If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and completely vegan alternative to the traditional burger, this cauliflower burger recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a satisfying texture when prepared just right.
These burgers are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them not only flavorful but also nutritious and perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle or anyone wanting to enjoy a lighter meal.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual barbecue, these vegan cauliflower burgers offer a delightful twist that everyone will love. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re easy to make and customize with your favorite toppings.
Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your body!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cauliflower burger recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that makes plant-based eating exciting and accessible. Here’s why it stands out:
- Nutritious and filling: Cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, making these burgers a guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to prepare: With basic pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip these burgers up quickly.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Perfect texture: These patties hold together well thanks to chickpea flour and breadcrumbs, giving you that satisfying burger bite.
- Vegan and allergen-friendly: Free from dairy and eggs, these burgers are suitable for many dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Equipment
- Food processor or box grater
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (optional, for baking instead of frying)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower. Using a food processor or box grater, grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes or until soft. Let it cool slightly.
- Drain excess moisture: Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your patties hold together well.
- Mash the chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Mix the burger base: Add the grated cauliflower, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Stir well to combine.
- Add binding ingredients: Sprinkle in the chickpea flour and breadcrumbs. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of water or plant milk can help.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cook the burgers: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and firm. Alternatively, bake them on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Assemble your burgers: Serve the cauliflower patties on toasted buns with your favorite vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and avocado slices.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower. This prevents soggy patties and helps them hold together perfectly.”
- Add heat: Toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle vegan cheese on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Herb twist: Swap parsley for cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Try different binders: Flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed sweet potatoes can replace chickpea flour if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 patty) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Fiber | 4g |
Fat | 5g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
These cauliflower burgers are incredibly versatile. Serve them on your favorite vegan buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and pickles for a classic burger experience.
Add creamy avocado or a dollop of vegan aioli for extra richness.
For a lighter option, serve the patties over a fresh salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. You can also enjoy them wrapped in large lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative.
If you want to impress guests, pair these burgers with sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw. For more vegan inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
Conclusion
This vegan cauliflower burger recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal that everyone can appreciate. It’s simple, nutritious, and adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a satisfying burger that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this recipe is an excellent choice.
Don’t forget to explore more exciting dishes like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the ever-popular Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe to keep your culinary adventures fresh and fun. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Burger Recipe Vegan
Description: A delicious and healthy vegan cauliflower burger that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for a plant-based meal packed with flavor.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
Instructions
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 7 minutes.
- Mash steamed cauliflower and chickpeas together in a bowl.
- Add oats, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, flaxseed mixture, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm.
- Assemble burgers with buns and desired toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 38 g
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