Spicy Bean Burgers
GLUTEN-FREE II EGG FREE II DAIRY FREE II VEGAN II FISH FREE II SHELLFISH FREE II SOY FREE II NUT FREE II TOP 14 FREE II SUGAR-FREE
Spicy bean burgers are a delicious plant-based option that burst with bold flavours, making them a satisfying choice for anyone. They are perfect for those looking to reduce meat in their diets, providing a hearty and completely plant-based alternative. Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, these spicy bean burgers are easy to prepare and are sure to be a hit with everyone, not just those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Featuring lentils, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, spices, and vegetables, these spicy bean burgers pack a flavorful punch. You can also adjust the spiciness to suit your taste and customise your toppings too! Enjoy!
Notes on ingredients for Spicy Bean burgers
Beans/lentils
I used kidney beans and lentils for this spicy bean burger recipe, and I used tinned versions. I prefer using tinned legumes over dried ones because they are more convenient. However, feel free to use dried legumes if you prefer. You can also switch up the legumes in this recipe; great options include chickpeas, black beans, cannellini beans, or mixed beans, which you can find in a 5-bean salad at the supermarket. I used green lentils, but black or brown lentils are also acceptable. You could even use all beans instead of lentils. It's a forgiving recipe, so there are no strict rules.
Spices
I used chilli powder and Cajun seasoning for this spicy bean burger recipe. Always check the labels of spices in case they have been made in factories with allergens, especially if you are very sensitive. Cajun Seasoning has a bold and spicy flavour from the cayenne, and paprika combined with a subtle earthiness provided by garlic, onion, and herbs. It's the ultimate all-purpose seasoning and definitely the spice mix that I can't do without. Cajun seasoning is a blend of the following bold spices:
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Paprika
Onion powder
Oregano
Thyme
Salt
Mustard powder
Chilli peppers
Cumin
Chia seeds
The foundation of this spicy bean burger recipe is sweet potatoes. Since sweet potatoes have a high moisture content, they benefit from the addition of chia seeds, which help absorb excess liquid. When soaked, chia seeds can absorb up to twelve times their weight in liquid, forming a gel-like texture due to a slippery coating that develops on their surface. This quality makes them excellent for thickening sauces and a great substitute for eggs in vegan baking. To make these spicy bean burgers firmer and easier to shape into patties.
Chia seeds have a subtle, mild, and nutty flavour that complements both sweet and savoury dishes. Some people compare their taste to that of alfalfa sprouts or poppy seeds. Since they are relatively neutral in flavour, they add a delightful crunch and texture to foods, making them versatile ingredients. Read more about how to cook with chia seeds in my article Expert Guide to Creative Cooking with Chia Seeds.
Gram flour
Gram flour, which is made from chickpeas, is used to thicken the bean burger mixture along with chia seeds. It also adds flavour to these delicious spicy bean burgers. I would not recommend substituting it with gluten-free flour, as the latter lacks the depth of flavour that gram flour provides. I haven't tested gluten-free flour myself, so I'm unable to say how the finished burger would taste or if the substitution would work.
If you try swapping it for gluten-free flour, please let me know in the comments! You can buy gram flour at most supermarkets or online. Gram flour is a staple in Indian cooking and can be used in a variety of recipes, such as onion bhajis, pakoras, and chickpea wraps. Don't be afraid to explore the potential of gram flour; it’s a versatile ingredient that you can incorporate into many dishes. I hope it becomes a regular feature in your kitchen as well!
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy root vegetables that work wonderfully in this spicy bean burger recipe. They come in various sizes and colours—including orange, white, and purple—and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. I recommend baking the sweet potatoes in the oven instead of boiling them. Boiling adds moisture because sweet potatoes absorb water, which can make this recipe too wet. Therefore, it’s best to bake the sweet potatoes rather than boil them.
Ingredients
Tips
After mixing all the ingredients together, you'll notice that the mixture is quite sloppy. It's important to let it sit overnight so the chia seeds can absorb the excess moisture and thicken the mixture. This will make it much easier to handle and shape into burger patties.
Use a cookie cutter to shape the burgers, ensuring that all your burger patties are the same size and weight.
I prefer to sear the spicy bean burgers on both sides in a hot pan before finishing them in the oven. If you're looking to reduce your oil intake, you can bake them in the oven instead. However, keep in mind that this may make the burgers a little dry.
For a fun twist, try rolling this mixture into balls slightly smaller than golf balls. Cook them in the same way, and you can serve them in salads or Buddha bowls. They also pair well with a dip, like my sweet chilli pineapple sauce. I often make these for catering functions, and they are always a hit!
Storage & reheating
These delicious bean burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can wrap them individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. If you're freezing the burgers, I recommend searing them first and then allowing them to cool before placing them in the freezer. By not cooking them fully, they will stay moist when you thaw and reheat them.
Faq’s
Can kids eat these if they’re spicy?
Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the spice for a milder version. Let them add sauce or toppings to customise their meal.
What sides go well with spicy bean burgers?
Serve with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I bake these spicy bean burgers instead of frying the burgers?
Certainly. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch for slight crispness and caramelization on the outside.
Can I cook these spicy bean burgers on the grill?
Yes, but make sure the patties are firm. Chill them before grilling to help them hold their shape, and use a lightly oiled grill.
Do I need to cook the beans beforehand?
Use canned beans for convenience—just drain and rinse them thoroughly. If using dried beans, soak and cook them until tender.
How spicy will the burgers be?
It depends on how much chilli or spice you add. You can adjust the level to suit your taste by altering the chilli powder or fresh chilli.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free; however, double-check any sauces or seasonings for hidden gluten.
What to eat with a spicy bean burger?
Sliced avocado & sriracha mayo
Caramelised red onion and vegan cheese
Jalapenos
Pickled gherkins
Pickled red onions
Serve this spicy bean burger in a flour tortilla, try my chickpea tortilla, or my red lentil tortilla recipe, baguette or flatbread instead of a regular bun.
Are spicy bean burgers healthy?
Yes! Spicy bean burgers are a healthy choice. Beans and legumes are rich in fibre and minerals, and they contain much lower levels of fat and cholesterol compared to meat-based burgers. The addition of sweet potatoes and various vegetables in this spicy bean burger recipe creates a nutritious meal for those looking to reduce their meat intake. Additionally, chia seeds, which are high in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, provide many other nutrients that may offer health benefits.
Makes portion- 1.5 hours cooking & prep time
Step by Step
Recipe
450g sweet potatoes
155g sweetcorn
1 tin kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 tin of green, black or brown lentils drained and rinsed
1/2 red green and yellow pepper diced in small dice
30 g coriander
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cajun seasoning
1 tsp chilli powder
3 tbsp chia seeds
200 g gram flour ( chickpea flour)
salt/pepper to taste
6 tbsp olive oil
Method
Set the oven to 200C, 400F, gas mark 6 and bake the sweet potatoes in the oven for approx 1 hour or till soft. Leave to cool.
Once the sweet potato has cooled, scoop it out of the skin and mash it.
Then, add all the other ingredients except the olive oil and mix. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt/pepper to taste.
Leave it in the fridge overnight or for 4/5 hours until the mixture is firmed.
Once the mixture is firm enough to handle and not too wet, spoon it into a large cookie cutter and press down firmly. Repeat this process for the remaining mixture. Alternatively, you can roll and shape the burgers by hand without using the cutter.
Add a small amount of olive oil to a frying pan and sear the burgers on both sides for a few minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Finish cooking the burgers in the oven for 15 minutes at 160C, 325F, gas mark 3.
Serve in a bun with salad and wedges, or see notes above on other ways to pimp out your burger!
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