers with a food thermometer. They should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to consume.
Once reheated, serve your spicy black bean burgers with fresh toppings like sliced avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and a dollop of the chipotle mayo for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying leftover burgers!

Interesting Facts About Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are a great source of plant-based protein and are a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Are Homemade Spicy Black Bean Burgers Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this spicy black bean burgers with chipotle recipe is quite high. Black beans are an affordable source of protein and the additional ingredients are commonly found in households. The recipe yields four servings, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire meal is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and flavorful outcome.

Are Spicy Black Bean Burgers Healthy?

This spicy black bean burger recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. The use of black beans as the main ingredient provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various nutrients. The inclusion of vegetables like red bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro adds extra vitamins and minerals. The recipe also opts for whole wheat buns, which offer more fiber compared to refined white buns.

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

Replace the light mayonnaise in the chipotle sauce with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content
Reduce the amount of salt used or replace it with herbs and spices for flavoring to lower the sodium content
Increase the amount of vegetables in the burger patty, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutrient density
Use a whole egg instead of just the egg white to include the nutrients found in the yolk, such as choline and vitamin D
Serve the burger with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a more balanced meal

By incorporating these changes, the spicy black bean burger recipe can be transformed into an even more nutritious and wholesome option for health-conscious individuals looking to enjoy a tasty and satisfying plant-based meal.

Editor's Take on Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

The recipe for spicy black bean burgers with chipotle mayo is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of black beans, chipotle, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying burger. The addition of the spicy chipotle mayo adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the heat of the burger. The recipe's use of fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it accessible for home cooks, while the freezing step ensures the burgers hold their shape during cooking. Overall, this recipe is a winner for those looking for a delicious and meatless burger option.

Enhance Your Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned to perfection.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Sweet and juicy with a hint of smokiness from the grill, a perfect complement to the spicy black bean burgers.

Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad with a creamy avocado dressing, the perfect balance to the heat of the chipotle mayo.

Similar Recipes to Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground turkey, quinoa, black beans, and spices to create a flavorful filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate chicken in a mixture of mango, lime juice, and spices, then grill to perfection. Serve with a fresh mango salsa on top for a burst of tropical flavor.

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: Roast a variety of colorful vegetables and toss with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying salad option.

Coconut Lime Shrimp Curry: Simmer shrimp in a creamy coconut curry sauce infused with tangy lime and aromatic spices. Serve over steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas for Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Indulge in these crispy zucchini fritters, lightly seasoned and fried to perfection. Served with a side of tangy dipping sauce, these fritters are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Velvety Lemon Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a luscious lemon cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. The tangy lemon flavor combined with the creamy cheesecake filling creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Why trust this Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle Recipe:

This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy chipotle mayo and hearty black bean burgers, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The use of chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smoky and spicy kick, while the combination of black beans, bell pepper, and cumin provides a rich and earthy taste. The inclusion of avocado adds a creamy texture, enhancing the overall experience. With the careful selection of ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe guarantees a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Want to share your experience making these Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle or discuss variations on the recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I make the black bean burgers ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can definitely make the black bean burgers ahead of time and freeze them. In fact, freezing them for at least 2 hours before cooking helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

Can I substitute the black beans with another type of bean?

Absolutely! You can substitute the black beans with other types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Feel free to experiment with different beans to find your favorite combination.

How can I make the black bean burgers gluten-free?

To make the black bean burgers gluten-free, simply use gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. Additionally, ensure that the hot sauce and mayonnaise used are also gluten-free.

Can I grill the black bean burgers instead of cooking them on the stovetop?

Yes, you can definitely grill the black bean burgers. Preheat the grill over medium heat and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. Grill the burgers for 7 to 8 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred and heated through.

Can I make the chipotle mayo less spicy?

If you prefer a milder chipotle mayo, you can adjust the spiciness by using less chipotle in adobo sauce. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and gradually add more according to your preference. You can also balance the spiciness with a bit more mayonnaise if needed.