Black Bean Salsa Burgers Recipe

I gotta say, I was kinda nervous at first but when I whipped up these black bean salsa burgers, the crunch of red bell peppers and the spicy kick from cumin totally blew my mind and made me realize this mix of flavors is my new go-to meal buddy.

I love making Black Bean Salsa Burgers ’cause I think the mix of black beans, corn, red bell pepper, onion and salsa gives a solid dose of protein and fiber. I add breadcrumbs, egg, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Black beans are loaded with protein and fiber, keeping you full and aiding digestion.
• Corn kernels add natural sweetness and healthy carbohydrates with a fun crunch.
• Red bell pepper offers vitamin C, crisp texture and a bright flavor boost.
• Salsa delivers tangy taste and moisture, uniting ingredients with a zesty kick.
• Onion gives savory depth and a slight crunch balancing the fresh flavors.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the mix while adding a subtle, comforting carb base.
• Eggs act as a natural binder and contribute extra protein to the patties.
• Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herb flavor and a touch of brightness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (if using frozen, thaw them first)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite kind)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by mashing the two cans of black beans in a large bowl with a fork, just leaving some chunks for texture.

2. Next, stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

3. Mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa until everything is well combined.

4. Add 1/3 cup breadcrumbs along with 1 large lightly beaten egg to help bind the mixture.

5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste then stir everything together.

6. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up some moisture.

7. Form the mixture into equal patties of your desired size, pressing them lightly.

8. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a little oil.

9. Cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and heated through.

10. Remove from the heat, let them cool for a minute and enjoy your Black Bean Salsa Burgers on buns or with your favorite side!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl to mash the beans and mix ingredients
2. Fork for mashing the beans and lightly beating the egg
3. Measuring cups, including 1/2 cup and 1/3 cup sizes
4. Knife and cutting board for chopping the red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro
5. Mixing spoon to stir all the ingredients together
6. Skillet or grill pan to cook the patties
7. Spatula to flip the patties during cooking
8. Plate for serving the finished dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep them in advance. Just form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day, but I’d recommend cooking them fresh for best taste.
• Q: Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
  A: Sure you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the patties for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once half way through for even cooking.
• Q: What if I dont have breadcrumbs?
  A: No worries if you dont have breadcrumbs. You can use crushed tortilla chips or even rolled oats instead, just make sure they finely crush.
• Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
  A: You sure can use fresh corn. Just char it a bit in a pan before mixing it in so it adds a smoky flavor to the burgers.
• Q: How can I make it spicier?
  A: If you like some heat, try using a spicier salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix, but start small and adjust to your taste.

Black Bean Salsa Burgers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Black Beans: If you can’t get black beans, try using pinto beans instead, they work pretty good in a pinch.
• Corn Kernels: You can swap them with frozen peas or even small diced zucchini if corn isn’t available.
• Red Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper or even roasted red peppers can be a decent substitute if you need a change.
• Breadcrumbs: Crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs work fine too and add a cool crunch.
• Egg: For an egg-free version, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water as a binder.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the pattie mixture sit for longer than the recipe says so that the breadcrumbs soak up more moisture; this helps the patties stick together better and makes ’em less likely to crumble when you flip them.
2. If you like a little extra heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cumin and garlic powder; it adds a cool kick that complements the black beans nicely.
3. When you’re cooking, make sure your skillet or grill pan is really preheated with a bit of oil so that the patties get a good, even sear without sticking. Also don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of browning.
4. For even more flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice right before forming the patties; it brightens up the flavors and gives the burgers a nice tang that works great with the salsa.