If you are searching for a nourishing and utterly delicious plant-based meal, this Vegan Veggie Burgers Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Combining wholesome chickpeas, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of spices, these burgers offer a satisfying texture and mouthwatering flavor that even burger enthusiasts will applaud. Whether you bake, grill, or air fry them, the result is a juicy, crispy burger that is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutritious ingredients you’ll love. This recipe is not only straightforward but endlessly versatile, making it a must-have in your vegan cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a key role in bringing texture, color, and taste together in this recipe. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, you can easily whip up flavorful vegan burgers that feel indulgent but are actually nourishing.
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or navy beans: The creamy base that binds and adds protein to your burgers.
- 1 cup chopped vegetables: Using carrot, cauliflower, or broccoli adds a pop of color and a crunchy texture.
- 1/2 medium red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- 1–2 green onion, green and white portions (optional): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the mix.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the burgers with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and helps bind the mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs: Herbs bring vibrant herbal freshness to balance the savory elements.
- 3 fresh basil leaves: Freshness and a sweet peppery accent that livens up the flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed: Natural binder and nutrition booster, adding healthy omega-3 fats.
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce or coconut aminos: Adds umami richness with soy-free options available.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spicy kick.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that gives these burgers depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone.
- 1/4 cup gluten-free flour: Essential for holding everything together, choose oat flour or any favored gluten-free blend.
How to Make Vegan Veggie Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, chopped vegetables, onions, garlic, sunflower seeds, herbs, basil, flaxseed, tamari, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Pulse until mostly smooth but still showing little bits of veggies and seeds to keep that delightful texture.
Step 2: Add the Flour and Chill
Next, add the gluten-free flour to the blended mixture and pulse just until incorporated. If the mix feels sticky or too wet, sprinkle extra flour by the tablespoon until it feels firm enough to shape. Gather your mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Remove the mixture from the fridge and form it into 4 to 5 patties, roughly half an inch thick, about the size of your palm. Place them gently on the baking sheet, knowing they won’t spread much, so they can sit fairly close together.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
You have options here: bake, skillet cook, air fry, or grill your patties! To bake, cook for 15 minutes, flip carefully, then bake another 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. For skillet or grill, lightly oil and heat to medium-high, then cook each side 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Air frying is a breeze—preheat to 375°F, lightly oil or line the basket, air fry for 12 to 15 minutes flipping halfway, and enjoy evenly crisp patties every time.
How to Serve Vegan Veggie Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh, vibrant, and colorful toppings to complement the richness of your patties. Crispy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, red onion rings, creamy avocado, or a tangy vegan mayo all pair exceptionally well. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a final fragrant touch.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with perfectly roasted sweet potato fries, a crunchy kale salad, or some grilled vegetables. These sides add balance and help transform your burger into a full, satisfying meal that’ll keep you energized and happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Vegan Veggie Burgers with toasted gluten-free buns, tucked into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or even as a deconstructed bowl with quinoa, greens, and a dollop of vegan tzatziki. The versatility of this recipe lets you explore endless creative presentations to keep things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your patties cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Having ready-made vegan burgers on hand is such a time-saver and perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked or uncooked patties easily by placing wax or parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Seal them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep super convenient.
Reheating
To reheat, you don’t need to thaw frozen patties first. Oven bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway, and finish with a quick broil for crispness. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 14 to 17 minutes. Use a skillet for a quicker option, heating gently until warm and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! Navy beans or even black beans work well, but chickpeas offer a nice mild flavor and creamy texture that’s hard to beat for this recipe.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem! You can mash everything by hand with a fork or potato masher. It might take a little extra time, but you’ll still get delicious results with a slightly chunkier texture.
Is there a way to make these burgers spicier?
Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even some finely chopped jalapeño for that extra kick to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free flour blends or oat flour as suggested. The recipe is designed to be naturally gluten-free so you won’t lose any of the deliciousness.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to chill the mixture before shaping, and if the mix feels too wet, add extra flour or flaxseed to help bind. Adding a bit of tomato paste or olive oil can also improve the texture significantly.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Vegan Veggie Burgers Recipe at home is such a joyful, satisfying experience. These burgers are packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome good-for-you ingredients that make every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a brilliant go-to that proves vegan eating can be vibrant, fulfilling, and downright delicious. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming one of your all-time favorites!
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Vegan Veggie Burgers Recipe
These vegan veggie burgers are a delicious, nutritious, and gluten-free option made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, seeds, and herbs. Perfect for baking, grilling, air frying, or skillet cooking, they offer versatility and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 burger patties
Ingredients
Wet and Veggies
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or navy beans, drained and rinsed if canned
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrot, cauliflower, or broccoli)
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced or chopped
- 1–2 green onions, green and white portions (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, about 1 teaspoon minced
Seeds and Herbs
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
- 3 fresh basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce or coconut aminos (for soy-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Binding Agent
- 1/4 cup gluten-free flour (GF oat flour or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine chickpeas, chopped vegetables, red and green onions, garlic, sunflower seeds, herbs, basil, ground flaxseed, tamari, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Pulse until mostly smooth with some small pieces remaining for texture.
- Add Flour: Add gluten-free flour to the mixture and pulse again until just combined. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time to achieve a firm consistency suitable for shaping.
- Chill Mixture: Form the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This firms up the mixture and makes forming patties easier.
- Shape Patties: Remove the mixture from the fridge and shape into 4–5 burger patties, about 1/2 inch thick and palm-sized. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. They won’t spread, so place them close together.
- Bake Option: Bake patties in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip carefully using a spatula. Bake an additional 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Skillet or Grill Option: Lightly oil a skillet or grill grates and preheat to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 8–10 minutes on one side, flip carefully, and cook another 5–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Air Fry Option: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray basket with oil or use parchment liners. Place patties in a single layer without overcrowding and air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust timing if patties are thicker or denser veggies are used.
- Serve or Store: Serve patties warm or let cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Notes
- Meal Prep: Prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate before shaping and cooking.
- Storage Tips: Freeze cooked or uncooked patties separated by wax or parchment paper. Store airtight up to 3 months.
- Cooking from Frozen: Oven – bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, broil last 2–3 minutes for crispiness. Air Fryer – preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook 14–17 minutes, flipping halfway, checking at 12 minutes.
- Binding and Texture: For crumbly patties add 1–2 teaspoons tomato paste or olive oil. If too wet, add extra oat flour, rolled oats, or ground flax/chia seeds to absorb moisture and bind.
- No Food Processor: Ingredients can be mashed by hand in a bowl though it will take more time but still yield delicious results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
