Six Veggie Burger ideas that aren’t Beyond burgers
Originally published on Medium.
Grilling season is upon us, and burgers will soon be on the menu for a countless number of summer get-togethers. Who doesn’t love a good burger?
Well, vegans and vegetarians, to name only a couple. And even though ‘Impossible’ and ‘Beyond’ fake meat options abound, one could be forgiven for wanting something a little different, not to mention healthier.
Turns out, we’re not alone in wanting a ‘burger’ that isn’t meat, but also isn’t trying to be meat. When it comes to creating an amazing, flavorful sandwich, there’s a wealth of exciting options. Below are some ideas to consider when you need another ‘veggie burger’ idea.
Falafel Burgers:
Though you can argue that falafel gyros are a sandwich all in their own, there’s no reason not to take one of the most delicious, protein-packed delicacies and Americanize it slightly. Make your falafel just the way you usually do, only mold it in patty form. Whatever else you do is up to you as chef. Whip a lovely tzaziki sauce, your favorite hummus, add some cucumbers, or some lettuce and tomato. Toast some hamburger buns and you’ve got yourself a delightful Mediterranean-style veggie burger.
Love and Lemons has a delightful recipe to help you get started. Swap the whole-milk yoghurt for your favorite plant-based version to make it fully vegan.
Chickpea Burgers:
Chickpeas don’t have to be used only for falafel. On their own, chickpeas are also terrific beans for burger making! Canned chickpeas especially come with aquafaba, that natural binding agent to help create patties that won’t crumble the second you fry them.
This recipe from ‘eat with CLARITY’ offers something not unlike falafels, but that also stand out on their own and come together quite quickly!
Quinoa Burgers:
Quinoa is one of the most versatile of grains. One of the best forms of plant protein out there (it is considered a complete protein that includes all the necessary amino acids), quinoa is wonderfully malleable and can be molded to create ‘meatballs’ or burgers.
There are a whole host of flavors you can try here, all of them fun. Below are only a few gems you can find:
This burger is actually a bean and quinoa burger, and it’s well worth trying. ‘Holy cow vegan’ builds interesting flavor with garam masala, cumin, coriander, tamari, sage, and Dijon mustard. It’s funky and fun!
For a recipe that’s fully quinoa, check out these crispy quinoa patties from Sally’s Baking Recipes. To make this vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan Parmesan instead. Equally delicious!
White Bean Burgers:
When one thinks of bean burgers, black beans typically come to mind. And no wonder. They can create some delicious burgers. But white beans also have something to offer. Below are some ideas for your next bean bonanza:
This ATK recipe takes white beans, sundried tomatoes in olive oil, and basil garlic mayonnaise to create a concoction that’s as delightful as it is creative. Though the ‘burger’ will feel a little softer than you’re used to, you can always add more crunch by adding more panko breadcrumbs and toasting your hamburger buns. Replace the egg with 1 tbsp flax seed and 2 tbsp water.
This NYT recipe is more spring-like in flavor with lemon, parsley, and fresh garlic. Once again, you’ll need to replace your egg to make this fully vegan.
Mushroom Burgers:
Using mushrooms to mimic meat is nothing new. Portobello mushroom burgers were some of the first vegetarian burgers to become popular. Particularly for those that enjoy the flavor and texture of meat, Portobello mushrooms are a great substitute. But over the years, more creative means of using mushrooms have been explored and now, no mushroom is excluded from the mushroom burger conversation. Below are some fun examples to think about for your next mushroom extravaganza:
This recipe from the Avocado Skillet calls for oyster mushrooms and black beans. Equal parts spicy and flavorful, this is one mushroom burger to come back to.
Love and Lemons does it again with this recipe that calls for walnuts, cremini and shiitake mushrooms, and miso paste. It’s a ‘must’ recipe for the veggie burger lover!
For a recipe where the burger-making part isn’t so tricky, try out these Portobello mushroom burgers from Feasting at Home. The extras aren’t necessary, but delicious: cucumber ribbon salad, carrot slaw, and Asian guacamole.
Lentil Burgers:
Just when you thought lentils couldn’t get any better, you can also mold them to look like burger patties. Not only are they packed with protein, there’s a wide range of lentils to work with to create whatever kind is calling your name.
This recipe from ‘Making Thyme for Health’ are first in the Google results for lentil burgers, and there’s no questioning why: they’re delicious and an instant classic!
For a burger that incorporates red lentils, try this recipe by Nisha from ‘Cooking for Peanuts’.
The food network also created their very own lentil burger recipe, and it works! Brown lentils come together with walnuts, garlic, spinach, and red onion. The result is divine!