Name: Best Veggie Burger
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 2 shallots, chopped (⅔ cup); 16 ounces mushrooms (shiitake and portobello), stemmed and diced; 2 tablespoons tamari; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon mirin, or ½ teaspoon maple syrup; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons sriracha, more if desired; ½ cup chopped walnuts; ¼ cup ground flaxseed; 2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice, freshly cooked; 1 cup panko bread crumbs, divided; Vegan Worcestershire sauce, for brushing; Nonstick cooking spray, for grilling; Hamburger buns and desired burger fixings; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Why Make This Recipe

The Best Veggie Burger is not your average meatless option; it’s a delicious and hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. Packed with flavor from mushrooms and spices and loaded with healthy ingredients like brown rice and walnuts, this burger is satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plants to your diet, this recipe is perfect for you.

How to Make Best Veggie Burger

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 shallots, chopped (⅔ cup)
16 ounces mushrooms, a mix of shiitake and portobello, stemmed and diced
2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin, or ½ teaspoon maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons sriracha, more if desired
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup ground flaxseed
2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice, freshly cooked so that it’s sticky
1 cup panko bread crumbs, divided
Vegan Worcestershire sauce, for brushing
Nonstick cooking spray, for grilling
Hamburger buns and desired burger fixings
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft, about 1 minute.
Add the mushrooms and a generous pinch of salt, and sauté until soft and browned, for 6 to 9 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed.
Stir in the tamari, vinegar, and mirin. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Once cooled, add the garlic, smoked paprika, and sriracha.
In a food processor, combine the sautéed mixture with walnuts, flaxseed, brown rice, and ½ cup of panko. Pulse until just combined; the mixture should hold together but remain textured.
Transfer to a bowl, fold in the remaining panko, and form into 8 patties. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush patties with olive oil and spray the grill with cooking spray. Grill for about 7 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes until well-charred. Alternatively, cook on a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
Remove from heat, brush with Worcestershire sauce, and serve with desired fixings.

How to Serve Best Veggie Burger

Serve your Best Veggie Burger on a warm bun with your favorite toppings. Consider adding lettuce, tomato, avocado, or pickles. You can also spread some vegan mayo or mustard for extra flavor.

How to Store Best Veggie Burger

If you have leftover patties, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or the oven. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Best Veggie Burger

Make sure to cook the rice beforehand and let it cool before mixing; sticky rice helps the patties hold together better.
Don’t skip chilling the patties before grilling; this helps them firm up.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.

Variation

You can switch up the nuts or seeds used in this recipe. Try using sunflower seeds if you want to keep it nut-free. You can also experiment with different mushrooms to find your favorite blend.

FAQs

1. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties a day ahead and keep them in the fridge.

2. Can I bake the patties instead of grilling?
Absolutely! You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

3. Are these burgers gluten-free?
To make these burgers gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and ensure your tamari is gluten-free as well.