Kidney Beans Burger: A Healthy and Flavorful Plant-Based Burger

Looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers? Look no further than the Kidney Beans Burger! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this plant-based burger is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption without compromising on flavor. The creamy texture of kidney beans combined with a blend of spices and savory toppings makes for an irresistibly tasty burger patty that will leave you craving more.

Kidney beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this burger both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a backyard BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, this Kidney Beans Burger will surely be a hit. For more plant-based burger ideas, check out Veggie Burger Recipes and Black Bean Burger Recipe.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Kidney Beans Burger Recipe | Healthy, Flavorful Plant-Based Burger

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

The Kidney Beans Burger is a flavorful and hearty vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with kidney beans, vegetables, and spices, these patties are packed with protein and fiber while being deliciously savory. The kidney beans give the burger a great texture, making it a filling and satisfying meal for anyone looking for a meat-free option. Serve them in a bun with your favorite toppings for a delicious plant-based burger experience!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary)
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Burger Assembly:

• 4 burger buns (use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced red onion
• Sliced pickles (optional)
• Your favorite condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)

---

Instructions

Prepare the Bean Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the kidney beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, with some chunks for texture.
• Add the grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Stir in the breadcrumbs and egg (or flax egg). If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together but isn’t too dry.

Form the Patties:

• Divide the bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty by gently pressing it together with your hands.

Cook the Patties:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to cook the patties in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Assemble the Burgers:

• Toast the burger buns in a toaster or on a grill until lightly golden.
• Place the cooked kidney bean patty on the bottom half of each bun.
• Top with lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, pickles, and any other desired condiments or toppings.

Serve:

• Place the top half of the bun over the patty and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Kidney Beans Burger!

Notes

• Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of a regular egg.
• Custom Toppings: You can customize the toppings by adding cheese (dairy or dairy-free), avocado, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the bean mixture for a spicy kick.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze the patties before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegetarian, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger (with toppings)
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Kidney Beans Burger Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kidney Beans:
   • In a large bowl, mash the drained kidney beans with a fork or potato masher until the beans are mostly mashed but still have some texture. You want the mixture to be chunky, not completely smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • To the mashed beans, add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, grated carrot, tomato paste, soy sauce, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Season with salt to taste. The mixture should be thick enough to form patties. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Patties:
   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty using your hands. Press down gently to make the patties even in thickness.
4. Cook the Patties:
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the patties as they can be delicate.
5. Assemble the Burger:
   • While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns in the skillet or oven until lightly golden. Once the patties are ready, place them on the buns and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or even vegan cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Kidney Beans Burgers hot with a side of sweet potato fries, salad, or a simple dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

1. Add Flavor with Herbs and Spices

To elevate the flavor of the patties, experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding chili powder for a spicy kick, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a more aromatic flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add a smoky depth to the burgers.

2. Use a Food Processor

For a smoother patty texture, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients. Just pulse the mixture until it comes together, but don’t over-process it, as you want some texture from the beans and vegetables. This method will also help the patties hold together better.

3. Grill the Patties

If you prefer grilling over pan-frying, you can cook these patties on the grill. Just be sure to brush the patties with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Grill the patties over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Make Ahead

These patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store the uncooked patties in the freezer. To cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Kidney Beans Burger is perfect for leftovers and can be easily stored for later use. Here’s how to keep your burgers fresh:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked or cooked patties. To freeze uncooked patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. To freeze cooked patties, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly and placing them in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: To reheat, place the patty in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Oven: Reheat the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground oats as a binding agent. Make sure your burger buns are gluten-free as well.

2. Vegan

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any dairy or eggs. However, if you want to add a vegan “cheese” slice to your burger, go ahead! There are plenty of delicious dairy-free cheeses on the market.

3. Low-Carb/Keto

For a low-carb or keto version of this burger, you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely or use a keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative. Instead of a traditional bun, you can wrap the patty in lettuce leaves or serve it as a salad topping.

4. Adding More Protein

To boost the protein content even more, you can mix in cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas into the burger mixture. These options provide additional plant-based protein and texture.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes! If you prefer to make the burger gluten-free or just don’t want to use breadcrumbs, you can use ground oats, crushed nuts, or even cooked quinoa to help bind the mixture together.

Can I use canned kidney beans or do they need to be cooked first?

You can absolutely use canned kidney beans in this recipe! Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using them to remove excess sodium. If you’re using dried kidney beans, you will need to cook them first before mashing.

How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?

To help the patties stay together, make sure to mash the beans well and avoid over-handling the mixture. If the mixture is too wet, add extra breadcrumbs or oats to help bind it. If you’re having trouble, refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes before cooking to firm them up.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just cook the patties when you’re ready to serve them.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Kidney Beans Burger is a tasty, healthy, and satisfying alternative to traditional beef burgers. With its hearty texture and delicious flavor, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based meal without sacrificing taste. The kidney beans provide an excellent source of protein and fiber, while the combination of spices, vegetables, and savory toppings make these burgers a flavorful option for lunch or dinner.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to make it your own. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption, this Kidney Beans Burger is sure to become a new favorite!