The secret to these hearty veggie patties is crushed tortilla chips, which absorb moisture and give the burgers incredible structure. Fresh cilantro, minced scallions, cumin, and coriander pack the black bean mixture with savory, slightly smoky flavor. A quick pan-fry creates a crispy exterior that won't crumble or fall apart on a toasted bun. They're a fantastic meatless main you can easily customize with your favorite toppings.
Prep
1 hr 40 min
Cook
20 min
Total
2 hr 0 min
Servings
6
Course
Lunch
Ingredients
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 scallions, minced
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 ounce tortilla chips, crushed coarse (½ cup)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 hamburger buns
1. Line rimmed baking sheet with triple layer of paper towels and spread beans over towels. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Instructions
1Whisk the eggs and flour in a large bowl until a uniform paste forms. Stir in the scallions, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using.
2Process the tortilla chips in a food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add the black beans and pulse until they're roughly broken down, about 5 pulses.
3Fold the bean mixture into the egg paste and mix until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
4Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and arrange a rack in the middle position. Divide the chilled bean mixture into 6 equal portions. Firmly pack each portion into a tight ball, then flatten it into a 3½-inch-diameter patty.
5Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place 3 patties in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are well browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
6Flip the patties, add 2 teaspoons of oil, and cook the second side until well browned and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes.
7Transfer the cooked burgers to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining 3 patties and 4 teaspoons of oil, then serve on hamburger buns.
Notes
Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with a triple layer of paper towels, spread the rinsed beans over the towels, and let them stand for 15 minutes to absorb excess moisture before using.
Freeze: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw completely before cooking.