Gluten Free Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

A friend of mine ordered a Black Bean Quinoa Burger at a restaurant we were at the other day and kindly let me try a bite. I found the idea of it intriguing and after I tasted it, I knew I had to make this at home.  It was actually really delicious. It doesn't truly taste like a hamburger...because it isn't...but it still tastes really good. In fact, Mike actually really loved it and said I could make it for dinner any day!

I looked up a few different recipes and ended up using them as a basis to make my own version. It has since become a staple recipe. It's so easy to make and I usually have all the ingredients on hand already which makes this a great last minute meal.

I have also made double batches and frozen them with great success. There's nothing like having meals already frozen when you don't feel like cooking.

I find myself having a hard time accurately describing the flavor, so you'll just have to make the recipe and try it for yourself!

(This recipe is gluten free but I've added notes where you can use regular gluten-ized ingredients. Some of my friends and family are gluten-free, by necessity or by choice, so I like to make recipes gluten-free if possible.)

Let me know what you think of this recipe and how it goes over with your family:


Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

1 15 oz can black beans
1/4 cup onion, diced small
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 of a can of Trader Joe's chopped green chilies or other canned green chilies
1 tsp cumin
some generous grinds of Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning OR a dash of coriander, and a dash of dry mustard

salt and pepper
2 tbsp dried parsley
2 tbsp sriracha or other favourite hot sauce
1/4 cup cooked quinoa
2 eggs
1/2 cup gluten free breadcrumbs OR gluten free rice krispies, crushed OR regular breadcrumbs

Udi's gluten free hamburger buns OR regular hamburger buns

your favourite toppings, i.e. avocado, red onion, onion rings, ketchup, mustard, mayo, cheese, pickles, tomato, etc...

(this time I remembered to take step by step photos!)

In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a potato masher.

Add the onion, garlic, chilies, parsley and spices and sriracha.

Mix well.

Add quinoa and mix again.

Push mixture to one side of the bowl and add breadcrumbs and 2 eggs, as shown:

With a fork, lightly beat the eggs and mix them into the breadcrumbs. Then mix everything together really well.

In a large sauté pan, heat about 3 tbsp of regular olive oil over medium heat. Measure out about a 1/2 cup of black bean mixture into your hand and lightly shape it into a patty shape. Carefully place it into the sauté pan. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. It should make about 4 patties.

Cook about 5 minutes on each side or until there is a nice crust on each side and burgers are cooked through.

Place them each on a hamburger bun of your choice and go crazy with the toppings. So far, our favourite toppings are avocado and onion rings. I like to serve these with sweet potato fries and a salad or peas.

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!