Imagine biting into a burger that's not just a meal, but a culinary journey through Vietnamese street food paradise – without any meat! These Vegan Banh Mi Black Bean Burgers are about to revolutionize your plant-based cooking game, bringing together the bold, vibrant flavors of traditional Banh Mi with a protein-packed, completely cruelty-free twist that will make your taste buds dance with excitement!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Banh Mi bread for serving
- Pickled vegetables for topping
Instructions
- Place drained and rinsed black beans in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the beans, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Compact the patties firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If desired, lightly brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the black bean patties onto the heated surface. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the patties are heated through.
- While patties are cooking, prepare pickled vegetables by draining and setting aside.
- Warm the Banh Mi bread slightly in an oven or toaster to enhance its texture.
- To assemble, place a cooked black bean patty on each Banh Mi bread, top generously with pickled vegetables, and garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while the patties are warm and crisp.
Tips
- Texture is Key: When mashing the black beans, leave some chunks for a more interesting mouthfeel. This prevents your patties from becoming too mushy.
- Binding Matters: If your patties seem too loose, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a flax egg to help them hold together better during cooking.
- Heat Control: Use medium heat to ensure a crispy exterior without burning the delicate bean patties.
- Pickled Vegetable Magic: Don't skip the pickled vegetables – they're crucial for that authentic Banh Mi flavor profile and add a tangy crunch.
- Bread Selection: Choose a crusty Banh Mi bread or a good quality French-style baguette for the most authentic experience.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, making meal prep a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
