Best Vegan Eggplant Burger Recipe for Delicious Meals

Looking for a delicious, hearty, and healthy burger option that’s 100% vegan? This best vegan eggplant burger recipe is the perfect answer!

Eggplants have a meaty texture and absorb flavors beautifully, making them an excellent base for a plant-based burger. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to try something new, this recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful patty that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and spices.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare and cooks up golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a comforting burger without any animal products.

With simple ingredients and a few clever tricks, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and tasty a vegan burger can be. Serve it with your favorite toppings and buns, and you’ve got a winner that everyone will love—even meat lovers!

Keep reading for all the details on why this burger stands out, the full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and some fun tips to customize it your way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan eggplant burger recipe is packed with flavor and texture that rivals any traditional burger. The eggplant provides a rich, creamy interior, while a crispy coating adds a delightful crunch.

It’s perfectly seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika, making every bite a savory delight.

Not only is it vegan and gluten-free friendly (if you choose the right bun), but it’s also loaded with fiber and antioxidants. The burger holds together well without eggs, thanks to a clever combination of flaxseed and breadcrumbs, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Best of all? It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to pair with any toppings or sauces you love.

Whether you want a classic burger experience or something more adventurous, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Burger buns and toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, vegan mayo, pickles, etc.)

Equipment

• Large baking sheet or roasting pan
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or blender (optional for mashing eggplant)
• Skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes until it thickens.
2. Roast the eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced eggplant on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until soft and golden, stirring halfway through.
3. Cook the quinoa: While the eggplant roasts, cook quinoa according to package instructions if not already prepared. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
5. Mash the eggplant: Once roasted, transfer eggplant to a bowl and mash with a fork or pulse a few times in a food processor until chunky but combined. Be careful not to over-process into a puree.
6. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed eggplant, cooked quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, flax egg, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
7. Form patties: Divide mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a firm patty about ¾ inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of water or olive oil.
8. Cook the patties: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
9. Assemble the burgers: Toast your burger buns lightly. Place a patty on the bottom bun, add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, vegan mayo, or mustard. Top with the other half of the bun.
10. Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious vegan eggplant burger warm with a side of fries, salad, or your favorite chips.

Tips & Variations

For firmer patties, refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties.

• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or cayenne for a smoky heat boost.
• Cheesy twist: Mix in some vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Grill instead of pan-frying: For a smokier flavor, cook the patties on a grill or grill pan.
• Swap quinoa: Use cooked brown rice, millet, or couscous if preferred.
• Extra veggies: Add finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for more texture and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on toppings and buns.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan eggplant burger pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh kale and quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal.

For an extra flavor boost, add a dollop of spicy vegan aioli or avocado spread on the bun.

Try topping your burger with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or vegan cheese slices for a gourmet touch. For a Mediterranean vibe, add cucumber slices, tomato, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

The possibilities are endless!

Don’t forget to explore some of our other fantastic vegan recipes like the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a spicy twist or the Leche De Pantera Recipe for a delicious dessert to finish your meal!

Conclusion

This vegan eggplant burger recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that proves plant-based meals can be both delicious and satisfying. With its perfect balance of creamy eggplant, hearty quinoa, and bold spices, it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional burgers.

Easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or simply want to add more vegetables to your diet, these eggplant burgers are sure to delight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and sides to make it uniquely yours.

And while you’re here, check out other inspiring recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe to create vegan-friendly buns or the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a fresh, vibrant side dish.

Ready to get cooking? Grab your eggplants and let’s make some unforgettable vegan burgers today!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Eggplant Burger Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and hearty vegan eggplant burger packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced into 1/2 inch rounds”, “1 cup cooked quinoa”, “1/2 cup rolled oats”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped”, “2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “4 whole wheat burger buns”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, oats, onion, garlic, parsley, flax egg, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Chop roasted eggplant and add to the mixture; mix well to form a thick batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape mixture into 4 patties and chill for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Assemble burgers with buns and your favorite vegan toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320”, “proteinContent”: “9g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45g”}}