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30-Minute Black Bean Burgers

Crispy-edged, high-protein black bean burgers — egg, cotija, and oat flour hold them together while avocado, salsa, and lime make them weeknight-worthy. 30 minutes, vegetarian, about 22g protein per serving (estimated).
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans drained, rinsed, and patted very dry
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese divided
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup oat flour blend old-fashioned oats in a blender 20 seconds
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 3/4 cup salsa
  • Butter lettuce leaves
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch), preferably cast iron or stainless
  • Mixing bowl and fork or potato masher
  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels

Method
 

  1. Drain and rinse the black beans, spread them on a clean kitchen towel, and pat thoroughly dry. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until about two-thirds are broken down — leave some chunks for texture.
  2. Stir in the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs, 1/2 cup cotija, oat flour, and panko; mix until evenly combined. Let the mixture rest 5 minutes so the oats and panko hydrate and firm up.
  3. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing firmly so they hold. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each with your thumb (it keeps them from puffing).
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the patties (don't crowd — work in batches if needed) and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown with crisp edges. The egg binder must set fully: patties should feel firm, not soft in the center.
  5. Wipe the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and toast the buns cut-side down 1–2 minutes until golden.
  6. Layer lettuce, a patty, avocado slices, salsa, and the remaining cotija on each bun. Squeeze lime over everything and serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Notes

Food safety: vegetarian (egg + dairy; not vegan). Pat beans thoroughly dry — moisture is the enemy of crisp patties. Egg binder must set fully; patties firm, deep golden on both sides. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Leftovers 4 days refrigerated / 3 months frozen (cooked or uncooked). Protein ~22g/serving estimated from USDA FoodData Central; not lab-tested.