Why Make This Recipe
Making veggie burgers at home is a rewarding experience. They are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and customizable to your taste. These Best Veggie Burgers are not just healthy; they are delicious and full of flavor. You can enjoy them in many ways, whether on a bun, lettuce wrap, or on a bed of greens.
How to Make Best Veggie Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (cooled)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped very small)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped very small)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas (strained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Directions
- Start by cooking the brown rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, measure out 2 cups and spread it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into an even layer to cool quickly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the walnuts and sunflower seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake them for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tamari, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 2 more minutes before turning off the heat. Let it cool slightly.
- In a food processor, combine cooled brown rice, chickpeas, toasted nuts, the sautéed vegetable mixture, rolled oats, parsley, and the egg. Pulse the mixture in the food processor for about 2 seconds at a time until it reaches a clumpy texture. Be careful not to puree it completely. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Use a 3.25-ounce scooper or scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture to form 12 patties. Place the formed patties on a plate.
Baking Options – Pan Fried Vs. Oven Baked
You can either pan-fry these patties or bake them. If pan-frying, heat a little avocado oil in a skillet and cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. For oven-baking, place the patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How to Serve Best Veggie Burgers
You can serve these veggie burgers on buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado. Or, you can serve them as-is with a side of salad or veggies. They are great for picnics, barbecues, or a weeknight meal.
How to Store Best Veggie Burgers
Store any leftover veggie burgers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each patty in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Best Veggie Burgers
- Make sure to let your brown rice cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Adjust the spices and seasonings to your liking. You can add more heat with chili powder or extra flavor with more herbs.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add more rolled oats to help bind it together.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or legumes in the patties, such as black beans or corn. You can also try adding cheese for a creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I make these veggie burgers ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
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Are these burgers gluten-free?
- Yes, they can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats and tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Can I grill these veggie burgers?
- Yes, you can grill them. Just make sure the grill is preheated and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
