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Best Veggie Burger Recipe

June 5, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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The ultimate Veggie Burger recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, brown rice, and a blend of savory seasonings. Perfect for grilling or baking, these patties offer a deliciously satisfying meat-free alternative that's sure to become a favorite at your table.

Best Veggie Burger Recipe

Looking to level up your burger game? Introducing The Best Veggie Burger recipe! Loaded with chickpeas, basmati rice, breadcrumbs, and a mix of herbs + seasonings, these burgers are both delicious and hearty. They strike the perfect balance of texture and taste, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it's a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. Gluten-free Option.

Veggie burger on two plates with a drink and pickles in the background.

Introducing the Best Veggie Burger recipe! Once you try it, you'll be hooked. After making my beloved Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches, I realized I needed a classic meatless veggie burger on the site. And these burgers certainly deliver ---- They have an incredible 'meaty' texture from chickpeas + rice and a delicious smoky flavor.

These burgers hold up great in a bun and taste amazing with any toppings you throw on. Plus, they're made with simple, healthy ingredients, unlike many store-bought options. They're ready for the grill, and if you'd rather soak up the sun than cook, you can prep them in advance. They're the ideal choice for a summer dinner or lunch, super easy to make, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Best part? They're completely dairy-free, with a gluten-free option for those with sensitivities.

If you're interested in exploring meatless versions of classic favorites, give these recipes a shot next: Meatless Birria Tacos with JackfruitPlant-based General Tso ChickenPlant-based Sesame ‘Chicken' + NoodlesVegan Bolognese Pasta, and Spicy Vegan Chili.

Jump to:

What Is A Veggie Burger?

A veggie burger is a plant-based alternative to a traditional meat-based burger. Instead of using meat, veggie burgers are typically made from a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, legumes (like chickpeas), grains (such as rice), nuts, seeds, and spices. These ingredients are mixed together and formed into patties, which can then be cooked and served like traditional burgers.

Ingredients on a greyish brown table.

What Makes This The BEST Veggie Burger?

  • Loaded with umami smoky flavor!
  • Great texture and bite while holding together SO well.
  • Made from simple, wholesome ingredients like chickpeas + rice.
  • Easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
  • Versatile—great for burgers + sandwiches!
  • A crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians + meat-eaters.
Burger patty ingredients being blended together in a bowl with hands.

How To Make The Best Veggie Burger

To make the meatless veggie patties combine all ingredients in a food processor until well mixed. Shape the mixture into medium-sized patties and cook them in a skillet until golden brown and slightly charred on each side. Finish by baking the patties in the oven until golden and crisp around the edges.

Ingredients

VEGGIE PATTY:

  • Can organic chickpeas. Drained + rinsed well.
  • Cooked brown basmati rice. See my recipe on how to cook basmati rice for tips!
  • Onion. chopped (You can use red, white or yellow)
  • Carrot. Peeled + grated.
  • Garlic cloves. Minced.
  • Large eggs. This helps to bind all the ingredients together,
  • Herbs + seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika + garlic powder.
  • Breadcrumbs. Store-bought or homemade. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe GF.
  • Extra virgin olive oil. For cooking. You can also use avocado or grapeseed oil.

BURGER:

  • Buns. Brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!
  • Sliced onions.
  • In-n-out-sauce. Scroll to see how to make a dairy-free homemade version or you can use a store-bought version. You can sub with other sauce options --- see more options below.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS MEATLESS BURGER!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with the Best Veggie Burger. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

All ingredients for the veggie patty in a bowl being stirred together with hands.

How To Make Dairy-free In-N-Out-Sauce

This dairy-free burger sauce recipe is a breeze! Just whisk everything together and after that, all that's left to do is let it hang out in the fridge for a bit to get those flavors mingling.

Ingredients

Here's what you will need for this Dairy-free In-N-Out Sauce recipe -

  • Vegan mayonnaise. Provides creaminess. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise. But feel free to use your favorite or regular mayo if preferred.
  • Organic ketchup. Adds tangy notes.
  • Bread & butter pickles. Impart sweet crunch.
  • Dijon mustard. Infuses a zesty kick.
  • White vinegar. Introduces a tangy twist.
  • Organic cane sugar. Provides a subtle sweetness.
  • Black pepper. Brings a hint of heat.
  • Sea salt. Enhances overall flavor.
Veggie burger patties being seared in a skillet over the stovetop.

More Delicious Veggie Burger Sauce Options

If you find yourself making these meatless burgers more than once, switching up the sauce for a different flavor is a great idea. Consider trying any of these sauces to complement the burgers perfectly:

Other Vegetarian Sandwich Ingredient Ideas

If you’re looking for more sandwich ingredient inspiration or want to just make the Best Veggie Burger even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:

Veggie burger on two plates with a drink in the background and pickles.

What To Serve With Veggie Burgers

Although this veggie burger recipe is AMAZING all on its own--These additions really elevate this meal to the next level.

And y'all we CANNOT forget about a refreshing beverage to go alongside. This Southern Peach Iced Tea or  Mango Lemonade Kombucha Mocktail goes alongside perfectly!

Up close shot of veggie burger on two plates with a drink in background.

Common Q + A's For The Best Veggie Burger

How to store

Leftover cooked veggie burger patties can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And if you're all about making your own burgers for months in advance, then you can freeze them for 3-4 months. Defrost by adding them to the refrigerator overnight and then reheating them in the oven until fully warmed/heated through.

How to make ahead of time?

You can make your patties and plastic wrap them individually before placing them in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. 

Can I grill the meatless burgers?

Absolutely! These patties hold up well on the grill. Just make sure to oil the grill grates lightly and cook the burgers over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.

More Droolworthy Plant-Based Recipes

If you’re a true lover of the Best Veggie Burger like I am (and my readers), then these other meatless meals will surely be a new staple in your house:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried the Best Veggie Burger recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of veggie burger on two plates with a drink in background.

Best Veggie Burger Recipe

June 5, 2024
5 from 1 vote
Looking to level up your burger game? Introducing The Best Veggie Burger recipe! Loaded with chickpeas, basmati rice, breadcrumbs, and a mix of herbs + seasonings, these burgers are both delicious and hearty. They strike the perfect balance of texture and taste, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it's a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. Gluten-free Option.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4 Burgers

Ingredients

VEGGIE PATTY:

  • 1 (15 oz) can organic chickpeas, drained + rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • ½ onion, chopped (You can use red, white or yellow)
  • 1 carrot, peeled + grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, store-bought or homemade
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil, for cooking

BURGER:

  • 4 buns (brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!)
  • Sliced onions
  • 1 In-n-out-sauce (You can sub with other sauce options; See Instructions).

Instructions

TO MAKE THE VEGGIE PATTIES:

  • In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, cooked brown rice, onions, grated carrots, garlic cloves, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, pulsing or processing it until combined and mixture can easily be molded into patties.
  • Form the veggie mixture into medium-sized patties with your hands, gently pressing down until semi-flat and perfectly round (about ½-inches thick), ensuring that everything sticks together well. Repeat until all patties are formed, about 4 in total.

SEAR THE BURGERS:

  • Heat a medium-sized (oven safe) non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add formed patties, about 1 inch apart and cook on each side until golden brown and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes (each side).

BAKE THE BURGER PATTIES:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove from heat and transfer skillet with burger patties into preheated oven and bake until patties are golden and crisp around the edges, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE:

ASSEMBLE BURGERS:

  • To assemble, prepare your burger buns, top with veggie patties, sliced onions, and In-n-out sauce. Serve with your favorite side----fries, sweet potato fries, salad, or whatever. 
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Leftover cooked veggie burger patties can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And if you're all about making your own burgers for months in advance, then you can freeze them for 3-4 months. Defrost by adding them to the refrigerator overnight and then reheating them in the oven until fully warmed/heated through.
  • MAKE AHEAD: You can make your patties and plastic wrap them individually before placing them in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. 
  • TOPPINGS: You can always add your favorite toppings as you please. See post for more options!

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 923mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2938IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 12mg

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Xx, Shanika in script writing

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