Recipes — Mains

Black Bean
Burgers

Protein-packed patties built for the BBQ.
Every bit as satisfying as the real thing.

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Makes4 burgers
  • 1 can (400g) black beans, drained
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp flax seeds
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil (rice bran works well)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp smoke oilOptional
To assemble
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 4 slices vegan cheese
  • 4 large lettuce leaves
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 4 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F and line a baking tray.

  2. 2

    Drain black beans and blend or mash until they resemble a chunky paste.

  3. 3

    Combine bean mash with flour, breadcrumbs, flax seeds, soy sauce, oil and all spices. Mix until everything holds together.

  4. 4

    Divide into 4 balls, press flat on the tray and bake 15 minutes. Flip, top each with a slice of vegan cheese and bake another 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Prepare buns with mayonnaise, tomato, onion and lettuce. Add patties and serve. Also works brilliantly on a BBQ.

Per complete burger including bun and toppings.

580kcalEnergy
16g Protein
70g Carbohydrates
27g Total Fat
 Vegan
 Dairy Free
* GF Option
 Nut Free

*GF: swap flour and buns for GF alternatives. Patty alone: 175 kcal, 7.5g protein, 23g carbs, 6g fat.

🖤
Black Beans

Around 15g of protein per cup — one of the highest plant-based sources. Also packed with magnesium, which supports energy production, muscle contraction, nerve signalling and post-workout recovery.

🌱
Flax Seeds

The binding agent replacing the need for eggs. One of the richest plant sources of omega-3 ALA — reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health.

🧄
Garlic Powder

Allicin — garlic's active compound — has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular-protective properties. In powder form it flavours every bite of the patty evenly.

🥬
Lettuce & Tomato

The fresh toppings bring vitamin C that enhances iron absorption from the black beans — a classic and effective nutritional pairing.

Amanda's note

Black bean burgers have become one of the most requested dishes from people who are usually skeptical. The flax seed is the key — it acts like a binding egg, holding the patty together through baking and handling. Don't skip it.

The magnesium in black beans reduces cramping, supports sleep quality, eases mental and physical stress and increases serotonin production. All from a burger.