Spicy Black Bean & Corn Burgers
There’s something about a Friday night that just calls for a burger, but we’re skipping the drive-thru for something much more satisfying. These bean burgers are a staple in my kitchen when I want something high-protein, packed with global fusion flavors, and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 400 g Black Bean (if using can, rinse and drain)
- 1/2 cup Sweet Corn (if using can, rinse and drain)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup Bell Peppers (Red and Yellow) (diced)
- 1/4 cup Coriander (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Garlic (minced)
- 2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Sriracha or Garlic Chili Paste
- 1/2 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Cornflakes or Tortilla Chips (crushed)
For Assembly
- 4 Sesame or Brioche Buns
- 4-6 slices Cheese Slice of choice
- 1/2 cup Guacamole or Mashed Avocado
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and green chilies, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the red onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften.
- Build the Base: Add the black beans and corn to the pan. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and your choice of sriracha or chili paste. Toss in the fresh cilantro and mix until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Mash & Mix: Use a potato masher directly in the pan to partially mash the bean mixture. You want a chunky paste—don't turn it into a total purée!
- Bind the Patties: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Fold in the Italian breadcrumbs and the crushed cornflakes. The cornflakes provide a fantastic crunch that mimics a deep-fried texture without the extra oil.
- Form & Fry: Shape the mixture into 4-6 even patties. Wipe out your pan, add a splash of oil (or a quick spray), and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and firm.
- Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Toast & Assemble: Butter your buns and toast them until golden. Spread a generous layer of guacamole on the bottom bun, place your cheesy bean patty on top, and close it up.
Don't skip the "Crunch": If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed Ritz crackers or even crushed spicy tortilla chips work wonders as a substitute binder.
Prep Ahead: You can form the patties and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. This actually helps them stay together even better!
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