Cauliflower Burger Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

  1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 7 minutes.
  2. Mash steamed cauliflower and chickpeas together in a bowl.
  3. Add oats, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, flaxseed mixture, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  4. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  6. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm.
  7. Assemble burgers with buns and desired toppings.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Marta K

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