When it comes to vegan burgers, the possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious. Gone are the days of plain, uninspired patties—today’s plant-based burgers are packed with flavor, texture, and creativity. And you don't have to buy the premade ones, which may not have as healthy ingredients as you'd like.Making your own can be quick, easy and tasty.
Vegan burger basics: vegetables, grains and legumes
By using vegetables, grains, and legumes, you can craft burgers that are not only satisfying but also full of nutrients. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a quick, cozy dinner at home, vegan burgers are the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal without sacrificing taste.
What makes vegan burgers so special is the variety of ingredients you can use. From the smoky richness of grilled portobello mushrooms to the sweet, hearty combination of sweet potatoes and black beans, the combinations are endless. These vegan patties are as versatile as they are delicious, offering countless ways to experiment with flavors and textures. Best of all, they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, making them a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat more vegetables or try something new.
The 10 creative vegan burger options below showcase just how fun and flavorful plant-based cooking can be. Whether you’re craving something bold like a barbecue jackfruit patty or something hearty like a lentil and walnut burger, these recipes are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite toppings, sauces, and buns for a meal that feels indulgent but is truly good for you. Ready to step up your burger game? Let’s dive into these mouthwatering options!
Vegan burger basics
Are you craving a vegan burger? Choose tofu, textured vegetable protein, tempeh or seitan. You can also use veggies. The trick is to know which veggie to use, so your vegan burger won't fall apart and tastes great.
When you experiment with burger making, remember: the harder you pack it together, the better it will stay togeher, If you notice that a combination is not holding well together, try adding an egg replacer, such as flaxseed and water, to the ingredients before making the patties.
My mother taught me how to make a burger by cupping my hands together. I can even remember practicing outside, making mudcakes. So, yes, your hands make good molds without having to buy extra equipment. Sometimes I will use parchment papaer or clear wrap so as to keep my hands clean.
How about trying some different ingredients? Here are 10 tasty options below:
10 creative vegetable options for vegan burgers
When it comes to vegan burgers, creativity is key! With countless plant-based ingredients at your disposal, you can craft burgers that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're grilling for a summer barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these 10 creative vegetable-based options offer something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the world of vegan burgers and explore the endless possibilities:
- Portobello mushroom – Grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms make an excellent burger patty base with their meaty texture.
- Beet and quinoa – Combine grated beets, cooked quinoa, and seasonings to form a hearty, nutrient-dense patty.
- Sweet potato and black bean – Mash roasted sweet potatoes and black beans together, then pan-fry to create a sweet and savory burger.
- Lentil and walnut – Cooked lentils blended with toasted walnuts, oats, and spices make for a delicious, protein-packed burger.
- Eggplant and chickpea – Roast eggplant and mash it with cooked chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and herbs for a creamy, umami-rich patty.
- Zucchini and sunflower seed – Shredded zucchini combined with sunflower seeds, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a veggie-packed burger.
- Cauliflower and oat – Riced or grated cauliflower mixed with oats, spices, and binders like flax or chia makes a unique, nutrient-dense burger.
- Jackfruit and barbecue – Shredded young green jackfruit simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce makes for a deliciously meaty vegan burger.
- Carrot and cashew – Roasted carrots blended with soaked cashews, herbs, and spices results in a creamy, flavorful burger patty.
- Mushroom and barley – Sautéed mushrooms combined with cooked pearl barley, breadcrumbs, and seasonings forms a hearty, filling burger.
Some assembly required
Packing your burger can be a personal preference – some people like to smash the ingredients before mixing; others use a food processor for smller, smoother textures. It's totally up to you, Make sure you have all the traditional condiments on the table, like ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. I also like to have barbeque sauce available. What are some of your favorite condiments on burgers?
Photo credit: Ewan Munro