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Easy Black Bean Burgers with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Easy Black Bean Burgers with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Tender Southwestern-style black bean patties are pan-cooked until browned and served on toasted buns with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce. This easy vegetarian dinner makes four burgers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Black Bean Burgers
  • 2 15-ounce cans Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup Plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1/2 Small red or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil, for cooking
For Serving
  • 4 Hamburger buns
  • As needed Lettuce, tomato, avocado, or other desired toppings
Cilantro-Lime Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Finely grated lime zest
  • 1 Small garlic clove, minced or grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • To taste Black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher, leaving some beans partly intact for texture.
  2. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined without turning the beans into a completely smooth paste.
  3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. If time allows, chill the patties for 20 to 30 minutes so they firm up and are easier to turn.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully once, until browned and heated through.
  5. While the burgers cook, whisk together the Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the pepper if desired.
  6. Toast the buns if desired, then place each cooked patty on a bun. Finish with cilantro-lime sauce and toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado, and serve warm.

Notes

Pat the rinsed beans dry and avoid over-mashing them. Chilling the patties for 20 to 30 minutes helps them hold together, and a well-oiled skillet makes turning easier. Store leftover cooked patties and sauce separately in the refrigerator and reheat the patties gently in a skillet.