Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Seaside-Inspired Home Dinners

Discover a flavorful main dish featuring zesty black bean patties blended with aromatic spices, fresh lime juice, and herbs. These patties are cooked to a golden brown and paired with creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, and tomato for a balanced, satisfying meal. With a quick prep and cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights. Customizable with gluten-free buns or vegan alternatives, it offers versatility and wholesome ingredients for a nourishing bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:34:00 GMT
Steaming, juicy Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with fresh avocado and vibrant red onion, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Steaming, juicy Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with fresh avocado and vibrant red onion, ready to eat. | coralkettle.com

A vibrant, satisfying vegetarian burger bursting with zesty flavors, creamy avocado, and crisp fresh toppings—perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner.

This recipe has become a favorite in my household for quick weeknight dinners with plenty of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • Black Bean Patties: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed, 1/2 red onion finely diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed), 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • For Serving: 4 whole-wheat burger buns (or gluten-free alternatives), 1 ripe avocado sliced, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 large tomato sliced, 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced, 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo (see Notes), Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Step 2:
Add the red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3:
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
Step 4:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
Step 5:
Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Step 6:
Toast the burger buns lightly, if desired.
Step 7:
Assemble the burgers: Spread a dollop of zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on each bun base. Top with lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato, red onion, and avocado slices. Add the bun top.
Step 8:
Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side salad, if desired.
Product image
Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Delicious Zesty Black Bean Burgers feature a perfectly grilled patty, piled high with fresh avocado slices. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Zesty Black Bean Burgers feature a perfectly grilled patty, piled high with fresh avocado slices. | coralkettle.com

My family always gathers eagerly for these burgers; it brings us closer around meals filled with good food and fun conversations.

Required Tools

Large bowl, Fork or potato masher, Nonstick skillet or grill pan, Spatula, Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains: Gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs and buns), Egg, Dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese). Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for gluten-free option. For vegan, use flax egg and plant-based sauces. Always check labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 16 g per serving.

A close-up of a plated Zesty Black Bean Burger, showcasing textures of a fresh, wholesome meal. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a plated Zesty Black Bean Burger, showcasing textures of a fresh, wholesome meal. | coralkettle.com
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Prep meals effortlessly by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dinner with the right knife always ready.
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This recipe is quick to prepare and guarantees a flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight.

Recipe Q&A

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well combined and chilled slightly before shaping. Using rolled oats and breadcrumbs helps bind the patties effectively.

Can I make these patties vegan?

Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based yogurt or mayo for the sauce to keep it vegan-friendly.

What spices add the zesty flavor?

The combination of ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lime juice creates the zesty and smoky taste.

Are gluten-free options possible?

Absolutely, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How should I cook the patties for best results?

Cook on medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through to ensure a crispy exterior and tender inside.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Vibrant black bean patties with creamy avocado and fresh toppings for a quick wholesome dinner.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Madison Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Friendly

Ingredient List

Black Bean Patties

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 red onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup rolled oats
05 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
06 1 large egg
07 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For Serving

01 4 whole-wheat burger buns or gluten-free alternatives
02 1 ripe avocado, sliced
03 1 cup shredded lettuce
04 1 large tomato, sliced
05 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo
07 Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Mash Black Beans: In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, keeping some texture.

Step 02

Combine Patty Ingredients: Add red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro to mashed beans; mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 03

Form Patties: Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.

Step 04

Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.

Step 05

Cook Patties: Cook patties 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.

Step 06

Toast Buns: Lightly toast burger buns if desired.

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on bun bases. Layer with shredded lettuce, black bean patty, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado slices; top with bun crowns.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and optional side salad.

Equipment List

  • Large bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Nonstick skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Advisory

Examine all ingredients for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns.
  • Contains egg.
  • Contains dairy if yogurt sauce or cheese is used.

Nutritional Info (Each Serving)

The nutrition details are for reference only and shouldn't replace advice from a doctor.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g