How to Create Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Craving a delicious, smoky, plant-based burger that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make? Smoky chipotle black bean burgers are the perfect meatless option for Burger Night, and the best part is, you can make them from scratch in your own kitchen! These burgers are packed with smoky chipotle seasoning, hearty black beans, and a hint of spice for a mouthwatering bite every time. Plus, they’re customizable—you can add your favorite toppings, sauces, or sides to create your dream burger.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make smoky chipotle black bean burgers in a few simple steps so you can enjoy this tasty dish without any hassle.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make the burgers:
For the patties:
– 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs (regular or panko works well)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (you can add 2 if you like it extra spicy)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for a vegan option)
To Serve:
– Burger buns
– Lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, or any toppings you like
– Your favorite sauces (chipotle mayo, ketchup, or barbecue sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a simple and straightforward guide to making smoky chipotle black bean burgers:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all of your ingredients so you don’t miss anything. Drain and rinse the black beans and set them aside. Chop your onion and cilantro if you’re using it. For the chipotle peppers, remove them from the adobo sauce and chop them finely. These peppers pack a lot of heat, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 2: Mash the Black Beans
Take a large mixing bowl and add the black beans. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them. You don’t need to mash them into a paste—you’re aiming for a texture where most beans are mashed, but a few are still whole. This will give your burgers a good bite and texture.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Once the beans are mashed, add the onion, cilantro, chipotle pepper, bread crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Crack the egg (or add your flaxseed water mixture if going vegan) into the bowl. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything until evenly combined. You want the mixture to be firm enough to shape into patties, so if it feels too wet, add a little more bread crumbs.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties about 1 inch thick. Be gentle—since these are plant-based burgers, they won’t hold together as tightly as meat patties. Place the patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for about 15–20 minutes. Chilling makes them easier to handle when cooking and firms up the mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the patties into the pan. Cook each side for about 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid moving them around too much while cooking—they’re delicate, so flipping gently is key!
If you prefer grilling, make sure to use a grill-safe pan or grill mat to prevent the patties from falling apart on the grates.
Step 6: Assemble Your Burgers
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time for the fun part—building your burgers! Toast the burger buns for extra flavor, then layer on your toppings. Start with lettuce or greens at the base to keep the bun from getting soggy. Add the patty, then pile on sliced tomatoes, avocado, or even caramelized onions.
Finish with your favorite sauce—chipotle mayo is a great choice if you want to stick with the smoky theme—or go with barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
Tips for Extra Flavor and Fun
- Customize the Heat: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can be spicy! If you prefer a milder burger, you can use smoked paprika alone for smokiness and skip the chipotle peppers.
- Meal Prep: These patties freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Once formed, freeze them on a baking sheet and transfer to an airtight container. Cook directly from frozen (just add 1-2 minutes per side).
- Pair with Delicious Sides: Serve your chipotle black bean burgers with sweet potato fries, a crisp side salad, or some grilled vegetables.
Why You’ll Love These Burgers
Smoky chipotle black bean burgers are a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans—or anyone looking to cut back on meat. They’re packed with protein from the black beans and are easy to tweak based on your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard cookout or whipping up a quick dinner, these burgers will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Once you make these smoky chipotle black bean burgers, they’ll likely become a go-to recipe whenever you crave a tasty plant-based meal.
