Recently, someone asked me if I could attempt a version of Chloe's Lentil Beet Burger minus the nuts and oil. Since I love a challenge, I decided to try my version of a beet burger.
I'm not going to lie; veggie burgers are my vice. Unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can never get them to stay together.
My veggie burgers usually fall apart on the first bite. Even though I attempted flash freezing my veggie burgers or adding more flour, I still FAILED miserably.
Today, I started fresh with a new attitude. "I can do this!" And I did a fabulous beet burger without oil or nuts, and it sticks together!
My struggle, however, was to figure out how I would bind these burgers together without any oil or nuts, so I chose Aquafaba. Yes, that "new" vegan ingredient comes right from the garbanzo bean can.
My husband, my recipe guinea pig, looked at me apprehensively. But I assured him today was a new day.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN A VEGAN BEET BURGER?
First, you only need three base ingredients for the beet burger recipe:
- Cooked brown rice
- Shredded beets (canned or fresh, cooked and shredded). I used Trader Joe's pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed.
- Cooked brown lentils (I used Trader Joe's vacuum-sealed steamed brown lentils)
Then, all you need is a few additional ingredients:
- Panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs, or gluten-free bread crumbs
- Dry mustard
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Aquafaba (the fluid found inside the can of chickpeas)
HOW TO ASSEMBLE A VEGAN BEET BURGER...
Making the beet burger recipe, however, is easy. The trick is to combine the cooked brown rice, shredded beets, and lentils. Once in the food processor, you need to pulse MANUALLY so as not to over pulse or mix. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T TURN THE FOOD PROCESSOR ON AND LET IT GO!
Next, transfer the contents of the food processor to a large bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients by hand. The next step is to cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Since I meal plan ahead, I left it in the fridge overnight.
The next day, using a burger press, I formed my burgers and placed them on a plate on wax paper. Then, I put my beet burgers back in the refrigerator until I was ready to cook them. Since I only needed 3 burgers, I froze the rest for another day.
Even though these look like real burgers, the combination of red beets and brown rice makes the red color.
Also Read: Red Robin Vegan Options
COOKING THE BEET BURGER IN A PAN OR ON THE GRILL
Since I live in Arizona, grilling is my favorite way to cook beet burgers or anything. But, as luck would have it, it rains. So, I used a non-stick skillet instead.
Because I used a non-stick pan, you don't need any oil or spray. You do, however, need a top for your pan. My burgers, for example, were thick, so I cooked the burgers, low and slow with a lid on the pan. Then, once browned on the bottom, I flip the beet burgers over and cook the other side.
Depending on your stove (I have gas), I cooked my beet burgers for about 10 minutes on each side.
If cooking on a grill, I suggest cooking on medium-low for 10 minutes on each side. Then, select your favorite oil-free burger buns, lettuce wrap, or eat with toppings. I also love my Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger on the grill, so give that one a try some time.
SUGGESTED BEET BURGER TOPPINGS...
- Romaine lettuce
- Red or white onion
- Sauteed onions
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Sliced tomatoes
- Jalapenos or banana peppers
- Vegan cheese
- Nacho Cheese Sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Vegan French Dressing
- Pico de Gallo
GREAT SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH BEET BURGERS
- Loaded Chili Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Steak Fries Air Fried and Crispy
- Skinny Lemony Miso Roasted Potatoes
- Chili and Lime Roasted Red Potatoes
- Mediterranean Salad
- Vegan Rainbow Salad
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- Kale Harvest Salad with Skinny Roasted Pumpkin Vinaigrette
Although the beet burger came out perfectly, I must say it looked a lot like real meat, which kind of threw me off. But, I must say it stayed together and tasted fabulous! According to my husband and kids, I nailed it, who are happily full.
Beet Burger
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups cooked Brown Rice
- 1 cup cooked Brown or Green Lentils
- 1 cup Shredded Beets
- 2 teaspoons Dry Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ cup Aquafaba fluid in can of chickpeas
- ½ cup Italian Panko Bread Crumbs
Instructions
- Combine brown rice, shredded beets, and lentils in a food processor.
- Using a metal blade, PULSE 20 times. Let the pulse complete its motion before you pulse again.
- If necessary, use a spatula halfway through to push the mixture back into the food processor bowl.
- When done pulsing, scrape all the contents of the food processor bowl into a large mixing bowl.
- Now, add Aquafaba, bread crumbs, and seasoning.
- Stir with a spoon to mix.
- Cover and place in a refrigerator for 1 hour.
Making Patties
- I use a 3-in-1 burger press. I LOVE THIS THING!
- Stir the mixture one more time.
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium.
- Form your burgers using the burger press or your hands.
Cooking
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat. (I used a Green Pan)
- Do not add the burgers to the non-stick pan until it is hot.
- Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes on each side.
Serve
- I served the burger with homemade kimchi, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and mustard.
- Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings.
Notes
SUGGESTED BEET BURGER TOPPINGS...
- Romaine lettuce
- Red or white onion
- Sauteed onions
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Sliced tomatoes
- Jalapenos or banana peppers
- Vegan cheese
- Nacho Cheese Sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Vegan French Dressing
- Pico de Gallo
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Judith
Seems perhaps obvious to most, but do I cook the beet first? I would think not, as it would turn to mush! Thanks. Can't wait to try this! Judith
Kathy Carmichael
I did roast them first, but you don't have to.
Michelle
Are the beets fresh or canned? TYK?
Kathy Carmichael
I used fresh, but you can use canned, but make sure you drain them really good and put them on a paper towel to get rid of excess juice.
Deborah Meyers Coccoli
How do you think this would work as a loaf?
Kathy Carmichael
That's a great idea. I haven't tried it, but please let me now it works.
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Jsn
Is it possible to make since I don’t have a food processor ? And how ? I’m not a big cook
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Belinda, Yes it is. Just shred the beets and then mash the lentils, rice, and beets together with a potato masher, or something else, about as many times as you pulse in the food processor. Then, just look at the picture to see if it is about the same consistency. It looks like meat because of the color of the beets. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. You can form the patties with your hands. And, yes, you can cook this very easily.
Bea
While I like the idea of aquafaba, I’m always flummoxed by what to do with the garbanzos. As I am not a frequent cook, do they freeze well to be used another day?
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Bea, once I use the aquafaba, I put the garbanzo beans in the refrigerator. I usually make a chickpea tuna salad (on my site) which is really easy, or I like to roast the chickpeas in the oven with spices such as turmeric, smoked paprika, and cumin (400 degrees) for 20 minutes. They are great to eat by the handful or throw on salads and soups for croutons. I also have a rainbow salad on my site that is easy and delicious. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you try to the recipe and like it 🙂
Bea
All good ideas, Kathy! Thanks for the quick reply. And yes, I will let you know about the recipe ... if the cooking fairy lands in my kitchen... ????
Kathy Carmichael
You can do it. I didn't cook before either. And now I love it! GIve it a try. I think you will surprise yourself.
Anonymous
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Diane
because I am vegetarian not vegan, can I use one egg to substitute Aquafaba
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Diane, Yes you can. I aquafaba is used as a binder instead of the egg.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Diane, Yes you can. The aquafaba is used as a binder instead of an egg. You may have to add more bread crumbs. Let me know how it turns out and if you like it.
Brenda
I made these burgers today and they were delicious. I cooked the beets, lentils and brown rice. I think my lentils wear a little too soft, next time I won’t cook them as long, however the burger held together great!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Brenda, I am so glad you liked the beet burger. I appreciate your feedback! It is one of my favorites! Let me know if you try some other recipes. Stay safe and healthy.
Christine Mcmahan
Do you think they would freeze well.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Christine, the beet burgers do freeze well. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking. I hope you like them!
Ileana
Kathy I used the trader Joe's steamed and peeled baby beets!They worked great!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Ileana, I love Trader Joe's lentils and peeled beets. Such great shortcuts! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.