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Blackened Black Bean Burgers (Gluten Free)

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One of my favorite things about the wonderful food events and recipe carnivals on the blogosphere is that they get my creative juices flowing, figuratively, and, ultimately, some other types of juices are often created—the really tasty ones from some surprisingly good recipes, like from these naturally gluten-free Blackened Black Bean Burgers.

Everyone loves these Blackened Black Bean Burgers! They're just so darned good! The blackened seasoning makes all the difference. Naturally gluten free, vegetarian, with a vegan option. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com] (photo)

Linda (Gluten-Free Homemaker) announced “Create a Burger” as this month’s challenge at the beginning of the month. I knew I’d try to participate, but nothing was really coming to me. Sometimes I crave a hamburger, but not often. I enjoy meat, but not usually ground beef. So as time went on, the more I thought about it, the more I thought I’d make a veggie burger or a fish “burger.” I’ve seen some great ones featured on my favorite blogs. (See listing at the end of my post.) Then, I made Blackened Catfish using Ashlie’s recipe from her post at Carrie’s 30 Days of Quick and Easy Meals event. Wow. Such a simple, but sensational recipe. I had tweaked her blackened seasoning mix to be a little less spicy for our tastes and to work with the seasonings I had on hand. Again, great recipe!

How I Ended Up Making Blackened Black Bean Burgers

Still thinking of Linda’s challenge, I looked in the pantry thinking I’d make a veggie burger using chickpeas (you guys know I love chickpeas … remember my Simple Roasted Chickpeas?). Sadly, there were no chickpeas. Chickpeas just don’t last long enough in my house. I need a chickpea delivery person stopping by with my weekly supply … but I digress.

What did greet me in the pantry were black beans, which I also enjoy very much. I placed the cans on the counter by the stove. Right beside the stove was the blackened seasoning mix still out from making the catfish dish the night before. Oh, yeah, the ideas were coming together then and the result was these blackened black bean burgers. They are wonderful. Naturally gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, and vegan, if needed. Sooo very easy to make, too.

I’ve made two versions of this recipe, one with an egg and one without. (I admit I feel a bit guilty now when I use eggs in recipes for you folks who can’t tolerate them or are vegan.) I’m happy to report that both versions are terrific. They even look like traditional hamburgers and have a somewhat similar taste and texture. I’m a little amazed and a lot delighted!

Here’s a step-by-step pictorial and then the recipe.

Photo of making Blackened Black Bean Burgers. Gluten free, vegetarian, with vegan option.

Photo of making Blackened Bean Burgers. Gluten free, vegetarian, with vegan option.

Photo of making Blackened Black Bean Burgers. Gluten free, vegetarian, with vegan option.

Photo of making Blackened Bean Burgers. Gluten free, vegetarian, with vegan option.

Everyone loves these Blackened Black Bean Burgers! Naturally gluten free, vegetarian, with a vegan option. From Gluten Free Easily. Photo.

Blackened Black Bean Burgers Recipe (Gluten Free)

Everyone loves these Blackened Bean Burgers! They're just so darned good! The blackened seasoning makes all the difference. Naturally gluten free, vegetarian, with a vegan option. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com] (photo)
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Blackened Black Bean Burgers (Gluten Free)

Hearty gluten-free vegetarian burgers (with vegan option) that will delight the veggie-loving members of the family AND the meat lovers!

Ingredients

Burger Ingredients

Blackened Seasoning Mix Ingredients (for sprinkling on burgers--use about 1 to 1 ½ tsp per burger)

Instructions

  1. Add about one tbsp of olive oil to skillet. Preheat to medium or medium high setting.
  2. Mash beans using a hand masher (or back of a spoon) on a flat plate.
  3. Mix beans, egg (if used), olive oil, onion, celery, and almond flour.
  4. Form into patties. Sprinkle seasoning mix on one side of each burger.
  5. Add burgers with seasoned side down to preheated skillet. Sprinkle seasoning on other side of burgers.
  6. Cook about 3 minutes or so on each side to desired crispness.
  7. Flip using two spatulas, if necessary, to ensure burgers stay together.
  8. Treat as you would any other burger; e.g., place on a bun; serve on lettuce leaves; top with ketchup, mustard, cheese, or special sauce (I just had one for breakfast topped with a Polynesian-type sauce that I had leftover from making pork chops last night—divine!).

Notes

Makes eight burgers about 3 ½ inches in diameter.Blackened seasoning mix adapted from Ashlie of The Delshad DuoIf omitting the egg, you may need to add more almond flour and your burgers might be slightly softer in texture. Therefore, cooking a bit longer may be needed if you want a more burger-like texture. (See readers' notes in comments for the changes they made for egg-free versions.) For either version of this recipe, remember not to mash the beans so much that you have a mushy mess; you want some whole or half beans remaining for a better burger appearance, taste, and texture. (That means the mixture should not look like it’s been through a food processor.) I’m sure these burgers could also be broiled or grilled, instead of pan cooked. Broiling/grilling about 2-3 minutes on each side should do the trick and give a very nice blackened appearance and taste. I actually slightly undercooked the burgers shown here just to provide better photos.

Courses Entree, Main Dish

 Originally published June 23, 2010; updated September 21, 2017.

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Comments

  1. Hi Shirley, I love the combination of spices that you have with your black beans. (I love black beans like you love chickpeas.) Made me laugh at the thought of a weekly delivery person bringing your chickpeas! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Hi Debbie–Although we both frequent all the best gf blogs, I think this is the first time you’ve commented on gfe–I’m honored, and welcome! 🙂 Thanks re: the burgers … they are very good. They go quickly at my house! I’ve got some more veggie burgers planned; they are so good for you when made with just the right ingredients.

      Glad you appreciated my need for a delivery person. 😉 Hey maybe, we can get a bean delivery circuit going! LOL I did have a handsome vendor in a three-piece suit bring 3 lbs of chicken livers to my door one time, but that’s a story for a different day.

      Shirley

      Reply

  2. Thanks Shirley,
    I can’t wait to try these. Pre-GF days, I loved veggie burgers, but all the good store bought ones are made with gluten ingredients.

    Reply

    • Hi Wendy–Nice to see you again! 🙂 I hope you enjoy them when you make them. FYI–If you use an egg, you might not need the olive oil in the burgers. I’m going to update the recipe to reflect that. Veggie burgers could so easily be made gluten free for all, with the use of almond flour, or less expensive tapioca flour as Diane mentioned. It aggravates me when I see products that don’t need to contain gluten. Maybe another mission for us all to jump onboard with … writing vendors and saying hey, you have this whole untapped market if you only changed this ingredient, ensured no cross contamination, etc. and, oh, BTW, look who else is serving gf folks and seeing their revenue grow leaps and bounds. These veggie burgers are so easy to make though that I still probably wouldn’t buy processed ones. I do know there are some gf ones out there and I don’t buy those. I guess I’m just not the ideal consumer. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  3. Sounds DELISH shirley! I love homemade veggie burgers! I will definitely give these a try sometime!! Isn’t that cool how you can find one recipe that helps you to create another one!! Thanks so much for the link love!! 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Carrie–Thanks so much, dear! I’m in love with these veggie burgers. I won’t tell you how many I’ve already eaten this week. 😉 Very healthy though. Yes, I love the serendipity of recipe creation using ideas in our wonderful gf blogosphere. 🙂 Being able to sprinkle the tasty blackened seasoning on at the end is my kind of easy. Again, I’m thoroughly enjoying your series! Need to get my post to you later today.

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  4. I have never tried making an alternative burger. My husband likes veggie burgers though, so I need to give it a try. The seasoning sounds like it would be good for a variety of dishes!

    Reply

    • Hey Alea–If your husband likes them already, that’s a big plus! I bet you’ll love them, too. I’m hooked! 😉 Yes, the seasoning mix would be great for fish, chicken, veggie burgers, and more. A nice combo of flavors that wake up one’s mouth, so to speak. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  5. I am the same way with chickpeas. I just had some for lunch actually. 🙂 I have a can of black beans in my cupboard that’s been staring at me. I’ve been saving them to make black bean brownies, but now I kind of want to make these instead.

    Reply

    • Iris–We could be the chickpea chicks or the garbanzo girls! 😉 What do you think? Personally, I prefer chickpea chicks. LOL My recommendation is to buy more black beans and make both the brownies and the burgers! That will be a day you’re sure to get in plenty of protein and fiber, and be very happy with your choices, too. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Kim–Thanks, dear! 🙂 Another chickpea and black bean buddy! 😉 I bet your kids would like these. An easy way to get some veggies in them. Feel free to get inventive, too. For example, if they really like sweet red pepper, then add some finely chopped sweet red pepper to the burgers. Basically, though I think if you add cheese (and perhaps the ubiquitous ketchup) to any burger, kids will eat it. LOL But, these are very good and would probably be liked by all on their own merits.

      Shirley

      Reply

  7. I love black bean patties or burgers. I like how you added the seasonings to the outside to blacken them. Great idea! Need to make these for my veg son who keeps complaining there’s nothing here to eat. Actually, I think I’ll print out the recipe and hand it to him when he gets back from work today and he can cook! I also add a little tapioca flour to the mix and I find it helps the burgers stay together better. I’ll even dust them before frying up for a crispy outside.

    Can’t wait to eat these for dinner tonight!

    Reply

    • Hey Diane–I’m wondering if your son made these and what you thought. Tapioca flour is a wonderful idea. I was trying to keep them minamilist and grain free, too (although I didn’t mention that). I’m wondering if your son is vegan or just vegetarian. I mention that because I think if you add the egg, you might not need the little bit of olive oil in the burgers. Of course, any added flour (almond or tapioca) would probably balance it all out. I think I’m going to try some cornmeal next time, too. Love crispy outsides as you do.

      Please report back when you get a moment. Thanks! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

      • Shirley- well that was wishful thinking on my part. No cooking last night, but I did get taken out to the movies. Saw Knight & Day and I really liked it. Andy is Vegetarian but he does try to eat vegan until 5pm. Maybe I’ll get to sample these over the weekend.

        Reply

        • Diane–LOL I completely understand wishful thinking when it comes to others cooking for me. 😉 Going to the movies is pretty good though! Thanks for the movie review … I was wondering about that one. Interesting approach to vegan/vegetarianism, but may be shared by many. Whatever works best, I say. I’m sure you’ll come up with a great improvised version this weekend. I know it’s hard not to tweak …

          Shirley

          Reply

    • Hi Ali–Great to see you! 🙂 Thanks so much, dear. I admit they are pretty darned good, and yes, so easy! I’ll be interested if you make a version. You do so well with flavorful and nutritious vegan concoctions.

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  9. The teens love black beans and I bet they’d go for these. Thanks for your email wisdom last week. Didn’t realize you were dispensing it while on vacation. 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Wendy–It’s so cool to hear that so many kids love black beans these days! Such an easy way to get in protein, fiber, and lots of nutrition. Hope they like these burgers if you make them. 🙂

      I very much enjoyed our email exchange. It was enlightening to say the least. I was on one of my breaks at the time. It was nice to get computer time, and know that laundry, dishes, etc. weren’t calling. I could sure get used to that! 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  10. Thanks for thinking of us Shirley 🙂 So lovely! I will indeed try these. And I’ll try Diane’s suggestion too – about adding tapioca as well. I was thinking of also adding some tahini as that might help them stick together a little. I’ll let you know of course!

    Reply

    • Hey Maggie–I think they’ll hold together fine, but yes, tapioca, almond flour, or even cornmeal (can’t remember if you eat corn) would all do the binding trick and add flavor and crispiness. I love crispy! 😉 Tahini! Hadn’t thought of that. Probably don’t need it, but it would add some nice flavor and interest I think. Will look forward to your report, dear. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  11. Hi Shirley

    I saw your tweet and I am just sitting here drooling over these burgers at my computer. If it weren’t so late, I’d be making some of these right now!
    I love the blackened seasoning – in fact, they use a similar seasoning at Wahoo Fish Tacos that is so good. I haven’t had it in so long. Thanks to this recipe I can make it myself 🙂

    Don’t you just love happy accidents? Most often it’s the the things that come together so effortlessly that taste the best:)

    Reply

    • Hi Stephanie–So good to see you! And, thanks for the kind drool … uh, I mean words. LOL Drooling is such a compliment though. 😉 I hope you enjoy these when you make them. And, thanks so much for mentioning the fish tacos … love those. We’ll be having fish tacos very soon thanks to your suggestion! Depending upon how spicy those fish tacos were, you might want to look at Ashlie’s original seasoning mix to add a little more heat, if you prefer that. I do love the happy accidents … so much of cooking is a bunch of happy accidents or subbing an ingredient for another you don’t have–fun! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Kalyn–Thanks so much for stopping by and the kind words! 🙂 I am amazed by all your wonderful recipes with fresh ingredients, spices, and seasonings. I bet you could really make some wonderful black bean burgers using ideas from that Fine Cooking issue and my recipe. I’ll stay tuned to your blog … as always. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  13. These sound great, I love that they are nice and light yet full of flavor. I love burgers and have lots of fun ones on my blog – my favorite are probably Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers and Lentil Goat Cheese Burgers.

    Reply

    • Hi Cara–Nice to see you and thanks! 🙂 I think I’ll be making lots of veggie burgers this summer. They are wonderful for breakfast or lunch at work, which makes them very helpful for my schedule. Gosh, both of those burgers sound fabulous. I’ll definitely be checking them out and adding them here!

      Shirley

      Reply

  14. Oh yum, I love black bean burgers of any kind. But these… well, they look like they’re the head of the pack! I love the ‘blackened’ approach and am adding these to my must try list! 🙂

    ~Aubree Cherie

    Reply

    • Aw, thanks, Aubree! 🙂 It’s fun to be at the head of the pack sometimes, even if I have to have my BBBBs in hand to be there. 😉 I hope you’ll like the when you try them!

      Shirley

      Reply

  15. Shirley, your burgers look wonderful. I think I will make some up for lunch today! Thank you also for posting the Blackened Seasoning recipe, I really prefer to make my own and this is one I do not have yet! You are so creative!

    I love chickpeas too, have you tried them in chocolate chip cookies yet? http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2009/10/chocolate-chip-cookies-with-a-healthy-twist/

    The recipe is from Jessica Seinfeld’s “Deceptively Delicious” cookbook, and they ARE deceptive (and guilt-free in my book!) 😀

    xoxo,
    Heidi

    Reply

    • Hey Heidi–Thanks! I sure hope they work well for you. I always worry when others actually make my recipes. LOL Just FYI, if using an egg, you might not need the olive oil or to use both, you may need more flour.

      I’ve made great chocolate cake with chickpeas (although the recipe is not on my site), but not chocolate chip cookies yet. Of course, now I absolutely want to! Must check out your link. These might be a good choice to take to the mtns this weekend–thank you!

      xoxo….
      Shirley

      Reply

  16. I’ve been wanting to do a Lentil burger or fritter. I might try your recipe using lentils. I think your spice blend would work well with it. I also like that you posted a spice blend with your recipe, I’ve been glutened a couple times from spice blends and find it’s best to do them yourself.

    Reply

    • Tracee–A lentil variation does sound good! Fritters are great, because you really can just be concerned with small amounts sticking together (although it shouldn’t be an issue here). And, somehow, those smaller bites often just taste better IMHO. 😉 I really like making my own spice blends, too. Even if they don’t contain gluten, they often contain horrid food dyes. For some reason, manufacturers think that we want our spices to be bright orange or yellow. They must appeal to some folks, but not to me. Anyway, hope you like the recipe when you give it a try! Oh, and BTW, added you to my blog roll. Thanks so much for having me on yours already! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  17. Hey Shirley! I think that I am going to make these for the 4th!We are headed to the beach with family and friends that are all VERY health conscious(or at least most of them are-might make a few of the ground beef versions for them)! These would be perfect!
    I will keep you posted and hopefully get a pic if I can get my act together while I am entertaining! LOL
    By the way, how do you think these would hold up on the grill instead of being cooked in a skillet?
    Thanks for another great recipe! We have been eating a ton of beans lately! Kelly (Spunky Coconut) posted a delicious recipe for Waffles the other day that used Great Northern Beans. The kids scarfed them down!
    Hugs!
    Kim

    Reply

    • Hey Kim–I think (and hope!) they’ll be well-received. Oh, just enjoy … don’t worry about pics unless you really, really want to. I think they’d be fine on the grill IF you used aluminum foil under them and, of course, some pan spray or oil. I think the “bare” grill might be too hard on them.

      Kelly is the queen of beans, isn’t she? I love all her bean recipes. Must try the waffles! Did you see Amy’s chickpea salad on Carrie’s 30 Days of Quick and Easy? Another yummy bean recipe I must try. 😉

      Hugsss back and happy Friday! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  18. MMMMMM,…Shirley!! Spiced black bean burgers,..they look amazing & ooh so tasty too!

    Yum,…yum,..What’s not to love???

    Thanks for sharing, my friend!

    Reply

    • Hi Sophie–Thanks, dear! These burgers are pretty wonderful … I’ll be doing the bean super restock with a stop at the store later and making a bunch of these for the week. 🙂

      Have a great week!

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Linda–I wish you could do beans more, too. There are just so many flavorful options using them. I’m always happy to participate and spread the word. You got lots of great burgers recipes so far … and there may be more on Wednesday. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  20. The burgers look great! We also love chickpeas at our house. My husband teases me about how many cans I keep on hand always. They are a great substitute for meat in so many dishes.
    I have been wanting to try making my own veg burgers more often, especially now that GF veggies burgers are so hard to find. So I am putting these on my list to try as well!

    Reply

    • Hi Renee–It’s always great to meet another chickpea chick! 😉 I need to follow your lead and just have cans and cans. I usually only have 3 or 4 on hand, and then use them up promptly because I love them so. I have a new recipe I’m going to make with chickpeas tonight. A little tasty appetizer. 😉 Don’t forget that, per the reminders in some of the readers’ comments, chickpeas can also be used to take the place of flours in cookies and cakes. 🙂

      Gluten being added to products unnecessarily makes me sooo crazy. The veggie burgers are a good example of that. I mean we can send a man to the moon and all that, but we can’t have all veggie burgers without gluten? RiDIculous. Anyway, hope you enjoy these when you give them a try!

      Shirley

      Reply

  21. These sound tasty! For some reason, while I seem to be sensitive to beans, black beans are easier than others. Might have to try these.

    Reply

    • Hey Alta–Thanks! Interesting that black beans are less bothersome. Glad to hear it though. I’m hooked on these burgers. I’ll try freezing some of the next batch. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  22. I made these today and they are great! The spice blend is really tasty (even without garlic which I omitted since I must avoid it). Thanks for another alternative to “the same old thing” I eat for protein-turkey burgers.
    This will be a great snack/meal to pack for lunches. Thanks a lot for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Hi dianne–Looks like you are new to gfe–welcome! 🙂 Thanks so much for the feedback! I so appreciate feedback on my recipes and I know my readers do, too. I love these black bean burgers myself and I agree that you can adapt the spice blend however you need. Now I’m wondering if I have any black beans … hmmm. These would be a great Friday lunch … or breakfast. 😉

      Thanks again!
      Shirley

      Reply

  23. Loved this recipe Shirley! I cut the recipe in half, but made all of the seasoning and added some of it to the mixture and placed on top. Can’t wait to try the extra with fish. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Hi Megan–Here’s an official welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed these blackened black bean burgers. They’re one of my faves for sure! I love blackened anything. 😉 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, dear!

      Shirley

      Reply

  24. Oh yummy!!! I just made these for the first time! I have been waiting to make them! DELICIOUS!! Keeper recipe for sure!! My husband who is a picky eater loved them as well! The seasoning is fantastic! I used coconut oil in the skillet and omitted the egg and used 1/4 cup more of flour! Perfect amount! I also didn’t have any almond flour…but, I did have garbanzo bean flour and that added more flavor! Love this recipe! Thank you Shirley!

    Reply

    • Hi Megan–I’m thrilled that you love these black bean burgers and that you made them egg free! 🙂 I’m also glad to know that garbanzo bean flour worked. Now that you have reminded me of this favorite recipe, I plan to make some of these today for Son when he stops by. 😉

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Megan. It really helps others to know about great recipes. So you’re welcome, of course, but thank you!
      Shirley

      Reply

  26. Can’t wait to try these! I love black beans, and these look excellent. Thanks for all the great recipes. We had your garlic lime chicken and garlic cheese biscuits last night – those are two of our favorites.

    Reply

  27. These look AWESOME!!! I love the sound of all the herbs and spices! These are so similar to mine and yet so different!

    Isn’t it wonderful that by changing the herbs and spices you can create a different burger from very simple ingredients!

    I will try your version next time we make them.

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Vicky–I have to say that the seasoning mix for this recipe is pretty awesome. I make a big batch and use it for other veggie burgers, too. And by the way, I was surprised to see that I had commented on your recipe back in September. I remembered after I saw my comment/read your post though. 😉 I’ve been making lots of veggie bean burgers lately; they’re so versatile as you say. Great way to use up little odds and ends of veggies, too.

      Shirley

      Reply

  29. I love black bean burgers, but I’ve never tried to make them! Maybe it’s time I do. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing this at Savoring Saturdays, Shirley!

    Reply

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