Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Meet our favorite homemade veggie burger recipe: Mushroom Veggie Burgers! These delicious patties are packed with flavor and texture, making them a perfect choice for any occasion, from family dinners to summer cookouts. With a blend of mushrooms, beans, barley, and walnuts, they are both satisfying and nutritious. You can enjoy them baked for an oil-free option or pan-seared for a charred finish. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance and reheat on the grill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of mushrooms, beans, and spices creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Bake or pan-sear the patties based on your preference and dietary needs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them for quick meals throughout the week.
• Nut-Free & Gluten-Free Options: Adapt the recipe to suit various dietary restrictions by swapping ingredients as needed.
• Great for Gatherings: Serve these burgers at barbecues or parties as a hearty vegan option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mushroom Veggie Burgers, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Large sauté pan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cast-iron skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly combines ingredients to ensure a uniform mixture without over-processing.
• Large sauté pan: Allows you to cook onions and mushrooms evenly while releasing excess moisture.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for baking multiple patties at once, promoting even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Patty Mixture

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 16 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced (or a blend of portobello, shiitake or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup raw walnut halves
• 1 ¼ cups cooked pearled barley (see Notes for subs)
• 1 cup cooked pinto or black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 2 Tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce (see Notes)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• black pepper

How to Make Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally, cook the onion and mushrooms until the liquid has been released from the mushrooms and mostly evaporated, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until dry.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Process the Mixture

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the walnuts until coarsely crumbled. Add in the sautéed mushroom mixture along with barley, beans, nutritional yeast, worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Process until fully incorporated but ensure some small pieces remain visible.

Step 4: Form Patties

Form the mixture into patties using scant ½ cup per burger; this recipe yields about eight patties. Optionally brush with vegan worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with black pepper.

Step 5: Bake the Patties

Place veggie burgers on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes total; flip them halfway through cooking. They should be firm and golden brown when done.

Step 6: Pan-Seer Option

For pan-seared veggie burgers: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of high-heat cooking oil. Place two to three burgers in the pan while ensuring enough room to flip them easily. Cook each side for about five minutes or until nicely charred before transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate.

How to Serve Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Mushroom veggie burgers are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Toppings

• Lettuce and Tomato: Add crisp lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices for freshness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness, making the burger more satisfying.
• Pickles: A few tart pickles will give a nice crunch and tangy flavor.

On a Bun

• Whole Wheat Buns: Opt for whole wheat buns for a healthier option that complements the burger’s flavors.
• Gluten-Free Buns: For a gluten-free version, choose buns made from rice or almond flour to cater to dietary needs.

With Dips and Sauces

• Vegan Mayo: Spread vegan mayo on the bun for added creaminess without dairy.
• Mustard or Ketchup: Classic condiments like mustard or ketchup can enhance the overall taste of your burger.

How to Perfect Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Creating the perfect mushroom veggie burger requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your burgers.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and vegetables provide better flavor and texture in your burgers.
• Don’t Overprocess: When using a food processor, pulse until just combined; having some visible pieces adds texture.
• Chill the Patties: Refrigerate formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add different spices or herbs based on your taste preferences, like cumin or oregano.

Best Side Dishes for Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Pairing sides with mushroom veggie burgers can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a sweet complement to savory burgers, baked or fried for extra crunch.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and adds crunch that balances the burger’s texture.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad packed with veggies is a great side that enhances the meal’s healthiness.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring smoky flavors that pair beautifully with hearty burgers.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with vegan butter is a summer favorite that works well alongside mushroom veggie burgers.
6. Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side that satisfies hunger without being heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Mushroom Veggie Burgers can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not cooking mushrooms properly: If you don’t cook the mushrooms enough, they might release too much moisture into the burger, making it soggy. Always sauté until the liquid evaporates.

• Skipping the binding agents: Failing to add enough binding agents like breadcrumbs or beans can lead to crumbly patties. Ensure you measure correctly for the best texture.

• Overprocessing the mixture: Blending too much can make your burgers mushy. Aim for a coarse texture where some ingredients are still visible for better consistency.

• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned burgers can taste bland. Season the mixture generously with salt and spices to enhance flavors.

• Not letting patties rest: If you cook them immediately after forming, they may fall apart. Allow your patties to rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Mushroom Veggie Burgers in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mushroom Veggie Burgers

• For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mushroom Veggie Burgers

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Mushroom Veggie Burgers:

How do I make Mushroom Veggie Burgers gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I customize my Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different herbs, spices, or vegetables based on your preferences.

What can I serve with Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

These burgers pair wonderfully with salads, sweet potato fries, or grilled veggies for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

These Mushroom Veggie Burgers offer incredible flavor and versatility. You can easily customize them with various toppings or sides. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy satisfying meals that everyone will love!