Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Green Goddess Black Bean Burger is a fresh and tasty twist on the classic veggie burger. It’s packed with hearty black beans, bright herbs, and a touch of green goodness…
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Green Goddess Black Bean Burger is a fresh and tasty twist on the classic veggie burger. It’s packed with hearty black beans, bright herbs, and a touch of green goodness that gives it a unique, creamy flavor without needing any cheese. The texture is just right—crispy on the outside and soft inside, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor.
I love making these burgers when I want something healthy but still comforting. The green goddess sauce, made with fresh herbs, lemon, and a bit of yogurt or mayo, really lifts the whole burger and makes it feel special. It’s one of those recipes where you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself but don’t miss anything in taste.
My favorite way to serve these is on a toasted bun with plenty of crunchy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and maybe some avocado for extra creaminess. Sometimes I like to add a little spicy mayo or pickled onions to mix things up. These burgers are great for a family dinner or a casual weekend cookout because they bring a fresh vibe to the table and are always a hit with friends of all ages.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans save time and are great ready-made. Rinsing them removes excess salt and improves flavor. You can use cooked dried beans if you prefer fresh-cooked.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: These grains help bind the patty and add texture. If you don’t have quinoa or rice, cooked oats or mashed sweet potato work well as alternatives.
Flax Egg: This is a simple vegan binder made by mixing ground flaxseed with water. It replaces eggs nicely and adds a mild nuttiness. Chia seeds can be used the same way.
Breadcrumbs: They help hold the patties together and give structure. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. You can also pulse oats in a blender to create your own crumbs.
Green Goddess Sauce: Avocado and Greek yogurt make this sauce creamy and fresh. For a vegan version, swap yogurt for a plant-based alternative and ensure no dairy in cheese.
How Do You Make Patties That Hold Together and Cook Well?
Getting the patty mixture just right is key. It should be moist but not soggy, so the burgers keep their shape while cooking.
- Mash black beans mostly smooth but leave some chunks for texture.
- Add grains and breadcrumbs gradually—if mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- If too dry or crumbly, add a splash of water or extra flax egg mix.
- Shape patties gently but firmly to about 3/4 inch thick so they cook evenly.
- Cook in a hot skillet with oil on medium heat to get a nice crust without burning. Flip carefully after 4-5 minutes.
This balance helps your patties stay together, cook through, and get nicely browned for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mashing beans and mixing all patty ingredients evenly.
- Fork or potato masher – makes it easy to mash the beans to the right texture.
- Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan – helps the patties brown nicely without sticking.
- Spatula – for flipping patties gently without breaking them.
- Blender or food processor – blends the green goddess sauce smooth and creamy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredient amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add finely chopped jalapeño or chipotle for a spicy kick that pairs well with the smoky paprika.
- Use cooked lentils instead of beans for a different protein texture and earthier flavor.
- Add shredded carrot or zucchini for extra moisture and a subtle sweetness inside the patties.
- Swap parsley and chives in the sauce for basil and mint to give the green goddess a fresh twist.
Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Black Bean Patty:
- 2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin as needed
Additional Burger Ingredients:
- 4 whole grain or brioche burger buns
- Slices of tomato
- Slices of cucumber or green bell pepper (for the green topping)
- Fresh baby arugula or microgreens
- Vegan or regular mozzarella cheese slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. Overall, it should take you roughly 25 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your delicious homemade burger.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flax Egg:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes gel-like. This will help bind the burger patties together.
2. Make the Black Bean Patty Mixture:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still a little chunky. Add the cooked quinoa or brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley or cilantro, breadcrumbs, your prepared flax egg, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.
3. Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make sure they hold together firmly but gently.
4. Cook Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. When done, remove them from the heat.
5. Prepare Green Goddess Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek or vegan yogurt, fresh parsley, chives, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread a generous amount of the green goddess sauce on the bottom bun. Place a slice or two of tomato on top, then the black bean patty. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese if you like. Top with slices of cucumber or green bell pepper. Add more green goddess sauce if you want. Finally, add baby arugula or microgreens, and finish with the top bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Green Goddess Black Bean Burger right away, alongside your favorite sides like sweet potato fries or a crisp fresh salad. Enjoy your healthy, tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen black beans completely and drain any excess moisture before using. This helps prevent your patties from becoming too soggy.
How Can I Make This Burger Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free oats. This keeps the patties binding well without gluten.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer and thaw in the fridge before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Green Goddess Sauce?
Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before using, and if it thickens too much, thin it out with a small splash of water or lemon juice.
