If you follow me on Snapchat (username WAITINGONMARTHA) it will come as no surprise to you that I’m a firm believer that everything tastes better cooked, grilled or smoked (preferably on the Big Green Egg) over an open flame. EVERYTHING. And while I’m a pescatarian, I don’t let you meat eaters have all of the fun when it comes to barbecues. Over the years, I’ve perfected my go-to recipe for the best ever grilled veggie burger…and let’s just say that it could tempt even the biggest carnivores at your Memorial Day party.
The problem with veggie burgers, if you’ve ever had them, is they tend to fall into two categories: bland tasting and stiff as cardboard, or an un-grillable mushy-like consistency that is neither appetizing or easy to grill. So, I’ve made it my mission to perfect a grillable, tasty, veggie burger that will give any beef burger a run for it’s money. And after numerous trial and errors, I believe I have finally figured it out. With a combination of black beans, cauliflower rice, grilled onions, panko breadcrumbs and a plethora of sauces and spices, this may just be the best veggie burger recipe out there, if I do say myself. Of course I couldn’t forget all of you carnivores, so along with my veggie burger, I’ve included my ultimate peppercorn crusted beef burger recipe below. Both recipes masterfully satisfy that burger craving (because those exist, especially on a long weekend), and I’m telling you that it’s quite hard to believe they’re homemade.
All week, and just in time for the long weekend, join us as we usher in the start of grilling season and celebrate the art of the barbecue. It doesn’t stop after today’s drool-worthy burgers, we’ll be keeping it going with what I like to consider the Top 10 Memorial Day Party Essentials, all of the beloved sides every barbecue needs (think homemade coleslaw, macaroni salad & more), a great Memorial Day party outfit and last but not least, root beer floats (which you can most definitely make boozy!). Tell me friends, what are you most looking forward to grilling this season? Truly, MKR
- 1 cup cooked cauliflower rice (or brown rice)
- 1-2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion,chopped
- 2 cups cooked black beans, drained, patted dry and smashed with a fork
- 1/2 Tbsp each chili powder
- 1/2 Tbsp. cumin powder
- 1/2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. cayenned pepper
- 1 tsp. each sea salt and black pepper, plus more pepper for coating burgers
- 1/4 cup spicy BBQ sauce (plus more to taste)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp dijon or spicy mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Heat skillet and olive over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes, or until onion is fragrant, soft, and begun to brown/caramlize. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once onion has completely cooled in a large mixing bowl, add drained, mashed black beans, cauliflower rice, spices, sautéed onion, 1/2 the panko bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, and mix with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes, or until a moldable dough forms.
- If too wet, add extra panko breadcrumbs if too dry add additional BBQ sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings and salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the mixture is the correct consistency, with your hands begin dividing into palm size patties 1 inch thick.
- Set on a baking sheet or plate for grilling. Grill 3-5 minutes per side, remove from grill and serve.
- 1 1/2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1/4-1/2 cup freshly cracked large peppercorn pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- In a large bowl or deep plate place the freshly cracked pepper, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl place the beef and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
- With your hands form the meat into 4 palm size balls, then lightly press into 1-inch-thick patties. Take each patty and roll the edges in the peppercorn pieces creating a peppercorn crust.
- Set burgers on a large plate for grilling and make a 2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent the burgers from bulging when grilled.
- Grill each side 3 to 5 minutes, only flipping the burger once.
- If topping with cheese add the cheese 1-2 minutes before the burger is done allowing it plenty of time to melt without overcooking the burger.
- Remove from the grill and enjoy.
Now THIS looks like my kind of memorial day! My mom’s vegetarian and she sure would love this veggie burger! 🙂
Where did you purchase the printed waxed pape used under the hamburger, so adorable?
Mandy has opened my world to veggie burgers! This one is sooo good. xo