Brown Rice Vegetarian Burger Recipe for Healthy Meals

Are you craving a wholesome, flavorful burger that’s both satisfying and meat-free? Look no further!

This brown rice vegetarian burger recipe is the perfect blend of hearty grains, fresh vegetables, and savory spices. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your routine, these burgers offer a delicious, nutritious alternative to traditional beef patties.

Brown rice acts as the filling base, providing a pleasant chewiness and fiber boost, while beans and vegetables add protein and vibrant flavors. Best of all, these burgers are easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to customize to your taste.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or meal prepping for busy days, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful brown rice vegetarian burgers from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brown rice vegetarian burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on nutrition or flavor. These burgers are:

• High in fiber and protein: Brown rice combined with black beans and vegetables keeps you full and energized.
• Gluten-free and vegan: Perfect for many dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite spices or veggies to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Perfectly textured: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
• Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice (preferably cold or day-old)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, pickles, vegan cheese, burger buns

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for carrot)
• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet (optional, for baking instead of frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
2. Mash the black beans: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the black beans until mostly smooth but with some chunks for texture.
3. Add the cooked brown rice: Mix the cold brown rice into the mashed beans thoroughly. This will form the base of your burger mixture.
4. Mix in the veggies and seasonings: Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Incorporate the flax egg and breadcrumbs: Add the flax egg mixture and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Mix everything until the mixture holds together. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
6. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a firm patty about 3/4 inch thick.
7. Cook the patties: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a non-stick skillet. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake them on a greased baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Serve immediately: Place the patties on burger buns or your preferred serving style. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, or vegan cheese.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the burger mix.”

• Use different beans: Swap black beans for kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a different taste and texture.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour as a binder.
• Boost the protein: Mix in some cooked quinoa or chopped nuts for extra protein and crunch.
• Bake instead of fry: For a healthier version, bake the patties as described above.
• Freeze for later: These burgers freeze well. Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These brown rice vegetarian burgers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve on toasted whole grain or gluten-free buns with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and vegan mayo or mustard.
• Top with sliced avocado and a dollop of salsa for a Southwestern twist.
• Pair with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Make sliders for a party appetizer with mini buns and assorted toppings.
• Use as a hearty filling for wraps or pita pockets along with hummus and cucumber slices.

For more tasty vegetarian meal ideas, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe or explore creative twists on pasta with the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

This brown rice vegetarian burger recipe proves that eating plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a healthy, hearty burger that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or enjoying a solo meal, these burgers deliver a delightful combination of textures and spices that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Not only are these burgers delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients, making them a smart choice for your well-being. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.

For more wholesome recipes that bring comfort and joy to your table, you might also enjoy the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe, which pairs beautifully with veggie burgers or any grilled fare. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brown Rice Vegetarian Burger”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A wholesome and flavorful vegetarian burger made with brown rice and vegetables. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup cooked brown rice”, “1/2 cup black beans, mashed”, “1/2 cup grated carrot”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/4 cup breadcrumbs”, “1 clove garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine cooked brown rice, mashed black beans, grated carrot, and chopped onion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add breadcrumbs, minced garlic, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix well until ingredients are thoroughly combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “9 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}